Boise Building Permits, Inspections & Official Contacts
The Boise Building Department is the Building Division of the City’s Planning and Development Services (PDS). It issues building permits, reviews construction plans, and coordinates required inspections for properties within Boise city limits, Idaho.
For permit applications, inspection appointments, building-code questions, or permit status checks, start with the city’s official Permitting & Licensing portal or call (208) 608-7070.
Quick answer
Applying for a permit? Use Boise’s online permitting portal. Submitting construction drawings? Follow the ePlanReview invitation after applying. Booking an inspection? Use your permit record’s inspection function or contact the permit counter. Confirm that the property is inside Boise city limits before starting.
Boise Building Department Contact Information
150 N. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83702
Closed on city holidays
Other relevant contacts: Planning and Zoning: (208) 608-7100; Planning inspections: (208) 608-7108; Public Works inspections: (208) 608-7150.
For an in-person or virtual permit consultation, visit the city’s PDS appointment page. Appointments can be booked from 12 hours to 14 days ahead, subject to availability.
Which Office Handles Your Property?
A Boise mailing address does not necessarily mean a property is inside Boise city limits. This matters because Ada County handles building permits for many properties outside incorporated city boundaries, including some with Boise addresses.
| Property location | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Inside Boise city limits | City of Boise Building Division |
| Unincorporated Ada County | Ada County Development Services |
| Boise Area of City Impact, outside city limits | Confirm the permit authority with Ada County. Boise may also participate in certain planning, addressing, or fee-related reviews. |
| Another incorporated city | Contact that municipality’s building department. |
Before applying: Have the property’s street address or parcel number ready. If you are unsure which agency has authority, contact the permit counter. Do not rely solely on the ZIP code.
What Projects Require a Building Permit in Boise?
Boise requires permits for many construction, alteration, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical projects. The exact requirements depend on the work, property location, and applicable exemptions.
| Project | General Boise requirement |
|---|---|
| New home, addition, garage conversion | Building permit generally required; additional approvals may apply. |
| Detached shed | A building permit is generally not required at 200 sq. ft. or less, except where special conditions such as floodplain rules apply. For sheds over 120 sq. ft. and below 200 sq. ft., confirm setbacks with Planning. |
| Deck or elevated patio | Building permit required when more than 12 inches above grade. |
| Fence | Building permit generally required when more than 7 feet high; zoning rules may still govern shorter fences. |
| Roof replacement | Building permit required for re-roofing an existing structure. |
| Kitchen or bathroom remodel | Cosmetic changes may be exempt; new walls, exposed framing, relocated plumbing, or trade work can trigger permits. |
| Heating, cooling, ductwork, gas piping | Mechanical or fuel-gas permit generally required. |
| Electrical circuits, outlets, wiring changes | Electrical permit generally required. |
| New or relocated plumbing fixtures | Plumbing permit generally required. |
| Demolition or substantial grading | Applicable demolition, building, and erosion-control approvals may be required. |
Special locations: Projects in Boise historic districts, floodplains, hillside areas, or other regulated zones may need Planning approval before the building permit. Some historic-district work requires a Certificate of Appropriateness even when the underlying construction would otherwise be exempt from a building permit.
These examples reflect the city’s published Homeowner’s Guide. Confirm requirements for your actual project before construction.
How to Apply for a Boise Building Permit Online
Boise uses its Accela-powered Permitting & Licensing system for applications, payments, permit records, and inspections. Projects requiring electronic construction drawings also use the separate ePlanReview system.
- Confirm the property and permit category. Check that your property is within Boise’s jurisdiction and identify whether the work requires a building, trade, planning, or other permit. Review the city’s building-permit categories.
- Gather your application documents. Prepare the property address, project description, contractor information, estimated project valuation, and any required site plans, floor plans, construction details, engineering, or zoning approvals. The required documents depend on your permit type.
- Register or sign in to the official portal. Open permits.cityofboise.org. Select the registration or login option, create or access your account, and verify your contact details.
- Start the appropriate application. Select the application/request function, choose the relevant Planning and Development Services category, enter project information, and complete all required fields. Save or submit the application as directed by the portal.
- Upload plans through ePlanReview if requested. When electronic plans are required, follow the city’s instructions and watch for the email invitation and case number. Sign in through the official ePlanReview page, upload your files, and complete the Upload Confirmation task. Uploading alone does not complete this submission step.
- Respond to reviews and pay applicable fees. Monitor email and your permit record. If the city requests corrections, submit revised files and complete the Applicant Resubmit task where applicable. Review assessed charges and make payment through the city’s authorized portal.
- Confirm issuance before starting regulated work. Plan approval does not always mean that the building permit has been issued. Wait until issuance is complete, download the approved documents, and keep the required city-approved plans available at the job site.
What if you prefer an in-person application?
Some residential projects can be submitted in person. Book a permit appointment before visiting City Hall and bring the completed application, supporting documents, and required plan copies.
