Kitchen Remodel Permits in Boise
A complete guide to permit requirements, fees, inspections, and regulations for kitchen remodeling in Boise, Ada County, and the Treasure Valley. Know what is required before your project begins.
Not every kitchen update requires a permit. Understanding the dividing line between permit- required and permit-exempt work helps you plan your project and budget accordingly.
Requires a Permit
Electrical panel upgrades or new circuits
Adding dedicated circuits for appliances (range, dishwasher, disposal, microwave), upgrading panel capacity, or adding new outlets.
Gas line work
Installing, extending, or modifying gas supply lines for ranges, cooktops, or gas ovens. Requires a separate gas permit and pressure test inspection.
Plumbing relocation or modification
Moving the sink, adding a second sink (island prep sink), relocating dishwasher supply and drain lines, or modifying waste and vent piping.
Wall removal or structural changes
Removing or modifying any wall, whether load-bearing or not. Load-bearing wall removal requires structural engineering drawings submitted with the permit application.
Window or door changes
Adding, removing, enlarging, or relocating windows or exterior doors. Requires a building permit and may trigger energy code compliance.
Range hood venting to exterior
Ducting a range hood through the wall or roof to the exterior requires a mechanical permit. Recirculating (ductless) hoods are generally exempt.
HVAC modifications
Relocating or adding HVAC registers, modifying ductwork, or changing heating and cooling capacity for the kitchen space.
No Permit Needed
Cabinet refacing or replacement (same layout)
Replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, or installing new cabinets in the same locations without modifying plumbing or electrical.
Countertop replacement
Swapping countertop surfaces (laminate to quartz, etc.) when the sink and plumbing connections remain in the same location.
Painting walls and cabinets
Interior painting, cabinet painting or staining, and applying new wall finishes.
Cabinet hardware replacement
Changing knobs, pulls, hinges, and drawer slides. Purely cosmetic hardware updates.
Backsplash installation
Installing tile, stone, or other backsplash materials on existing wall surfaces.
Appliance replacement (same type, same location)
Swapping a range for a range, a dishwasher for a dishwasher, etc., using existing electrical and plumbing connections.
Light fixture replacement (same location)
Replacing a light fixture with a new one at the same junction box location, without adding new circuits.
Important note: When in doubt, contact the City of Boise Planning & Development Services at (208) 384-3830 or Ada County Development Services at (208) 287-7900. It is always better to confirm permit requirements before starting work than to risk code violations after the fact. Iron Crest Remodel verifies all permit requirements during our design and planning phase.
The permit process in the Boise area follows a predictable sequence. Whether your home is within Boise city limits, in unincorporated Ada County, or in surrounding cities like Meridian, Eagle, or Garden City, the general process is similar.
Application Submission
The contractor (or homeowner, though we handle this for you) submits a permit application to the appropriate jurisdiction. Applications can be submitted online through the City of Boise's ePermit portal or Ada County's online system.
Required documentation: Completed application form, project scope description, floor plan showing existing and proposed layout, electrical plan (for electrical permits), plumbing plan (for plumbing permits), and structural engineering drawings (if applicable). The contractor's license number and proof of insurance are also required.
Plan Review
A plan reviewer examines the submitted documents for compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted by Idaho and the local jurisdiction. For standard kitchen remodels, this is a straightforward review of electrical load calculations, plumbing fixture counts, and ventilation requirements.
Structural review: When load-bearing wall removal is part of the scope, the plan review includes a detailed examination of the structural engineering calculations, beam sizing, connection details, bearing point loads, and foundation adequacy. This is the most detailed level of review and accounts for longer processing times.
Permit Issuance
Once plans are approved, the permit is issued and construction can begin. The permit card must be posted at the job site (typically on a window or door visible from the street). Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work does not begin within 180 days, the permit expires and must be renewed. Extensions may be available upon request.
Inspections & Final Approval
Inspections are scheduled at various stages of construction (detailed below). The contractor requests inspections by calling or using the online portal, typically with 24-hour notice. Inspectors visit the site, verify compliance, and either approve or require corrections. After all final inspections pass, the permit is closed and a certificate of completion is issued.
Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you may need permits beyond the standard building permit. Each trade typically requires its own permit and separate inspections.
Gas Permit
Required whenever gas lines are installed, extended, or modified. Common in kitchen remodels when installing a gas range, gas cooktop, or gas oven.
- Must be performed by a licensed gas fitter
- Pressure test required before concealment
- Intermountain Gas may need to verify the meter and regulator capacity
- Gas shutoff valve required within 6 feet of each appliance
Mechanical Permit
Covers range hood venting, HVAC modifications, and exhaust fan installations. Required when ducting a range hood to the exterior through walls or the roof.
- Duct sizing must match hood CFM rating
- Makeup air required for hoods over 400 CFM (IRC code)
- Fire dampers may be required at certain penetrations
- Exterior wall cap or roof jack must be properly sealed
Structural Engineering
Required for any load-bearing wall removal. Not a permit itself, but the engineering drawings are a prerequisite for the building permit when structural work is involved.
- Must be prepared by an Idaho-licensed PE
- Includes beam sizing, connection details, and load paths
- Stamped drawings submitted with permit application
- Engineer may need to inspect existing conditions on-site
Permit fees are a small but necessary part of your kitchen remodel budget. Here are the typical fees you can expect in the Boise and Ada County area.
| Permit Type | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit | $150 - $400 | Based on project valuation; covers general construction |
| Electrical Permit | $75 - $200 | New circuits, panel upgrades, outlet additions |
| Plumbing Permit | $75 - $200 | Sink relocation, dishwasher hookup, gas line |
| Mechanical Permit | $75 - $150 | Range hood venting, HVAC modifications |
| Structural Engineering | $500 - $2,000 | Required for load-bearing wall removal |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of permit fee | Added to building permit fee for plan review |
Standard kitchen remodel total: $200 - $600 in permit fees when no structural work is involved. This covers a building permit plus individual trade permits for electrical and plumbing.
Kitchen remodel with wall removal: $700 - $2,600 including structural engineering fees, building permit with structural plan review, and individual trade permits. The engineering fee is the largest single cost.
Each permitted kitchen remodel requires specific inspections at various stages of construction. All rough-in inspections must pass before the work is covered with drywall or other finish materials.
Rough-In Inspections
Framing / Structural(If applicable)
Verifies beam installation, post connections, header sizing, and structural fasteners are per engineering drawings. Required only for projects with wall removal or structural modifications.
Rough Electrical
Inspects all new wiring, junction boxes, circuit breaker connections, and dedicated appliance circuits before drywall is installed. Wire gauge, box fill, and ground connections are verified.
Rough Plumbing
Examines all new supply lines, drain lines, vent connections, and fixture connections. Pipe sizing, slope, and proper materials are verified. Includes a water pressure test.
Gas Line Pressure Test(If applicable)
All new gas piping must hold a pressure test (typically 15 minutes at 15 PSI) before being concealed. Conducted by the plumbing inspector or a separate gas inspector.
Insulation(If applicable)
Required if exterior walls are opened during the remodel. Verifies insulation type, R-value, and proper installation per current Idaho energy code.
Final Inspections
Final Mechanical
Verifies range hood vent installation, duct connections, exterior termination, and makeup air provisions. Tests proper operation of the ventilation system.
Final Plumbing
Checks all fixture connections (sink, dishwasher, disposal, ice maker), verifies no leaks under pressure, tests drainage, and confirms hot/cold supply is correct.
Final Electrical
Tests all circuits, GFCI protection (required within 6 feet of the sink and for all kitchen countertop receptacles), AFCI protection (required per current code), and proper grounding.
Final Building
A comprehensive final inspection verifying that all work matches the approved plans, all other trade inspections have passed, and the completed project meets code. This is the last inspection before the permit is closed.
Removing the wall between the kitchen and living or dining area is one of the most requested kitchen remodel features in the Boise market. It is also the most structurally significant change you can make. Here is everything you need to know.
