Boise, ID Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Planning and Development Services, Building Division
- Permit required for
- Install, alter, repair electrical systems
- Key exemption
- Cord-and-plug decorative lighting, minor repairs
- Code adopted
- National Electrical Code, as amended by Idaho
- Emergency work rule
- Permit obtained next business day
Summary
Boise requires a permit before installing, altering, or repairing most electrical systems, under the city's adopted National Electrical Code.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to install, remove, demolish, deconstruct, alter, repair, replace, or cause to be installed, removed, demolished, deconstructed, altered, repaired, or replaced any electrical system or equipment regulated by this Chapter, except where exempted from this Chapter, in any building or premises without first obtaining a permit to perform such work. A separate permit shall be obtained for each separate building or structure. Exception: Emergency Work: If immediate alteration or installation of electrical wiring, equipment, apparatus, or fixtures is necessary for reasons of public safety or welfare and an electrical permit cannot first be obtained without further endangering the public safety or welfare, such alteration or installation may be made without first obtaining the electrical permit therefore but the required electrical permit shall be obtained during the next business day, or a time as required by the code official, after such alteration or installation has been made. (Ord. 43-20, 12-1-2020, eff. 1-1-2021; amd. Ord. 6-25, 2-25-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code Chapter 9-5 adopts the National Electrical Code, as amended by the State of Idaho under Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10, as the city's Electrical Code. Section 9-5-19 makes it unlawful to install, remove, alter, repair, or replace electrical systems or equipment without first obtaining a permit from the Planning and Development Services Building Division's Electrical Section, with a separate permit required per building or structure. Section 9-5-20 exempts limited items such as plug-in decorative lighting, low-voltage wiring under 25 volts/50 watts, and minor like-for-like repairs that don't relocate or alter existing devices. Work must be inspected and approved before it can be permanently energized.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor; fine up to $1,000, up to 180 days jail, or both, with each violation day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a light switch in Boise?
Who enforces Boise's electrical permit rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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