The city’s Residential Addition, Alteration & Accessory Building Checklist (PDF) explains online and in-person submission requirements for that permit category, including the need to arrive 20 minutes before an in-person appointment to check in.
How to Schedule a Boise Building Inspection
Inspections verify that permitted work meets applicable construction requirements. Depending on the project, Boise may inspect foundations, framing, electrical and plumbing rough-ins, mechanical systems, energy-code work, and final completion.
- Open the official permit portal. Sign in at City of Boise Permitting & Licensing. You must have a registered account and be an authorized permit contact to request an inspection online.
- Locate your issued permit. Use the Request menu or permit search, find the issued building permit, and open its record details.
- Open the Inspections section. Find the Inspections tab or the Schedule/Request an Inspection option.
- Select the inspection and submit. Choose the required inspection type, follow the scheduling prompts, provide necessary access instructions, and select Finish to submit the request.
- Prepare for the inspector. Keep approved plans on site, provide safe access, and ensure the work is ready at the appropriate construction stage.
Boise inspection scheduling
Daily request cutoff: 7:30 a.m. for both morning and afternoon inspection requests.
Morning inspection window: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Afternoon inspection window: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Permit counter: (208) 608-7070. Published windows do not guarantee a particular appointment or same-day availability.
Planning inspections use (208) 608-7108; Public Works inspections use (208) 608-7150. These inspection types must be scheduled by phone, and the city’s permit records advise allowing five business days for scheduling.
For exact portal screens, refer to the official Online Inspection Scheduling Guide (PDF).
Common inspections and when they happen
| Inspection | Typical stage |
|---|---|
| Footing / foundation | After required forms and reinforcement are installed, before concrete placement. |
| Wall bracing | After required bracing and sheathing are installed, before covering them. |
| Framing / rough-in | After framing and necessary trade rough-ins, before concealed work is covered. |
| Energy efficiency | At applicable insulation and air-sealing stages, before finishes conceal the work. |
| Final inspection | When the permitted work is complete and ready for final approval. |
Inspection sequences vary by project. Do not cover work that requires inspection before receiving the necessary approval. If an inspection fails, review the correction notice, complete the corrections, and request the required follow-up inspection. Reinspection fees may apply.
Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and other trade inspections may also need to be completed before the final building inspection.
Boise Permit Fees & Review Times in 2026
How much does a building permit cost?
Boise does not charge one universal building-permit fee. Charges vary by project type, construction valuation, plan review, applicable trade permits, and other required approvals.
Important 2026 update: Boise announced adjustments to Planning and Development Services permit fees effective October 1, 2026. Do not rely on older online fee examples for new applications.
To establish the current cost, open the official PDS fee schedules, choose the relevant Building, Electrical, Mechanical/Fuel Gas, Plumbing, or other fee category, and review the amount assessed to your application.
The permit counter can explain project-specific charges at (208) 608-7070. New development may also involve impact fees, erosion-control requirements, or other charges depending on the project.
How long does permit review take?
The city publishes actual permit-processing statistics. Its June–August 2026 report provides the following average times to first review, measured in business days:
| Permit category | Average first review |
|---|---|
| Single-family, Level 1 | 10 business days |
| Single-family, Level 2 | 12 business days |
| Residential addition/alteration, Level 1 | 1 business day |
| Residential addition/alteration, Level 2 | 8 business days |
| New commercial building/addition, Level 1 | 19 business days |
| New commercial building/addition, Level 2 | 32 business days |
| Commercial tenant improvement, Level 1 | 8 business days |
These figures are historical averages, not approval guarantees. First review is not the same as final issuance. Applicant corrections, resubmittals, other agency approvals, and project complexity can extend the total process.
Source: City of Boise Permit Processing Timeframes, June 1–August 31, 2026 (PDF).
Building Codes Enforced in Boise
Boise uses adopted Idaho and local building regulations, including city amendments. The official Building Division code page lists these editions:
| Code | Published adopted edition |
|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2018 IBC, with applicable amendments and specified 2021 mass-timber provisions |
| International Residential Code | 2018 IRC, applicable parts and appendices |
| International Existing Building Code | 2018 IEBC |
| International Energy Conservation Code | 2018 IECC |
| National Electrical Code | 2023 NEC |
| Idaho State Plumbing Code | 2017 edition, based on the 2015 UPC |
| International Mechanical Code | 2018 IMC for applicable commercial and multifamily work |
| International Fuel Gas Code | 2018 IFGC for applicable projects |
| International Fire Code | 2018 IFC, with applicable appendices and amendments |
For one- and two-family homes, applicable sections of the residential code govern certain mechanical requirements. The city’s published residential design criteria include a 24-inch frost depth, 20 psf ground snow load, and a minimum 25 psf uniform roof snow load, subject to project-specific design requirements.
