Yes, a building permit is required. First of all, zoning ordinance provisions require front, rear and side yards to be open unobstructed areas. Historically, this was done to prevent fires from spreading from neighbor to neighbor. Today, such open yards define the character of your neighborhood and create privacy between homes. More importantly, there are required snow and wind loads in eastern Idaho. Too many times the weekend carport project collapses after a heavy snowstorm on the vehicle it was to protect or the quickly purchased prefabricated metal carport is transported to the neighbor’s yard by our winds. Call Building at 612-8287

A simple rule to remember is any detached structure, including sheds, over 120 square feet which will house property, equipment, or people needs a building permit. The purpose of the permit is to assure the building is structurally sound and allows for location requirements to be reviewed. Also additions to your home, interior remodeling & changes to your plumbing and electrical system require permits.