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1. Do I need a building permit to construct a fence around my yard?

Yes, a $5 fence permit is required for the construction of a new fence. Why? Fences, especially solid fences built in front yards and near alleys and intersections, block visibility for pedestrians and drivers. For this reason, city ordinance provisions limit the type and height of fences near driveways, intersections, and alleys and within front yards.

The fence permit is a way for staff to review your plans, explain city ordinances, and assure compliance. It is a very simple process which takes about ten minutes at the front counter and eliminates complaints from neighbors and drivers once the fence is completed. Contact the Building Division for more information.

2. Do I need a building permit to construct a patio cover or a carport? Or to install a shed?

Yes, a building permit is required. First of all, zoning ordinance provisions require front, rear and side yards to be open unobstructed areas. Historically, this was done to prevent fires from spreading from neighbor to neighbor. Today, such open yards define the character of your neighborhood and create privacy between homes.

More importantly, there are required snow and wind loads in eastern Idaho. Too many times the weekend carport project collapses after a heavy snowstorm on the vehicle it was to protect or the quickly purchased prefabricated metal carport is transported to the neighbor’s yard by our winds.

A simple rule to remember is any detached structure, including sheds, over 120 square feet which will house property, equipment, or people needs a building permit. The purpose of the permit is to assure the building is structurally sound and allows for location requirements to be reviewed. Also additions to your home, interior remodeling & changes to your plumbing and electrical system require permits. Contact the Building Division for more information.

3. Do I need a permit to replace my hot water heater or my furnace?

Yes, the permit and follow-up inspection is required to assure the installation was correct and safe.

4. I build houses in Nevada. What do I need to build houses in Idaho Falls?

You will need an Idaho Association of Building Officials (IDABO) Building Contractor License and a State Contractor Registration. As of January 1st, 2006 contractor licensing in the City of Idaho Falls will now be administered by the IDABO. For more information contact:
IDABO
P.O. Box 8224
Boise, Idaho 83707

In addition to the city licensing requirement, the State of Idaho now has a registration requirement. If you intend to complete more than $2,000 of construction within the State, you must register with the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licensing.

5. What qualifications do the building inspectors have?

To be an electrical and plumbing inspector, a person must be a State Licensed Journeyman in his trade. All inspectors are required to receive training in the applicable codes and be certified by the International Code Council as an inspector. The structural plans examiner is to be a trained architect and also be certified by the International Code Council as a plans examiner. To assure a high rating from the insurance industry, the building official is to be a trained architect or structural engineer with experience in the construction industry.

6. Where can I find copies of the ordinances referenced here?

The Inter-mountain Property Maintenance Code can be viewed at the Idaho Falls Public Library or at the Planning and Building Department. The City Code can be viewed in our Document Center.

7. What does CDBG stand for?

It is the acronym for Community Development Block Grant Program.

8. Where does CDBG funding come from?

The funding is appropriated by congress to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which then awards the funds to cities of over 50,000 in population.

9. How much CDBG funds does the city receive?

The city receives over $400,000 each year.

10. Who qualifies for CDBG funds?

Non-profit organizations and city departments qualify for the funding. However, the project funded must benefit “low and moderate income persons” or “eliminate conditions of slum and blight."

11. What does the city do with CDBG funding?

The City Council has selected projects such as new sidewalks, handicapped access for homeowners, homeless projects, downtown building facade improvements and handicapped access to city facilities.

12. What does the ADA Commission do?

The ADA Commission acts as advisory to the Mayor and City Council. Their main mission is to review city facilities for compliance with the ADA building standards and recommend improvements for the city funding.