Idaho Falls, ID Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Engineer
- Applies to
- Streets, alleys, easements, ROW
- No-permit penalty
- Infraction
- Permit record retention
- 10 years, City Engineer
Summary
Idaho Falls requires a City Engineer permit before any private construction, repair, or excavation in a street, alley, easement, or other public right-of-way, including sidewalks and driveways.
No person shall engage in any construction, repair or
excavation in any street, alley, easement or other public right-of-way within the City without
first obtaining a permit to do so approved by the City Engineer. Engaging in any such
construction, repair, or excavation without a permit shall constitute an infraction. No permit
under this Chapter shall be valid until or unless the notice provisions of Idaho's Underground
Facilities Damages Prevention Act have been complied with. The permit shall clearly define the
area within which the permittee may do such construction, repair or excavation. A copy of the
permit shall be kept on file with the City Engineer for a period of not less than ten (10) years
after acceptance of the completed work that was permitted. The permittee shall keep a copy of
the permit onsite at all times that work under this permit is being performed. (Ord. 2970, 11-25-
14)
Full Breakdown
Idaho Falls City Code section 8-7-2 bars anyone from constructing, repairing, or excavating in a street, alley, easement, or other public right-of-way, including paving, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and utility lines, without a permit approved by the City Engineer. Doing the work without one is an infraction. The permit must define the approved work area, the applicant must comply with Idaho's Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act notice requirements, and a copy must stay on site while work is underway; the City keeps its own copy on file for at least ten years.
Violations & Fines
Working in the public right-of-way without a permit is an infraction under section 8-7-2, and the City Engineer can revoke or suspend permits or a contractor's license for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig in the street or sidewalk right-of-way in Idaho Falls?
What happens if I do right-of-way work without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
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