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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Idaho Falls
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.
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
- Exempt Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or smaller (sheds, playhouses, storage)
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement
- Exempt Minor repairs to existing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems (like-for-like replacements may still require a permit — confirm with department)
- Exempt Flagpoles
Note: Fences are NOT exempt — a $5 fence permit is required for all new fence construction.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not published on main pages; contact 208-612-8270 for current rules.
- 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.
Source: Building Division (under Community Development Services) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not explicitly stated; residential plan review turnaround not published. Contact 208-612-8270 for current timelines.
- 01 Create an account at https://cw.idahofalls.gov/ (Cityworks portal).
- 02 Submit permit application online with required plans and documents, or submit in person at 380 Constitution Way.
- 03 Plans examiner reviews submission for code compliance.
- 04 Pay permit fees online through Cityworks or in person.
- 05 Permit is issued.
- 06 Post permit on-site and begin work.
- 07 Schedule inspections through Cityworks portal or by calling the Building Division.
- 08 Pass all required inspections.
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025-2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30.18
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit valuation for residential construction
03
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
04
Penalty (no permit)
Work started without a permit results in double the normal permit fee.
Online payment through Cityworks portal; in-person payment at 380 Constitution Way.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025-2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Cityworks Online portal (online)
- (208) 612-8270 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Business hours
- Time windows
- Specific inspection windows not published publicly. Contact 208-612-8270 for scheduling windows.
Typical sequence: Varies by project. For residential new construction: footing, foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, drywall (if applicable), and final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Idaho Falls permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Idaho Falls, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in Idaho Falls, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Idaho Falls, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Idaho Falls, ID, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Idaho Falls, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in Idaho Falls, ID typically run Not explicitly stated; residential plan review turnaround not published. Contact 208-612-8270 for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Idaho Falls, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Idaho Falls, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Idaho Falls, ID via: Cityworks Online portal, (208) 612-8270.
last verified April 2026
source Building Division (under Community Development Services) ↗
entry id permits/idaho/bonneville/idaho-falls
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division (under Community Development Services) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.