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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nampa
Required for new one- or two-family dwellings; finishing attics, garages, or basements for living space; adding rooms, garages, sheds, carports, or attached structures; detached sheds exceeding 200 square feet (any size shed if hardwired for 120V electrical); window or door replacements with structural modifications; wall relocation or addition; re-roofing (overlay or complete tear-off); retaining walls 4 feet or higher, or 2 feet or higher with a slope above; decks over 12 inches high; fences; patio covers, carports, or enclosed roof areas; sidewalks and driveways over 30 inches above grade; replacement siding or stucco. Erosion and sediment control permit required for projects disturbing 10+ cubic yards of earth.
- Exempt Interior work not involving structural changes: painting, flooring, cabinet replacement, countertop replacement
- Exempt Interior work not relocating plumbing fixtures
- Exempt Low-voltage outdoor lighting (110-volt outdoor lighting requires a permit)
- Exempt Detached sheds under 200 square feet (if not hardwired for 120V electrical)
- Completed application via CSS portal
- Site plan
- Construction plans and specifications
- Stamped engineering for commercial projects
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) - residential and commercial, 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 (accessibility), 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code, 2023 National Electric Code (NEC), 2015 NFPA 30 (motor fuel), 2015 NFPA 99 (health care). Local amendments codified in Title 4 of Nampa City Ordinances.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire 180 days after the applied date or 180 days after the last documented inspection (whichever is later). If expired less than one year, permit may be reactivated by contacting the department and paying a reactivation fee.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may self-perform building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work on their primary or secondary residence without contractor registration, provided they intend to live in the residence within 12 months after project completion. Owner must perform the work personally under a homeowner permit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be state-registered building contractors (Idaho Code 54-52) or licensed subcontractors. State registration number and expiration date required on application.
Source: City of Nampa Department of Building Safety and Code (within Development Services) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review processing timeframes are published on the department website; check cityofnampa.us for current times.
- 01 Confirm zoning compatibility and required land use entitlements with Planning and Zoning (phone: (208) 468-4430).
- 02 Create or log into CSS portal account at https://nampaid-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/SelfService#/home
- 03 Submit permit application online, selecting correct permit type (residential, commercial, trade, erosion, etc.).
- 04 Staff reviews application for completeness at intake; plan review fees are assessed at this stage.
- 05 Plan review: staff reviews plans against adopted codes. Corrections requested via email from noreply@cityofnampa.us. Applicant is responsible for monitoring and responding to emails.
- 06 Issuance: once plans are approved, final fees are invoiced. Approved plans are released with "Approved" designation.
- 07 If significant design changes are needed after issuance, a plan modification must be processed (additional fees may apply).
- 08 Request inspections through the CSS portal or by calling the inspection line at (208) 468-5404.
- 09 Final inspection passed; Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion issued.
Typical processing time: Plan review processing timeframes are published on the department website; check cityofnampa.us for current times.
Source: City of Nampa Department of Building Safety and Code (within Development Services) ↗
Fee schedule
Nampa building permit fees
Fees can be paid online through the CSS portal. Development impact fees and permit fees are separate line items.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- CSS portal (online)
- Inspection line: (208) 468-5404 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- All inspections must be requested before 12:00 AM (midnight) the prior day to be scheduled for the next day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Time windows
- AM time slots (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) are available for Zones 1 and 3 for footings, foundations, masonry grout, and open trench work. PM time slots (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM) for Zones 2 and 4.
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing rough-in, insulation, plumbing rough-in (DOPL), mechanical rough-in (DOPL), electrical rough-in (DOPL), final building inspection, Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Source: City of Nampa Department of Building Safety and Code (within Development Services) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nampa permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Nampa, ID? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nampa, ID? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nampa, ID? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Nampa, ID? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Nampa, ID? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nampa, ID? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Nampa Department of Building Safety and Code (within Development Services) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.