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Shed Installation · Bonneville County, Idaho
In Bonneville County, a Shed Installation under 120 sq ft generally does not require a building permit. At or above 120 sq ft, a permit is required.
Idaho Falls, the county seat, lowers the statewide 200-square-foot shed exemption codified in Idaho Code §39-4116 down to just 120 square feet within its own city limits, a stricter local standard than the state's broader property-rights-oriented default; the city's exemption list also carves out fences as a notable exception that is never exempt, requiring a flat $5 fence permit for any new fence construction regardless of height or size. The city's building-permit jurisdiction is expressly limited to land within Idaho Falls city limits and does not cover unincorporated Bonneville County or the neighboring city of Ammon, both of which instead apply the more generous 200-square-foot state-law figure directly. Building permits in Bonneville County are handled under the City of Idaho Falls Building Department (largest city; uninc building code (IRC Idaho Code §39-4116 ). Local zoning, property-line setbacks, and any electrical or plumbing work can still require separate approval, so confirm the details with Bonneville County Zoning & Building.
Source: City of Idaho Falls Building Department (largest city; uninc, IRC Idaho Code §39-4116 · County-specific · Verified 2026 by StateDataIndex
Permits for sheds often depend on square footage and whether the structure is permanent.
Because of severe winter weather in Idaho, any exterior structures or footings must be set below the local frost line to prevent shifting, as mandated by the Idaho State Building Code.
Idaho generally favors property rights with relaxed state-level oversight, meaning agricultural zoning often dominates outside of major hubs like Boise. Fortunately, Idaho maintains relatively builder-friendly regulations, keeping base permit fees competitive.
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so there is no single fixed figure for Bonneville County. We only publish fees confirmed by real homeowners — none have been reported here yet.
Confirm the current fee directly with Bonneville County Zoning & Building ((208) 524-7920). If you have paid for a permit here, you can add it here to help others.
Office: Bonneville County Zoning & Building
Address: 357 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
Phone: (208) 524-7920
Source: official Bonneville County government records. Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
In Bonneville County, you can begin your application online through the county's permit portal, or submit blueprints and a property survey in person. Including your contractor's Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses license number helps avoid rejections.
When applying for a Shed Installation permit, you or your contractor will generally need to submit the following documentation for the city's review:
Key code points for a Shed Installation in Bonneville County: Accessory structures under 120 or 200 square feet often bypass building permits, but almost always require a zoning permit to ensure they are not built too close to the property line.
Typical processing time: a few days to several weeks, depending on current workload and the season. Contact Bonneville County Zoning & Building for a current estimate.
Building without authorization is considered a code violation. The local government can issue a Stop Work Order, forcing you to halt construction immediately. You may be subject to retroactive permit fees (often double the original cost), daily fines, or even a mandate to tear down the unpermitted work at your own expense.
Yes. Idaho generally allows property owners to act as their own general contractor under an Owner-Builder exemption. If you take this route, you assume full legal and financial liability and must ensure all work complies with the Idaho State Building Code.
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so Bonneville County does not publish a single fixed figure. Confirm the exact fee with the local building department before applying.
Processing time in Bonneville County varies by season and current application volume at the building department; contact Bonneville County Zoning & Building for a current estimate.
You can apply through the Bonneville County Zoning & Building or online via the county permit portal. For questions, call (208) 524-7920.
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