County Building Permits
Bonneville County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bonneville County, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers all unincorporated areas of Bonneville County. Does not apply to properties within the city limits of Idaho Falls, Ammon, Iona, Ucon, Ririe, Swan Valley, or Irwin, which operate their own permit systems.
- Department
- Planning, Zoning, and Building Department
- Address
- 357 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- Phone
- (208) 524-7920
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CityWorks Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine if your project is in unincorporated Bonneville County (not within a city).
- Create or log into an account on the CityWorks Online portal.
- Submit the building or zoning application through the portal (or submit in person at the office).
- County reviews plans for code compliance.
- Pay permit fees via the Point and Pay portal or in person.
- Receive permit approval.
- Post permit on-site and proceed with construction.
- Schedule required inspections through CityWorks Online or by calling (208) 524-7920.
- Pass all inspections; receive certificate of occupancy.
Typical processing time: Not publicly specified. Contact (208) 524-7920 for current timelines.
General Requirements
Required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure in unincorporated areas. As of January 20, 2026, Bonneville County processes electrical and plumbing permits directly (previously issued by the state Division of Building Safety).
Required Documents
- Application form
- Site plan/plot plan showing setbacks
- Construction drawings (plans)
- Any applicable engineering documents
- Permit validity
- Not publicly specified on website. Contact department for current rules.
- Building code
- Bonneville County follows state-adopted Idaho codes based on 2018 IBC and IRC model codes. Local amendments may apply.
- Owner-builder
- Idaho state law allows homeowners to pull permits on their own primary or secondary residence without being a licensed contractor. The homeowner must personally perform the work. If a contractor is hired, the contractor must pull the permit in their own name.
- Contractor requirements
- Idaho requires contractors performing construction costing $2,000 or more in labor and materials to register with the Idaho State Contractors Board. Registration requires proof of $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage or exemption. There is no state exam requirement. Registration fee is $50. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate state licenses through the Division of Building Safety.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Not published publicly. Fee documents are downloadable from the fees page (PW-SubdivisionFees and related PDFs); building permit fee amounts not confirmed online.
- Payment note
- Online payment available via Point and Pay portal at https://client.pointandpay.net/web/BonnevilleCoPlanandZone
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- CityWorks Online portal (online)
- (208) 524-7920 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Weekdays 8am-5pm (excluding holidays)
Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type. Standard sequence typically includes footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final. Confirm specific sequence with department.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Bonneville County follows state-adopted Idaho codes based on 2018 IBC and IRC model codes. Local amendments may apply.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Idaho Division of Building Safety
- License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bonneville County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bonneville County, ID?
- Required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure in unincorporated areas. As of January 20, 2026, Bonneville County processes electrical and plumbing permits directly (previously issued by the state Division of Building Safety).
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bonneville County, ID?
- Fees are calculated as: Not published publicly. Fee documents are downloadable from the fees page (PW-SubdivisionFees and related PDFs); building permit fee amounts not confirmed online..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bonneville County, ID?
- 1. Determine if your project is in unincorporated Bonneville County (not within a city). 2. Create or log into an account on the CityWorks Online portal. 3. Submit the building or zoning application through the portal (or submit in person at the office). 4. County reviews plans for code compliance. 5. Pay permit fees via the Point and Pay portal or in person. 6. Receive permit approval. 7. Post permit on-site and proceed with construction. 8. Schedule required inspections through CityWorks Online or by calling (208) 524-7920. 9. Pass all inspections; receive certificate of occupancy.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bonneville County, ID?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly specified. Contact (208) 524-7920 for current timelines..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bonneville County, ID?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings are exempt per Idaho Code Section 39-4116; Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet may be exempt from state building code requirements per state statute, but local zoning setback rules still apply. Note: Routine maintenance and repair not involving structural or system changes. Thin data — the county does not publish a detailed exempt work list on its public website. Contact the department directly to confirm exemptions for specific project types.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bonneville County, ID?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: CityWorks Online portal, (208) 524-7920.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Bonneville County (Unincorporated Area) can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works