Twin Falls, ID Building Permits: Review Times, Process and Costs
Twin Falls, ID building permit timeline: Initial plan review takes approximately 7 days. Contact the building department for current processing times.
Building permit review in Twin Falls, ID takes approximately 7 days for initial plan review. Below you will find specific review timelines broken down by permit type, project size, and review stage.
Twin Falls Plan Review Timeline
-
The City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department’s current plan review timelines indicate it takes approximately 5 weeks to review the first submittal for projects including new complete buildings, additions, tenant improvements, and multi-family projects. This timeline assumes that the submittal package is complete and accurate. Incomplete submittals will delay the start of the review process. Subsequent reviews (revised submittals) will not be accepted until all four reviewing departments have completed their initial reviews for commercial projects.
-
There is no specific stated time for subsequent submittals review on the City of Twin Falls site, but it is implied that they await completion of all initial reviews and can vary depending on workload and project complexity.
-
For residential plan reviews in Twin Falls County (applicable to some extent for Twin Falls city), the estimated time for initial review is usually not more than seven business days, contingent upon complete submittals with all required documents.
-
Inspection scheduling notes mention that inspections requested by 9:00 AM will generally be completed the same day; requests after 9:00 AM are scheduled for the next workday. Inspections will not occur on city-observed holidays.
In summary:
| Review Stage | Time to Review | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First submittal (commercial) | ~5 weeks | Assumes complete and accurate submittal; multi-department review |
| First submittal (residential) | Usually ≤7 business days | Requires complete plans and supporting documents |
| Subsequent submittals | Not specifically stated | Revised submittals accepted only after all initial reviews complete; timeframe varies |
No other detailed time-related information for plan reviews or subsequent submittals was found on the official City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department webpage or city website.
Therefore, the main takeaway for Twin Falls, ID is a 5-week first review timeline for commercial and similar projects, and up to 7 business days for residential, with subsequent review times dependent on workflow and completion of initial reviews.
No explicit timelines for subsequent reviews beyond these notes were found.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Twin Falls Building Department
Need it faster? Permit Place can expedite your Twin Falls permits
What Building Permits Do You Need in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Twin Falls Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Twin Falls building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Twin Falls Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Twin Falls vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Twin Falls building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Twin Falls Building Department
Twin Falls Building Department
- Website: www.tfid.org/141/Building-Safety-Department
- City Website: www.tfid.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Twin Falls Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Twin Falls?
Plan review in Twin Falls, ID takes approximately 7 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
What is the difference between residential and commercial permit review in Twin Falls?
Commercial projects in Twin Falls require review by multiple departments (building, fire, public works, and sometimes health), which adds time. Residential projects typically involve fewer review disciplines and can be processed faster. Tenant improvements fall between the two depending on scope.
Can I speed up the permit process in Twin Falls?
The most effective way to speed up the permit process in Twin Falls is to submit complete, code-compliant plans on the first attempt. This reduces correction cycles, which are the primary cause of delays. Permit Place helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Twin Falls?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Twin Falls that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Twin Falls?
Permit fees in Twin Falls are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Twin Falls project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Twin Falls and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Twin Falls, ID?
Most construction in Twin Falls requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
Need Help With Twin Falls Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Twin Falls and across Idaho. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
Request a Free Quote
Free DD Report
Want to know exactly what permits your project needs? Get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io. View a free demo DD report