City Building Permits

Idaho Falls, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Idaho Bonneville County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers properties within the incorporated city limits of Idaho Falls only. Does not cover unincorporated county areas or adjacent cities such as Ammon.

Department
Building Division (under Community Development Services)
Address
380 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone
(208) 612-8270
Website
https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/269/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Cityworks Online Permitting System

Platform: Cityworks Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Create an account at https://cw.idahofalls.gov/ (Cityworks portal).
  2. Submit permit application online with required plans and documents, or submit in person at 380 Constitution Way.
  3. Plans examiner reviews submission for code compliance.
  4. Pay permit fees online through Cityworks or in person.
  5. Permit is issued.
  6. Post permit on-site and begin work.
  7. Schedule inspections through Cityworks portal or by calling the Building Division.
  8. Pass all required inspections.
  9. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued.

Typical processing time: Not explicitly stated; residential plan review turnaround not published. Contact 208-612-8270 for current timelines.

Source: Building Division (under Community Development Services)

General Requirements

Required for any new construction, addition, remodel, structural repair, change of occupancy, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing work. Fences require a $5 permit. Any detached structure over 120 sq ft requires a permit.

Required Documents

  • New Commercial Permit Submission Requirements
  • New Commercial Remodel Permit Submission Requirements
  • Residential Plans Requirements List
  • Basement Finish Permit Required Documents
  • Patio Cover, Addition, Detached/Attached Garage Plan Submittals
  • Manufactured Home Building Permit Guide Sheet
Permit validity
Not published on main pages; contact 208-612-8270 for current rules.
Building code
2018 International Residential Code (for dwellings), 2018 IBC, and related ICC codes with local amendments per Title 7 of the Idaho Falls Municipal Code.
Owner-builder
Idaho state law allows homeowners to pull permits on their own primary or secondary residence and perform the work themselves without a contractor license. Contractors must pull permits in their own name and may not work under a homeowner permit.
Contractor requirements
Idaho state contractor registration required for projects $2,000+. Idaho Falls also has a local contractor licensing process.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$30.18
Plan check fee
65% of permit valuation for residential construction
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. New dwelling unit: $90.00 per sq ft valuation basis; Finished basement: $25.00 per sq ft valuation basis; Unfinished basement / wood frame garage: $15.00 per sq ft valuation basis; Residential re-roofing: 1% of valuation, minimum $30.18, maximum $110
Penalty (no permit)
Work started without a permit results in double the normal permit fee.
Payment note
Online payment through Cityworks portal; in-person payment at 380 Constitution Way.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025-2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or smaller (sheds, playhouses, storage)
  • Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertops, and similar finish work
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement
  • Minor repairs to existing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems (like-for-like replacements may still require a permit — confirm with department)
  • Flagpoles

Important: Fences are NOT exempt — a $5 fence permit is required for all new fence construction.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Business hours
Time windows
Specific inspection windows not published publicly. Contact 208-612-8270 for scheduling windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project. For residential new construction: footing, foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, drywall (if applicable), and final inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Division (under Community Development Services) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho Falls Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Idaho Falls, ID?
Required for any new construction, addition, remodel, structural repair, change of occupancy, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing work. Fences require a $5 permit. Any detached structure over 120 sq ft requires a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Idaho Falls, ID?
The minimum permit fee is $30.18. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. New dwelling unit: $90.00 per sq ft valuation basis; Finished basement: $25.00 per sq ft valuation basis; Unfinished basement / wood frame garage: $15.00 per sq ft valuation basis; Residential re-roofing: 1% of valuation, minimum $30.18, maximum $110. Plan check fee: 65% of permit valuation for residential construction.
How do I apply for a building permit in Idaho Falls, ID?
1. Create an account at https://cw.idahofalls.gov/ (Cityworks portal). 2. Submit permit application online with required plans and documents, or submit in person at 380 Constitution Way. 3. Plans examiner reviews submission for code compliance. 4. Pay permit fees online through Cityworks or in person. 5. Permit is issued. 6. Post permit on-site and begin work. 7. Schedule inspections through Cityworks portal or by calling the Building Division. 8. Pass all required inspections. 9. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Idaho Falls, ID?
Typical processing time is Not explicitly stated; residential plan review turnaround not published. Contact 208-612-8270 for current timelines..
What work is exempt from building permits in Idaho Falls, ID?
The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or smaller (sheds, playhouses, storage); Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertops, and similar finish work; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement; Minor repairs to existing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems (like-for-like replacements may still require a permit — confirm with department); Flagpoles. Note: Fences are NOT exempt — a $5 fence permit is required for all new fence construction.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Idaho Falls, ID?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Cityworks Online portal, (208) 612-8270.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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