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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Boise County
A building permit is required for all structural construction within unincorporated Boise County.
- Exempt Certain residential additions under specified square footage (refer to county code for limits)
- Exempt Some repair and replacement work (refer to county code and building forms for complete exemption list)
Note: Check with Boise County Planning and Zoning for complete exemption list. Even exempt work must comply with zoning and code requirements.
- Completed Boise County Building Permit Application Form (PZ2018)
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Project scope and valuation information
- Proof of pre-application meeting attendance
- Building code
- Idaho Building Code (IBC) and Idaho Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments; Boise County Unified Land Use Ordinance (ULO #2024-02); Boise County Residential Builders Handbook (available upon request)
- Permit validity
- Permits issued upon approval; timeline for construction completion specified on permit.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may perform work on their own properties but must comply with all code requirements and obtain required inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered with Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) if project value exceeds $2,000 (materials + labor). Registration number must be displayed on job site and all advertising.
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; pre-application meeting and plan review required. Timeline depends on complexity and completeness of submission.
- 01 Contact Planning and Zoning Administrator to schedule required pre-application meeting before formal submission.
- 02 Complete Boise County Building Permit Application Form (PZ2018).
- 03 Submit application and required plans to Planning and Zoning office in person or by mail.
- 04 Planning and Zoning staff review application for completeness and code compliance.
- 05 Plan review fees apply for changes, additions, revisions, and outside consultant review.
- 06 Upon approval, permit is issued with construction timeline and inspection requirements.
- 07 Approved plans must remain on-site at all times during construction.
Typical processing time: Varies; pre-application meeting and plan review required. Timeline depends on complexity and completeness of submission.
Fee schedule
Effective Per Resolution #2023-09 P&Z Fee Schedule
Contact Planning and Zoning for complete current fee schedule and payment options. Inspection fee (Area A/Horseshoe Bend Zone): $600 for four inspections ($150 each); re-inspections charged case-by-case.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 208-781-8565 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Allow 48 hours notice; not including weekends
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, final inspection. Approved plans must be on-site during all inspections.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Boise County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Boise County, ID? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Boise County, ID? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Boise County, ID? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Boise County, ID? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Boise County, ID? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Boise County, ID? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Boise County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.