Garage conversion rules in Boise, ID — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Converting a garage to living space in Boise requires a building permit and full code compliance including egress, insulation, smoke alarms, and parking replacement. Garage conversions often qualify as ADUs under Idaho Code Section 67-6511A.
Boise requires a building permit for any conversion of garage space to habitable use. The converted space must meet IRC standards for ceiling height (7 ft minimum), egress windows in sleeping rooms (5.7 sq ft), R-20 wall insulation, hardwired smoke alarms, and GFCI outlets. Off-street parking lost to the conversion must be replaced with an equivalent off-street space on the same lot unless in a transit-served area. If the converted space includes a kitchen and separate entrance it qualifies as an ADU and gains the protections of Idaho Code Section 67-6511A. Historic Preservation review is required in designated districts. Illegal conversions discovered at resale or by complaint can trigger retroactive permits and penalties.
Unpermitted conversion: stop-work, retroactive permit fees, up to $1,000 civil penalty, and possible forced restoration if code cannot be met.
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See how Boise's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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