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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Post Falls
New construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, demolition; change of use/occupancy
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)
- 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)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt 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
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
- 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)
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated (Idaho standard is typically 180 days)
- Contractor requirements
- Idaho contractor registration required; plumbing and electrical licensed through state; Post Falls issues its own plumbing and electrical permits
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated
- 01 Create account at https://postfallsid.portal.opengov.com/
- 02 Select permit type and complete application form online.
- 03 Upload all required plans and documents through the portal.
- 04 Pay fees online.
- 05 Staff reviews plans for code compliance; concurrent review by fire and engineering if applicable.
- 06 Applicant notified when permit is issued or if corrections are needed.
- 07 Print approved plans; keep on site during construction.
- 08 Schedule inspections through the portal; inspections typically scheduled for mornings; concrete pours accommodated within specified timeframes.
- 09 Final inspection; certificate of occupancy or completion issued.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated
Source: Building Division, Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Post Falls building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not separately stated
02
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)
03
Reinspection fee
$100.00 per hour, one-hour minimum
Fees paid online through OpenGov portal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Post Falls permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Post Falls, ID? ▸
New construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, demolition; change of use/occupancy
02 How much does a building permit cost in Post Falls, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in Post Falls, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Post Falls, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Post Falls, ID, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Post Falls, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in Post Falls, ID typically run Not publicly stated. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Post Falls, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Post Falls, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Post Falls, ID via: OpenGov portal, 208-457-3334.
last verified April 2026
source Building Division, Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/idaho/kootenai/post-falls
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division, Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.