Caldwell, ID Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Caldwell adopts the 2018 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code, each as amended by the Idaho Building Code Board, as the city's Building and Energy Code, with the more restrictive standard controlling whenever city and state rules conflict (§ 12-01-01). Under § 12-01-15, a written permit from the building official is required before construction, alteration, repair, removal or occupancy of any structure begins, subject to limited exceptions such as a residential reroof that does not add a layer over existing roofing; even that exception does not excuse compliance with other law, including certificate of appropriateness requirements in local historic districts under § 02-17-09.

The permit holder must post the official permit card in front of the building, visible from the street, and a law enforcement officer may stop work if it is not secured and displayed. No permit for construction or alteration issues without plans on file showing existing buildings and the intended improvement, though the building official may accept a master plan where similar projects are common. Fees are calculated on the valuation of proposed work, with the higher of the official's or applicant's valuation controlling, and a plan review deposit is due with the application (§ 12-01-05).

Up to 80 percent of paid permit fees can be refunded if construction has not started and the applicant cancels in writing; plan review fees and deposits are never refundable. The building official may revoke a permit issued in error, issued on incorrect information, or tied to work performed in violation of city or state law, halting work until a new permit issues.