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Ada County

Ada County Development Services

In short

Ada County Development Services issues 7 permits we publish for Ada County, last verified 2026-10-14. Each carries the fee as the agency publishes it, with a link to the schedule it was read from.

What this agency issues

Permits required, with issuing agency, fee, renewal term and the date each record was last verified against its source
Conditional Use Application (unincorporated Ada County)only if it applies to youAda County Development Services$900 plus $0.12 per square foot of proposed structures, maximum $25,000 (Resolution No. 3149, Exhibit A, Conditional Use).per application2026-10-14
Master Site Plan (unincorporated Ada County)only if it applies to youAda County Development Services$350 plus $0.12 per square foot of proposed structures (Resolution No. 3149, Exhibit A, Master Site Plan).per application2026-10-14
Accessory Use, Administrative Approval (group daycare; large home occupation)only if it applies to youAda County Development Services$280 per application (Resolution No. 3149, Accessory Use (administrative approval), adopted November 25, 2025)per application2026-10-14
Zoning Certificate: Family Daycare Home or Small Home Occupationonly if it applies to youAda County Development Services$100 per application (Resolution No. 3149, Zoning Certification, adopted November 25, 2025)per application2026-10-14
Sign Approval, signs over 64 square feet (unincorporated Ada County)only if it applies to youAda County Development Services$200 per application, for "Sign Approval (>64 sq ft)" (Resolution No. 3149, adopted November 25, 2025)per application2026-10-14
Temporary Use Approval (unincorporated Ada County)only if it applies to youAda County Development ServicesTemporary Use (zoning certificate) $100; Temporary Use (administrative approval) $300 (Resolution No. 3149, Exhibit A).for the dates of operation approved2026-10-14
Building Permit and Commercial Mechanical Permit (unincorporated Ada County)only if it applies to youAda County Development ServicesBuilding permit fee by total valuation (Resolution No. 3149, Exhibit A): $1.00 to $2,000.00, $65.00; $2,000.01 to $25,000.00, $65.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $11.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction; $25,000.01 to $50,000.00, $318.00 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000.00; $50,000.01 to $100,000.00, $493.00 plus $5.00 per additional $1,000.00; $100,000.01 to $1,000,000.00, $743.00 plus $4.15 per additional $1,000.00; $1,000,000.01 and up, $4,478.00 plus $2.60 per additional $1,000.00. Plan review: International Building Code 65% of the building permit fee; International Residential Code 50%; IBC accessibility plan review and IBC energy plan review each 25% of the building plan review fee. Reinspection (after first reinspection) $100 per reinspection, per inspection type. Commercial mechanical permit: $35 plus 2% of total mechanical job value.per permit2026-10-14

Fees shown as a range or formula are set that way by the issuing agency — we do not average them into a single number.

About each permit

Conditional Use Application (unincorporated Ada County)

A use that the Ada County zoning code lists as conditional in its zone needs conditional use approval from Development Services under Ada County Code 8-6-15 before it can open in unincorporated Ada County. The Permitting Division page names one such use for this site's industries. A daycare center for thirteen or more children "Requires a Conditional Use approval in the following zones: LO, C1, C2, C3, TI, RUT, RSW, R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, R12, and R20." The page adds that conditional uses "require a pre-application meeting with our planning team as a first step", which is free. As set in Resolution No. 3149, the conditional use fee is $900 plus $0.12 per square foot, with a maximum of $25,000. The Conditional Use Application Checklist, revised July 30, 2026, prints the same base and rate: "$900 (base fee) + .12/square foot (for all proposed structures)". Development Services confirms whether another use on a given parcel is conditional in its zone. The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Ada County Development Services handles building permits and zoning applications in unincorporated Ada County; inside Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian or Star, the county Permitting Division page refers applicants to that city's own building department. Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Master Site Plan (unincorporated Ada County)

Where the Ada County zoning code requires a master site plan for a development in unincorporated Ada County, the application is made to Development Services under Ada County Code 8-6-19. The zoning code sets which projects need one, and Development Services confirms whether a given business project does. As set in Resolution No. 3149, the master site plan fee is $350 plus $0.12 per square foot. The county's Master Site Plan Application Checklist prints the same figures: "$350 (base fee) + .12/square foot (for all proposed structures)". The checklist asks for a master application form and a detailed letter describing the request. A separate Resolution No. 3149 line prices solar photovoltaic centralized power facilities differently; that line does not apply to the businesses covered here. The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Ada County Development Services handles building permits and zoning applications in unincorporated Ada County; inside Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian or Star, the county Permitting Division page refers applicants to that city's own building department. Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Accessory Use, Administrative Approval (group daycare; large home occupation)

Two home-based business types in unincorporated Ada County need staff-level accessory use approval, according to the Permitting Division page. A group daycare facility, for seven to twelve children, "Requires an Accessory Use approval through a staff level application" in the RP, RR, Rural Residence, RUT, RSW and R1 to R20 zones. Its listed conditions include 35 square feet of floor area and 100 square feet of outdoor play area per child, a 6-foot fence, staffing ratios and hours of 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. They also include a "Fire inspection by the local fire district". A large home occupation also "Requires an Accessory Use approval through a staff level application". It allows one nonresident employee, group instruction of no more than five students at a time and two classes a day, and set operating hours, which fits a home salon or a small fitness instruction business. The page states that no more than 25% of the home or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, may be devoted to a home occupation. As set in Resolution No. 3149, the Accessory Use (administrative approval) fee is $280. The Accessory Use Application Checklist dated May 12, 2026 prints "APPLICATION FEE: $280". The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Zoning Certificate: Family Daycare Home or Small Home Occupation

