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1. How do I build an ADA ramp on private property?

• Ramps built on private property (not in City right-of-way i.e. sidewalk) may be subject to Idaho’s Building Codes. Please contact the Building Safety Department for specific requirements. 
• The City does have a Sidewalk Repair Grant program to assist with costs of repair and maintenance of sidewalks in front of your property. The grant application can be found online along with additional details and information on the grant process. For more information please contact the Engineering Department at 208-735-7248.
• If you have questions about an ADA ramp in the City right-of-way (sidewalks or intersection corner) please contact the Engineering Department 208-735-7248.

2. How do I request an ADA ramp on public property?

• To request an ADA ramp on public property, please contact the Engineering Department at 208-735-7248.

3. Does the City require contractor licenses?

• The City will need your State of Idaho registration or license number before you can pull permits.
• The State of Idaho requires:
• General Contractors registration through the Bureau of Occupational Licenses.
• Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Public Works, Modular/Manufactured Installers through the Division of Building Safety .

4. Does the city require business licenses?

• If you are or want to run a business out of you home, please contact the Planning & Zoning office at 208-735-7267, there may be additional regulations for Home Occupations.
• The City of Twin Falls does requires some businesses to be licensed:
• Card Rooms
• Pawn Shop
• Auctions & Auctioneers
• Special Events
• Alcohol
• Taxi
• Sound Truck
• Transient Merchants, Vendors, Peddlers & Solicitors
• Private Security
• Going Out of Business
• Daycare Facilities
• Food Concessions & Commercial Displays
• Alcohol Beverage Catering Permits
• Please see the City of Twin Falls City Code Title 3 for more information on each of these licenses.
• For more information regarding the application process please contact the City Clerk’s office at 208-735-7245.

5. Where do I go to get an Alcohol license?

• The first step to get an alcohol license in the City of Twin Falls is to obtain a State of Idaho Alcohol license.
• Once you have received the State of Idaho license, you will need to obtain a Twin Falls County Alcohol License.
• Once you have received both the State of Idaho & Twin Falls County licenses, you will need to apply for an alcohol license through the City of Twin Falls City Clerk.
• For more information regarding the application process please contact the City Clerk’s office at 208-735-7245.

6. What do I need to do to build a fence on my property?

• The Building Safety Department handout has information on permit requirements for fences.
• If you still have questions, please contact the Building Safety Department at 208-735-7238.

7. When do you need a building permit?

• Building permits are required for most construction in the City of Twin Falls, see the list of permit requirements.
• What permit do I need? Separate permits are required for each scope of work being performed. For example, framing new or removing existing walls would require a building permit; adding or replacing HVAC duct or gas piping would require a mechanical permit, adding or replacing electrical wiring would need an electrical permit; adding or replacing plumbing piping or fixtures would require a plumbing permit.
• If you have any questions regarding whether a permit is needed and/or what type of permit is needed, please contact the Building Safety Department at 208-735-7238.
• If I am the homeowner doing the work, do I still need a permit? Homeowner’s doing work on their own primary residence need to follow all applicable codes including obtaining permits (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, & Mechanical).

8. Who will be doing my building inspections? (City Limits vs Area of Impact)

All inspections (including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing {MEP}) for projects located within the City of Twin Falls actual city limits will be performed by the City’s Building Safety Department.

Projects located within the City of Twin Falls’ Area of Impact will have inspections performed by different agencies. The following shows the inspection jurisdiction for each scope of work:

Building inspections will be performed by the City’s Building Safety Department

HVAC/Mechanical inspections will be performed by the Twin Falls County Building Department.

Electrical and Plumbing inspections will be performed by Idaho’s Division of Building Safety

9. Why can’t the City force someone to maintain their property?

The Twin Falls City Council have adopted a city code that helps maintain a safe clean environment for all citizens in our community. The Code Enforcement and Animal Control officers work to administer a fair and unbiased compliance program.

For further questions, please contact the Code Enforcement department at (208) 735-7335.