Read the official Boise Current Building Codes for the adoption list, applicable design criteria, and local amendments. The governing code edition can depend on when an application was submitted.
Check a Permit Status or Download an Existing Permit
You can search Boise’s public building-permit records online without necessarily creating an account, although some functions and documents may require authorization.
- Visit Boise Building Permit Search.
- Search using a permit number, project address, parcel number, or another available search field.
- Open the matching record and review its permit status, such as Received, In Review, Issued, or Finaled.
- To find available permit documents, open the record’s Documents section and review the listed files.
- For issued-permit inspection information, open the record’s Inspections section.
An issued permit does not automatically establish that all inspections have passed or the project has received final approval. If a document is unavailable online, contact the permit counter with the record number.
Common Permit Problems & Solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Address incorrectly shows outside Boise city limits | Verify the parcel’s jurisdiction. If the portal is incorrectly rejecting an address within the city, the city’s notice directs users to call (208) 972-8150. |
| Cannot access ePlanReview | Use Boise Secure sign-in and password-reset instructions. Existing users affected by the January 2026 transition may need to reset credentials. |
| Plans uploaded but review has not started | Check whether the required Upload Confirmation or Applicant Resubmit task has been completed. |
| Cannot request an inspection | Confirm that the permit is issued and your account is listed as an authorized permit contact. |
| Fee is missing or appears incorrect | Refresh the permit record, inspect related records, and contact the Building Division if the charge still appears incorrect. |
| Construction changes after approval | Ask PDS whether revised plans or a plan modification are required before performing the changed work. |
Portal tip: Boise recommends using a desktop browser such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Allow pop-ups from the official permitting site when needed for document and payment functions.
For additional help with permit downloads and inspection scheduling in the same jurisdiction, see our Boise City Building Department guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I contact the Boise Building Department?
Call (208) 608-7070 or email permits@cityofboise.org. The office is at Boise City Hall, 150 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise, ID 83702. Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
2. Does Boise handle permits for every property with a Boise address?
No. The City of Boise handles building permits within its city limits. Properties in unincorporated Ada County may fall under Ada County Development Services even when they have a Boise mailing address. Confirm the property’s jurisdiction before applying.
3. Can I apply for a Boise building permit online?
Yes. Use the city’s Permitting & Licensing portal to register, choose the permit category, and submit an application. Projects requiring electronic construction plans generally use the separate ePlanReview system after the initial application.
4. Do I need a permit for a shed in Boise?
A detached garden shed of 200 square feet or less is generally exempt from a building permit, but floodplain requirements can change that. For sheds over 120 square feet and below 200 square feet, confirm setbacks with Planning. Larger sheds generally require a building permit.
5. Do decks, fences, and interior remodels need permits?
Boise generally requires building permits for decks or patios more than 12 inches above grade and fences more than 7 feet high. Cosmetic interior work may be exempt, while new walls, exposed framing, or changes to plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems may require permits.
6. Can homeowners do their own permitted construction work?
Boise allows homeowners to perform qualifying work on their primary residence without registering as an Idaho contractor. Required permits and inspections still apply. When trade work is performed by another person, applicable Idaho contractor registration and trade licensing requirements must be met.
7. How do I schedule an inspection, and what is the cutoff time?
Authorized permit contacts can request building inspections through the city’s online portal or call (208) 608-7070. The published daily cutoff is 7:30 a.m. for both morning and afternoon requests. Morning inspection hours are 8 a.m. to noon, and afternoon hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
8. How can I find my Boise permit status or download a copy?
Use the online Building Permit Search and enter the permit number, address, or available record information. Open the record to view its status and review the Documents section for available permit files. Some documents may require authorization or a records request.
9. How much do Boise building permits cost, and how long does approval take?
Fees depend on the project, valuation, applicable plan review, and related permits. Boise adjusted PDS permit fees effective October 1, 2026. Review times vary, and the city’s published first-review averages are not guarantees of final approval. Check the current official fee schedule and permit-processing report.
10. Which building codes apply in Boise in 2026?
The city’s published adopted codes include the 2018 IBC, IRC, IEBC and IECC, the 2023 NEC, the 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code, and other applicable mechanical and fire codes. Local amendments and project submission dates can affect the governing requirements. Verify the official current-code page before designing or submitting plans.
Official Boise Building Department Resources
- Building Division – agency services and direct contact information.
- Permitting & Licensing – online applications, records, payments, and inspection requests.
- ePlanReview – electronic construction drawing submissions and corrections.
- Building Inspections – inspection types, scheduling, and field requirements.
- Fee Schedules – current city fee documents.
- Current Building Codes – official adopted editions and amendments.
- Homeowner’s Guide – permit requirements, exemptions, and owner-performed work.
- Ada County Development Services – permit guidance for unincorporated county properties.
Information checked: October 9, 2026. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource, not an official City of Boise government website. Regulations, fees, office operations, and procedures may change. The issuing agency’s current requirements control.