Deck Permit in Boise, Idaho
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before building a deck more than 12 inches above grade.
Issued byCity of Boise Planning and Development Services, Building Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Boise requires a building permit when a wooden deck is more than 12 inches above grade. The City's residential code also limits the exemption to decks that do not serve the exit door required by IRC Section R311.4, so a low deck at the required egress door still needs a permit.
Typical threshold: deck height above grade at any point.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
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When a permit is usually needed
Before building a deck more than 12 inches above grade.
What a deck permit costs in Boise
How to apply in Boise
In Boise, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- For Boise, a permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- For Boise, a scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- For Boise, a deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- For Boise, a section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. City of Boise Planning and Development Services, Building Division sets the exact checklist for Boise.
Where to apply in Boise:
City of Boise Planning and Development Services, Building Division
- 150 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
- Phone: (208) 608-7070
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Boise, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection in Boise: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection in Boise: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection in Boise: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Boise permit portal or by phone at (208) 608-7070.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for Boise
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: deck height above grade at any point. Usually needed: Before building a deck more than 12 inches above grade.
- Budget the fee. Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g. "$26.37 for the first $500.00 plus $2.95 for each additional $100.00" up to $2,000.00), plus residential plan review at 20% of the building permit fee; Boise City Building Code Fee Schedule, Oct. 2026 (FY27, effective 10-1-26). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Boise, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the Boise permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Boise Planning and Development Services, Building Division. Phone: (208) 608-7070. Address: 150 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702.
- Plan for inspections. In Boise, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in Boise?
- Boise requires a building permit when a wooden deck is more than 12 inches above grade. The City's residential code also limits the exemption to decks that do not serve the exit door required by IRC Section R311.4, so a low deck at the required egress door still needs a permit. Deck height above grade at any point. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in Boise?
- Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g. "$26.37 for the first $500.00 plus $2.95 for each additional $100.00" up to $2,000.00), plus residential plan review at 20% of the building permit fee; Boise City Building Code Fee Schedule, Oct. 2026 (FY27, effective 10-1-26). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in Boise?
- You can apply through the Boise permit portal or contact the City of Boise Planning and Development Services, Building Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a deck permit themselves in Boise?
- Under Idaho law (Idaho Code 54-5205(2)(l); 54-5209; 54-1016(2)(a); 54-2602(1)(a); 54-5002(1)(a)): Idaho homeowners may do their own work. The Idaho Contractor Registration Act exempts an owner building on their own residential property, whether or not they live there. That exemption does not cover an owner who builds in order to promptly sell, unless they have lived in the home as their primary residence for at least 12 months before the sale. The trade laws carry their own owner exemptions: a property owner may do noncommercial electrical work in their own primary or secondary residence (54-1016(2)(a)), and an owner or contract purchaser may do their own plumbing (54-2602(1)(a)) and HVAC work (54-5002(1)(a)) in a single-family home or duplex, but must still meet the code and get the permit. A permit issued to an exempt owner is marked "no contractor registration provided" (54-5209). Confirm how Boise applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Boise
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Before removing wall coverings to the framing, building a wall, relocating fixtures, or... | Plumbing: $33.00 base fee plus $12.50 per fixture (FY27 Plumbing Code Fee Schedule) |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | Single branch circuit: $57.00 (Table 2-b) |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...but not limited to, wall heaters, residential electric car outlets" $57.00 (Table... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fence height | Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...or appliance (including furnaces, air conditioners, mini-split systems): $57.00... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | concrete patio height above grade | Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | $33.00 base permit fee plus $12.50 each per fixture (e.g |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated pools only; in-ground and deeper pools need a permit | Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a one-story detached accessory structure | Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Solar Photovoltaic Systems plan review/inspections building permit fee: $171, plus... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | Plumbing: $33.00 base fee plus "Water heaters $12.50 Each" (FY27 Plumbing Code Fee... |
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Boise documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this deck permit page for Boise was verified. 1 official source: cityofboise.org; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with City of Boise Planning and Development Services, Building Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page