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Permitting Division

About Us

The Permitting Division is committed to providing the best customer service experience possible. Whether you are a developer, contractor, home owner, or member of the public we strive to make the experience enjoyable.  We will assist you with completing submittal requirements for applications, locating information and any other questions you may have.  We accept all applications submitted to Development Services, process payments, complete Public Record Requests, review building permits for compliance with Dimensional Standards and complete over-the-counter processes for simple additions/shops/remodels/agricultural structures and other projects.

FAQs

Do I need a permit for installing a fence?

Ada County does not require a building permit for installing a fence, however, there are standards for fencing that do apply.  See ACC 8-5-3-44 for the required standards.

The “clear vision triangle” will also require compliance, see Ada County Code section 8-1A-2 for corner lot fencing (look for figure 3).

Does my shop/garage/outbuilding require engineering?

All post frame/pole buildings are required to be engineered.

All steel buildings are required to be engineered, including a foundation design.

Stick framed buildings that exceed a wall height of 12’ require engineering for “tall walls” and “lateral” or “shearwall” design.

For all other building types, contact us at 208-287-7900.

Can I divide my property? What is a One-Time Division?

A One-Time Division is an application/process that can divide your property into two parcels through a staff level approval as long as your parcel is eligible.  All properties that meet the following standards are eligible for a one-time division as long as both parcels created would meet the minimum dimensional standards (Size, frontage) for the zoning district they are currently located in.

  • If your property is located in a subdivision, the subdivision would need to have been recorded prior to September 29, 1959.
  • If your property is not located in a subdivision, it would need to be in the same configuration since January 1, 1985.
    • Exception is properties reduced in size due to governmental action.
  • For properties that do not meet the standards listed above, the property may still be able to be divided through a subdivision process.
  • For additional information or clarification, please contact us at 208-287-7900.

Can I build a second residence on my property?

There are several different options for additional dwellings for family members or employees.

  • Secondary Dwelling – For a family member or employee of the property. Limited to 900 square feet.
  • Temporary Use – Temporary Living Quarters
    • For manufactured homes on a “standard set” with no permanent foundation.
    • For family members/employees justified by reasons of health, employment, or upkeep on the property.
  • Caretakers Dwelling
    • Associated with an existing approved use, such as a Contractor’s Yard.
  • Additional Farm Dwelling
    • Must be located on a farm.
    • 75% of the inhabitants income must come from work done on the property.
  • For questions on what your specific property may be eligible for, please contact us at 208-287-7900.

How do I obtain approval for my in-home daycare? What are the different types of daycares?

The approval process will vary depending on the base zoning district of your property and the type of daycare proposed.  See the definitions below and contact us with any questions.

Family Daycare Home:  A home, place, or facility providing care and supervision for compensation for part of a day, for six (6) or fewer children not related by blood or marriage to the person providing the care, in a place other than the children’s own home.  The occasional care of children by a person not ordinarily in the business of childcare, and the provision of care for children of only one immediate family in addition to the person’s own children are not considered family daycare homes.

Requires an Accessory Use approval through a Zoning Certificate in the following zones: RP, RR, Rural Residence, RUT, RSW, R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, R12, and R20.

Required items for approval of a Family Daycare Home:

  • If any children are younger than 7 years old, a criminal history check from Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is required for all individuals watching the children.
  • Hours of operation are limited to 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • $100 fee and requires the application found here; Family-Daycare-Home-Application.pdf (id.gov)

Group Daycare Facility:   A home, place or facility providing care and supervision for compensation for part of a day, for seven (7) to twelve (12) children not related by blood or marriage to the person(s) providing the care, in a place other than the children’s own home.  The occasional care of children by a person not ordinarily in the business of childcare, and the provision of care for children of only one immediate family in addition to the person’s own children are not considered group daycare facilities.

Requires an Accessory Use approval through a staff level application in the following zones:  RP, RR, Rural Residence, RUT, RSW, R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, R12, and R20.

