Before You Build in Boise, ID: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Fences 6 feet or less in Boise residential zones do not require a building permit. Over 6 feet requires a permit through Planning and Development Services. Historic District fences of any height require Historic Preservation Commission review.

Boise requires a 48-inch (4-foot) barrier around all swimming pools under the Idaho Building Code and IRC Appendix G as adopted. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches 54 inches above grade are mandatory. Applies to pools over 24 inches deep.

Boise fence height limits under BCC 11-04-03.3.B: 4 feet maximum in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and structural review.

Idaho has no statewide shared-fence cost statute. Boise follows common law: fence on the property line is jointly owned; fence set back on one owner's side belongs to that owner. Disputes are civil matters resolved in Ada County small claims court.

Boise pools require a barrier at least 48 inches tall completely surrounding the pool, with self-closing and self-latching gates. The standard applies to any pool or spa deeper than 24 inches per the Idaho Building Code.

Above-ground pools in Boise deeper than 24 inches require a building permit and must meet the 48-inch barrier rule. The pool wall itself can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable, lockable, or enclosed.

Boise pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers meeting VGB standards, GFCI-protected electrical circuits, and audible door alarms on any house door opening directly to the pool area unless a compliant power safety cover is installed.

Boise requires a Residential Swimming Pool Permit (Application 426) for any in-ground or above-ground residential pool, plus pool barriers that meet the IRC and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) adopted by the city. Any residential project disturbing more than 500 square feet or excavating more than 10 cubic yards (which includes pools) triggers a building permit.

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 allows one ADU (attached or detached) on every single-family lot. Idaho Code Section 67-6511A (2023) limits cities from banning ADUs in single-family zones. Boise permits ADUs up to 900 sq ft with streamlined review.

Boise recognizes tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under Idaho Code Section 67-6511A, typically capped at 900 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels (RVs) are not permitted as permanent dwellings except in licensed RV parks.

Sheds 200 sq ft or smaller in Boise do not require a building permit but must meet zoning setback rules (typically 3 ft side/rear). Larger structures require a permit and must comply with lot coverage limits.

Under Boise City Code Title 11 (Development Code), Section 11-06-07, a carport is an accessory structure, defined as a structure open on at least two sides used to house motor vehicles of the occupants. In residential zones, garage and carport openings facing a side street must sit at least 20 feet from the side-street lot line, and detached accessory structures cannot encroach into required front or street-side yards.

Recreational fires in Boise must be under 3 feet in diameter, at least 25 feet from structures, and burn only clean dry wood or approved fuels. Gas and propane fire features may be closer to structures per manufacturer specs. All fires are banned during Red Flag Warnings.

Open burning of yard debris is prohibited within Boise city limits. Idaho DEQ and Boise Fire Department enforce a year-round ban on burning leaves, grass, and trash. Only small recreational fires and approved agricultural burns outside the city are allowed with permits.

Boise property owners must trim trees so branches do not obstruct sidewalks (8 ft clearance) or streets (14 ft clearance). The Boise Community Forestry Unit regulates pruning of public trees and issues no-charge permits for street trees.

Removing a tree on private property in Boise generally does not require a permit, but street trees in the public right-of-way and Protected Trees under the Hillside Development Ordinance require Community Forestry approval. Replacement is usually required.

Boise is served primarily by Suez/Veolia and several irrigation districts. Outdoor watering is discouraged between 10 AM and 6 PM June through September. Surface water via the New York Canal system has assigned delivery days by zone.