Fence or deck costs in Boise

In Boise, a deck doesn't have to be high off the ground to need a permit. The city's homeowner guide says a wooden deck or concrete patio more than 12 inches above grade needs a building permit. A fence needs one once it's more than seven feet high.

Footings have a local number. Boise sets its frost depth at 24 inches minimum below grade, through a local amendment to the building code, and footings that need frost protection have to reach it. The same design sheet lists a ground snow load of 20 pounds per square foot and a 90 mph design wind speed.

Small attached patio covers need a permit, the guide says, because their weight transfers to the wall of your house, and their posts may need concrete footings for frost protection.

If you live in one of Boise's historic districts, the building-permit rules are the same as anywhere else. But many types of exterior work need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Planning division first, and you have to get it before you apply for the permit or start work. The guide's examples are windows, siding and tree removal, so ask Planning whether your fence is on the list.

You can apply for a fence permit online through the city's permitting system.