Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Why did the city update this software?

The current system is being upgraded to a newer version on October 6, 2025, which will result in minimal changes to users. Users will notice one change which is the URL to open the site will change with the upgrade.

Do I need to create a new account if I'm already a Permitting & Licensing user?

No, you won’t need to create a new account. Passwords and accounts from the old system will not change. Users will need to enter their User ID or email address and password the first-time logging in, as the URL for the site will be changing. Due to the changed URL, your browser will not prompt you for the saved password the first time you log in. After navigating to the new site for the first time it’s suggested that you save your User ID and password on your browser for easier access.

If you need a password reset or are creating a new account, the updated site will require passwords to meet certain criteria:

1. At least 8 characters long
2. Includes 1 uppercase letter (A–Z)
3. Includes 1 number (0–9) 
4. Includes 1 special character, such as ! @ # $ %
5. Do not use these characters + , & 
6. Cannot contain your username 
7. New password cannot be one your past 5 passwords used for the system.

Tips for using the new system:

1. The first time logging in on/after October 6, 2025, clear your browser cache and bookmark the new site for easy access.
2. Change your browser setting to allow pop-ups from the new Permitting & Licensing site URL.
3.The system works best with a Chromium browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
4. For the best user-friendly navigation experience, we suggest using a computer to access the site. Using a phone or tablet may result in limited or obstructed navigation.

What will happen to an application that I’ve started, but clicked on “Save and Resume Later”?

We recommend that you submit prior to October 2nd, 2025, any temporary records that have been started and saved (e.g., 25TMP#####) to avoid losing your saved data on the application.

How do I create an account?

New users can register at this link. For additional information, please see our how-to video.

How do I reset my password?

See our "How do I Reset my Password?" section on our help page.

Is anything changing on the Permitting & Licensing site with the system upgrade on October 6, 2025?

Applicants will notice minimal changes with the system upgrade, which include:

1. When navigating our application pages, you’ll notice that the “Continue” button to go to the next page has moved to the bottom right and the “Save and resume later” button has moved to the bottom left on the page.

2. You may notice some buttons are shaded differently or have a different contrast. The buttons function the same way as you navigate the new site.

3. The link to view reports has changed. Click here for more details.

3. The URL to get to the site will change with this upgrade. To get to the new site beginning October 6^th, our help page includes a link to “Go to Permitting and Licensing System”, which will redirect you to the new site after 8:00 am on October 6, 2025.

I own/work for a business – how do I associate my personal account with the business account?

Users can be associated with or removed from a business by PDS Staff. Please contact us for assistance.

Can I pay for multiple permits and licenses at once?

Users can pay for multiple licenses or multiple permits, but not at the same time. Building, Planning and Public Works fees can be paid together, but License fees and Fire Department permit fees must be paid separately. Please see our training video on How to use Epay.

Can I start an application and come back to it?

Yes, registered users can save a partially completed application and return to it later. All saved applications can be found on the registered user's Dashboard under Work in progress.

Building FAQs

How do I attach my state issued license/registration number (general contractor, electrical contractor, architect, etc.) to my public user account?

PDS maintains an updated list of Idaho State Contractor Registration and License numbers. Users can be associated with a Professional License or Registration number to easily add to new permit requests. Please contact us for assistance linking your license number to your user profile.

How do I schedule inspections?

Only registered users who are listed as contacts on a Building or Trade permit may schedule inspections. Please see our Quick Guide to Schedule Online PDS Inspections for instructions.

Can I add private access information to my inspection request?

Yes, you may now include information in your inspection requests that cannot be viewed by anyone except PDS employees and inspectors. This can include garage codes, gate codes, or other necessary access information that should not be made available to other members of the public.

How do I get a copy of my permit?

All documents, including the permit, associated with a Building permit can be accessed online by entering the record number in the search field in the upper right corner of the site. Once the record is displayed, click on the “Documents” link, wait for a few seconds, and the list of documents associated with the permit will display at the bottom of the screen. Click on the document named “PDS-Permit”.

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How do I submit electronic plans?

All electronic plan submittals will still be through our ePlanReview site, which is a separate site from the Permitting & Licensing site. When completing your application, for the question “Plans Submitted As”, select “Electronic”. After you submit your application, you will receive an email inviting you to submit your electronic plans through ePlanReview. Please note that you must be a registered user on ePlanReview before you’ll be able to log in and upload your files. For instructions on creating an ePlanReview user account, click here.

Where are the online reports?

Reports are now located on the "Reports" link located just below the green banner at the top of the page on City of Boise Permitting and Licensing on the right side of the screen.

Following is the Report list displayed after clicking on the link shown above:

Where did ePay go?

All fees for building permits can be paid for through City of Boise Permitting and Licensing. Log in to your account and use the ePay search function at the bottom of your Home page to pay fees for Building Permits and other associated records.

Click here to see our instructional video on adding fees to your shopping cart.

Planning FAQs

How do I submit electronic plans?

All electronic plan submittals will still be through our ePlanReview site, with a few exceptions explained below. After you submit your application, you will receive an email inviting you to submit your electronic plans through ePlanReview. Please note that you must be a registered user on ePlanReview before you’ll be able to log in and upload your files. For instructions on creating an ePlanReview user account, click here.

Exceptions for electronic plans that are uploaded directly through the Permitting & Licensing system include:

• Planning Project (PLN) – this was previously the pre-application,
• Addressing Review (ADR)
• Temporary Use Application (TUA)
• Zoning Verification Letter (ZVL)

How can I find instructions for uploading my drawings & documents for my project/application?

• For the 4 exceptions listed above, please see our guide on Uploading Documents into the Permitting and Licensing System.
• For instructions on uploading to ePlanReview for all other Planning Applications, please see our Electronic Plan Review User’s Guide (Planning).

Where are hearing dates listed?

All public meeting and hearing information for the City of Boise is listed here. If you are looking at a specific Planning application on City of Boise Permitting and Licensing, Hearing Dates will be listed under Additional Information on the Record Details page.

Where are the online reports?

Reports are now located on the "Reports" tab at the top of the page on City of Boise Permitting and Licensing.

What is a Planning Project (parent app), and what is the process to submit?

A Planning Project replaced the pre-application process from the past. It’s meant to provide a clear concept of what you’re planning before submitting your permit application(s). After submitting a Planning Project request, our Development Services Team (DST) will reach out to you for a Concept Review meeting to review what your concept/vision is for the project. For instructions on how to submit a Planning Project on the Permitting & Licensing system please see our user guide to Create a Planning Project.

What is a Planning Application (child app), and what is the process to submit?

At the conclusion of the Planning Project Concept Review meeting mentioned above, the DST will determine the type of planning application(s) needed and generate a shell application for you to update and submit. You will receive an email with instructions for submitting your planning application, which is “child” application to the “parent” Planning Project. Please see our user guide for Submitting a Planning Application.