To obtain approval for a Group Daycare Facility, the following items will need to be documented:

  • 35 square feet of net floor area per client/child.
  • No overnight parking allowed. On site parking shall not use the parking spaces required for the dwelling.
  • Minimum outdoor play area of 100 square feet per child. This may be waived if a park abuts the property.
  • Outdoor areas shall be enclosed by a 6’ fence secured against exit or entry by small children.
  • Outdoor play equipment shall not be located in the required yard. (Setback requirement)
  • Minimum staff required of one staff person per 6 children younger than 18 months and one staff person per 12 children 18 months or older.
  • Fire inspection by the local fire district is required. If your property is not located in a fire district, contact the Idaho Fire Marshal.
  • If any children are younger than 7 years of age, a criminal history check for all staff is required through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
  • Hours of operation are limited to 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM.
  • Any outdoor lighting may require additional applications.

Required applications:

Master Application – Applications, Forms, Templates – Development Services (id.gov)

Accessory Use Checklist – Accessory-Use-Application.pdf (id.gov)

Daycare Centers:  A place or facility providing care and supervision for compensation for part of a day, for thirteen (13) or more children not related by blood or marriage to the person(s) providing the care. Day camps, day programs and religious schools held for more than two (2) weeks during a calendar year or held more often than once a week, are considered daycare centers. The provision of occasional care exclusively for children of parents who are simultaneously in the same building is not considered a daycare center.

Requires a Conditional Use approval in the following zones:  LO, C1, C2, C3, TI, RUT, RSW, R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, R12, and R20.

Conditional Uses require a pre-application meeting with our planning team as a first step.  To set up this free meeting, please call 208-287-7900.

What are the rules for Home Occupations?

  • The home occupation cannot cause the property to differ from its rural or residential character.
  • No more than 25% or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less can be devoted to the home occupation.
  • Daycare’s and contractor’s yards are not considered home occupations.

There are two (2) types of home occupations: Small and Large.

Small home occupation:
Large home occupation:
  • Allows for one (1) nonresident employee.
  • Group instruction is limited to no more than five (5) students at one time with a maximum of two (2) classes per day.
  • The property shall have no more than twenty (20) additional vehicular trips per day of home occupation traffic.
  • Allowed hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Requires an Accessory Use approval through a staff level application.
  • Required Applications

For additional information or clarification, please call 208-287-7900.

Are permits required for Conex/Shipping Containers?

The process for permitting Conex/Shipping Containers is determined by the overall size of the container.

Shipping Container Requirements

Other Links/Phone Numbers

There are other jurisdictions you may need to work with in submitting an application. We have linked them below for your convenience.

Jurisdiction

Phone Number

City of Boise 208-608-7100
City of Eagle 208-489-8760
City of Meridian 208-877-2211
City of Kuna 208-922-5274
City of Star 208-286-0074
Garden City 208-472-2921
Central District Health 208-327-7499

Meet the Team

Benjamin Pavekla Permitting Manager

Benjamin Pavelka

Permitting Manager, ICC Building Plans Examiner with 8 ICC Certifications, NICP CPTED Design Professional

bpavelka@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-7947

Ceicely Anton

Ceicely Anton

Public Records Technician, ICC Certified Permit Technician

canton@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-7922

Tawny Crisp

Tawny Crisp

Planning and Building Specialist, ICC Certified Permit Technician

tcrisp@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-7902

Samantha Tatilian Planning and Building Specialist

Samantha Chapman

Planning and Building Specialist

schapman@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-7906

Alison Crist Planning and Building Specialist

Alison Crist

Planning and Building Specialist II, ICC Certified Permit Technician

acrist@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-7908

Kyle Bilinski, Plans Examiner

Kyle Bilinski

Plans Examiner, ICC Certified Residential Plans Examiner/Inspector, Residential Energy Plans Examiner/Inspector, & Commercial Energy Plans Examiner

kbilinski@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-7917

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