City Building Permits
Post Falls, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Post Falls, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Idaho Kootenai County Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
All land within Post Falls city limits. Post Falls issues its own plumbing and electrical permits (assumed from state as of June/July 2015).
- Department
- Building Division, Community Development Department
- Address
- 408 N. Spokane Street (1st Floor of City Hall), Post Falls, ID 83854
- Phone
- 208-773-8708
- tgallop@postfalls.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Create account at https://postfallsid.portal.opengov.com/
- Select permit type and complete application form online.
- Upload all required plans and documents through the portal.
- Pay fees online.
- Staff reviews plans for code compliance; concurrent review by fire and engineering if applicable.
- Applicant notified when permit is issued or if corrections are needed.
- Print approved plans; keep on site during construction.
- Schedule inspections through the portal; inspections typically scheduled for mornings; concrete pours accommodated within specified timeframes.
- Final inspection; certificate of occupancy or completion issued.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated
General Requirements
New construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, demolition; change of use/occupancy
Required Documents
- Completed application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Energy code compliance documentation
- Change of occupancy requires Northern Lakes Fire Department, Panhandle Health, and state electrical/plumbing approvals
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated (Idaho standard is typically 180 days)
- Building code
- 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IEBC, 2009 ANSI A117.1, 2018 IFC, 2018 IECC with 2012 residential amendments, 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code, 2017 NEC (electrical)
- Contractor requirements
- Idaho contractor registration required; plumbing and electrical licensed through state; Post Falls issues its own plumbing and electrical permits
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Not separately stated
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based using $20.00 per sq ft formula with ICC valuation chart; residential re-roofs: flat fee of $150.00; commercial re-roofs: valuation-based with minimum fee; special inspections and reinspections: $100.00 per hour (one-hour minimum)
- Reinspection fee
- $100.00 per hour, one-hour minimum
- Payment note
- Fees paid online through OpenGov portal
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds where floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft (commercial standard from 2018 IBC)
- Fences not over 7 feet high
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing (unless supporting surcharge)
Important: Post Falls issues its own plumbing and electrical permits; no state-DBS exemption for those trades within city limits
Inspections
How to Schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- 208-457-3334 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Time windows
- Inspections typically scheduled for mornings
Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, final
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IEBC, 2009 ANSI A117.1, 2018 IFC, 2018 IECC with 2012 residential amendments, 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code, 2017 NEC (electrical)
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Community Development Department
- 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 Building Division, Community Development Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Post Falls Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Post Falls, ID?
- New construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, demolition; change of use/occupancy
- How much does a building permit cost in Post Falls, ID?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using $20.00 per sq ft formula with ICC valuation chart; residential re-roofs: flat fee of $150.00; commercial re-roofs: valuation-based with minimum fee; special inspections and reinspections: $100.00 per hour (one-hour minimum). Plan check fee: Not separately stated.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Post Falls, ID?
- 1. Create account at https://postfallsid.portal.opengov.com/ 2. Select permit type and complete application form online. 3. Upload all required plans and documents through the portal. 4. Pay fees online. 5. Staff reviews plans for code compliance; concurrent review by fire and engineering if applicable. 6. Applicant notified when permit is issued or if corrections are needed. 7. Print approved plans; keep on site during construction. 8. Schedule inspections through the portal; inspections typically scheduled for mornings; concrete pours accommodated within specified timeframes. 9. Final inspection; certificate of occupancy or completion issued.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Post Falls, ID?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Post Falls, ID?
- The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds where floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft (commercial standard from 2018 IBC); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing (unless supporting surcharge). Note: Post Falls issues its own plumbing and electrical permits; no state-DBS exemption for those trades within city limits
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Post Falls, ID?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal, 208-457-3334.
Need help with your project?
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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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