A family daycare home or a small home occupation in unincorporated Ada County needs a county zoning certificate. The county's Family Daycare Home form (ACC 8-4-18) states: "A Family Daycare Home requires the issuance of a Zoning Certificate". The Small Home Occupation form (ACC 8-4-33) states: "A Small Home Occupation requires the issuance of a Zoning Certificate". The Permitting Division page defines a family daycare home as care for six or fewer children. It lists the zones where accessory use approval through a zoning certificate applies and says hours are limited to 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. It also states that a criminal history check from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is needed where any child is under seven, and gives a "$100 fee". A small home occupation, per the same page, is one where "No employees or clients come to the home", with no more than two deliveries or pick-ups a day; this fits, for example, a contractor's home office. The page also states: "Daycare's and contractor's yards are not considered home occupations." As set in Resolution No. 3149, the Zoning Certification fee is $100. The family daycare form prints "Application Fee: $100" and the small home occupation form "Application Fee: $100.00". The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Sign Approval, signs over 64 square feet (unincorporated Ada County)

A business in unincorporated Ada County that puts up a sign covered by Ada County Code 8-3-12 applies to Development Services for sign approval. As set in Resolution No. 3149, the fee line reads "Sign Approval (>64 sq ft)" at $200, so the $200 fee applies to signs larger than 64 square feet. The county's Sign Application Checklist (ACC 8-3-12) prints a $200 fee and asks for a master application form and a detailed letter describing the request. Section 8-3-12 of the zoning code sets the sign standards, and Development Services confirms what a particular sign needs. The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Ada County Development Services handles building permits and zoning applications in unincorporated Ada County; inside Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian or Star, the county Permitting Division page refers applicants to that city's own building department. Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Temporary Use Approval (unincorporated Ada County)

An activity that the Ada County zoning code defines as a temporary use on a parcel in unincorporated Ada County applies to Development Services under Ada County Code 8-6-29. Whether a given activity is a temporary use is set by the zoning code's specific use standards in 8-4-73, and Development Services confirms it for a given site. Resolution No. 3149 sets two fees: Temporary Use (zoning certificate) $100 and Temporary Use (administrative approval) $300. The county's Temporary Use Application Checklist (ACC 8-6-29) prints the $300 administrative-approval fee. It asks for a letter covering the specific uses in ACC 8-4-73, dates of operation, proposed structures and square footage, employees, parking, patrons, deliveries, and days and hours of operation. The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Ada County Development Services handles building permits and zoning applications in unincorporated Ada County; inside Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian or Star, the county Permitting Division page refers applicants to that city's own building department. Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Building Permit and Commercial Mechanical Permit (unincorporated Ada County)

A business building, altering or fitting out a structure in unincorporated Ada County obtains its building permit from the Ada County Development Services Building Division. The Permitting Division's client portal accepts building, manufactured home and mechanical permits. The Permitting Division page states that "all electrical and plumbing work will need separate permits through the State of Idaho (DOPL)". As set in Exhibit A of Resolution No. 3149, the building permit fee is based on the total valuation of the work. The valuation is the higher of the Building Valuation Data square-foot cost and the applicant's value. The table runs from $65.00 for the first $2,000.00 to $4,478.00 plus $2.60 for each additional $1,000.00 above $1,000,000.00, with intermediate bands at $318.00, $493.00 and $743.00. Plan review adds 65% of the building permit fee under the International Building Code, or 50% under the International Residential Code. IBC accessibility and energy plan reviews each add 25% of the building plan review fee. After the first reinspection, each reinspection is $100 per inspection type. A commercial mechanical permit, which covers work such as heating, cooling and kitchen ventilation, is $35 plus 2% of the total mechanical job value. The figure is set by Ada County Resolution No. 3149, "Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department", adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners on November 25, 2025; its Exhibit A schedule is "effective on adoption date" and supersedes the schedules of Resolution No. 2418. The Development Services fees page states that all of its fees "were updated in November 2025 in conjunction with the new Ada County Zoning Code". Ada County Development Services handles building permits and zoning applications in unincorporated Ada County; inside Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian or Star, the county Permitting Division page refers applicants to that city's own building department. Contact Ada County Development Services, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702, (208) 287-7900.

Contact

Jurisdiction
Ada County
Phone
208-287-7900

Contact details are taken from the agency’s own site or its published fee schedule. Where we have not verified a phone number we leave it blank rather than guess.

Sources

Every fee and term above was read from one of these government pages on the date shown.

  1. Accessory Use Application Checklist (May 12, 2026)Ada County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  2. Ada County Development Services Fee Schedule: Building Division FeesAda County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  3. Conditional Use Application Checklist (ACC 8-6-15), revised July 30, 2026Ada County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  4. Development Services FeesAda County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  5. Family Daycare Home (ACC 8-4-18) applicationAda County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  6. Master Site Plan Application Checklist (ACC 8-6-19)Ada County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  7. Permitting DivisionAda County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  8. Resolution No. 3149, Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for the Ada County Development Services Department (adopted November 25, 2025), with Exhibit ABoard of Ada County Commissioners · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  9. Sign Application Checklist (ACC 8-3-12)Ada County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  10. Small Home Occupation (ACC 8-4-33) applicationAda County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14
  11. Temporary Use Application Checklist (ACC 8-6-29)Ada County Development Services · primary source · retrieved 2026-10-14

Other offices serving Ada County

The full permit list for this jurisdiction

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