Thinking about outdoor projects? Don't forget your BUILDING PERMIT!
If one of your plans for the springtime is to spruce up your yard with decks, outbuildings, fences, and other structural improvements, make sure you know what kind of work requires a building permit and which you can do without one.
In general, you need a building permit if you want to:
Build any kind of dwelling
Finish an attic, garage, or basement to add living space
Add a shed, garage, carport, or other structure if it is ATTACHED to the home
Add a shed, garage, carport, or other structure if it is greater than 200 square feet
Re-roof an existing building
Build a retaining wall that is measured 4 feet high or more from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall
Add any attached patio cover, carport, or porch
Build a deck more than 12 inches high or put in a fence more than 6 feet high
If you're not sure if you need a permit, err on the side of caution and give the City of Boise a call at 384-3802 or check out www.cityofboise.org/pds.
And remember, even if you don't need a building permit, you might still need a permit from Planning and Zoning - for example if you are adding a driveway or any fence of any height. If you live in a Historic District you will want to talk to that department within Planning and Zoning to ensure you're headed down the right path. You can reach them at 384-3830.
