Idaho building departments

How permitting works in Idaho

Statewide codes; local or state trade permits. Idaho cities and counties with building programs issue building permits under the state-adopted codes. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits come from either the local jurisdiction or the state licensing division, depending on the address.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

Idaho building codes and licensing

Residential code

Idaho Residential Code (2020 Edition): the 2018 IRC (Parts I, II, III and IX) with Idaho amendments

Commercial code

2018 IBC with amendments, plus the 2018 IEBC and the Idaho Energy Conservation Code (2018 IECC with amendments); 2023 NEC with amendments

Adopted by

Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho Building Code Board) (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

Cities and counties with building programs issue building permits. DOPL's permit map shows, by address, whether an electrical, HVAC or plumbing permit comes from the local jurisdiction or from DOPL, and DOPL issues manufactured home installation permits where there is no approved local building program.

Contractor licensing

Idaho requires registration, not licensing, for anyone doing a construction job over $2,000 (materials and labor). Owners working on their own land who do not plan to sell within 12 months are exempt. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work fall under separate DOPL trade licenses. Idaho Contractors Board (DOPL) (opens in a new tab)

What is different in Idaho

• Unregistered contractors cannot obtain building permits, lose lien rights, and cannot sue to collect payment; working unregistered is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
• The "2020 Edition" label on the Idaho codes refers to the legislative session that adopted the amendments, not to a newer model code; the underlying model codes are the 2018 I-codes.
• Plans for state-owned buildings, buildings on state land, and buildings occupied by state agencies must be reviewed by DOPL and the State Fire Marshal.

Idaho department guides

Browse Idaho counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in Idaho?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
2. DOPL – Building Code FAQ
3. DOPL – Idaho Building Code Board
4. DOPL – Contractors Board FAQ
5. DOPL – Idaho Electrical Board
6. DOPL – Where do I apply for an Electrical, HVAC or Plumbing Permit? (map)

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.