How to Identify a Load-Bearing Wall
A load-bearing wall carries weight from the roof structure, upper floors, or ceiling joists down to the foundation. Identifying one requires understanding the home's structural system. While a professional assessment is always recommended, these indicators can help.
- Runs perpendicular to ceiling joists: If ceiling joists or floor joists above run perpendicular to the wall, it is likely bearing.
- Located at the center of the home: Center walls in ranch homes and split-levels often carry roof and ceiling loads.
- Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing: Any wall on the perimeter of the home should be assumed to carry loads.
- Stacked walls in multi-story homes: A wall that aligns with a wall on the floor above is likely bearing.
Never assume a wall is non-bearing. A licensed structural engineer should verify the wall type before any demolition begins. The cost of engineering review ($500 to $2,000) is insignificant compared to the risk of improper load support.
The Structural Engineering Process
Site Assessment
The structural engineer visits your home, measures the span, inspects the existing structure (framing, foundation, roof system), and determines the loads the wall currently carries.
Beam Sizing & Design
The engineer calculates the required beam size based on span, load, and deflection limits. Common options include LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams, glulam beams, or steel I-beams. Beam depth and width affect ceiling clearance and aesthetics.
Post Placement & Connections
Beams must transfer loads to the foundation through posts or columns at each end. Post placement, connection hardware (Simpson Strong-Tie or equivalent), and foundation bearing capacity are all specified in the engineering drawings.
Stamped Drawings
The engineer produces stamped (signed and sealed) drawings that are submitted with the permit application. These drawings are the legal document the inspector uses to verify the work during the framing inspection.
Typical Costs for Wall Removal
- Structural engineering: $500 - $2,000
- Beam and hardware materials: $800 - $3,000
- Labor (temporary shoring, demolition, beam install): $1,500 - $5,000
- Drywall, paint, and finishing: $500 - $1,500
- Total additional cost: $3,000 - $10,000+
Common questions about permits and regulations for kitchen remodels in the Boise area.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Boise?
It depends on the scope. Cosmetic updates like painting, new hardware, countertop replacement, and backsplash installation do not require permits. However, any work involving electrical changes, plumbing relocation, gas line modifications, wall removal, window changes, or range hood ducting to the exterior requires permits from the City of Boise or Ada County Development Services.
How much do kitchen remodel permits cost in Boise?
Permit fees in Boise and Ada County are based on project valuation. A typical kitchen remodel building permit costs $150 to $400. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits add $75 to $200 each. If structural engineering is required for wall removal, engineering fees range from $500 to $2,000. Total permit-related costs for a full kitchen remodel typically fall between $200 and $600, or $700 to $2,600 when structural work is involved.
What happens if I remodel my kitchen without a permit in Boise?
Unpermitted work in Boise creates significant risks. If discovered during a future home sale, the city can require you to open finished walls for inspection, obtain retroactive permits (which cost more), or even remove and redo non-compliant work. Unpermitted electrical and plumbing work can also void homeowner's insurance coverage. Title companies and home inspectors routinely flag unpermitted work during real estate transactions.
How long does the permit process take for a Boise kitchen remodel?
Standard kitchen remodel permits in Boise are typically reviewed within 1 to 3 weeks. Projects involving structural modifications (wall removal, beam installation) require additional structural engineering review and may take 2 to 4 weeks total. Submitting complete plans with all required documentation on the first submission avoids revision cycles that can add 1 to 2 weeks.
Does Iron Crest Remodel handle the permit process?
Yes. We handle the entire permit process as part of our kitchen remodeling service. This includes preparing the required drawings and specifications, submitting the application, paying permit fees (which are included in your project cost), scheduling all required inspections, and meeting with inspectors on-site. You do not need to visit the permit office or coordinate inspections yourself.
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We Handle All Permits for You
Iron Crest Remodel manages the entire permit process as part of your kitchen renovation. From application to final inspection, you never have to visit the permit office.