Mobile Home Demolition Permits in Idaho
Before tearing down a mobile home, you need to know if your jurisdiction requires a permit. The answer varies depending on where you're located in the Treasure Valley—and skipping permits when they're required can cause real problems.
Here's what you need to know about demolition permits for mobile homes in Idaho.
The Short Answer
In most of the Treasure Valley: yes, you need a demolition permit. The requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction.
City of Boise: Requires a demolition permit. Application fee around $100-200. You'll also need to demonstrate that utilities have been disconnected.
Meridian: Requires a demolition permit through the building department. Similar process and fees to Boise.
Nampa: Demolition permit required. Contact their building services department.
Caldwell: Check with Canyon County building department for requirements.
Unincorporated areas: Ada County and Canyon County have their own permit requirements. Rural properties may have different (sometimes fewer) requirements than city properties.
What the Permit Process Involves
Typical requirements for a mobile home demolition permit:
Processing time is usually 3-10 business days. Some jurisdictions offer expedited processing for additional fees.
Utility Disconnection
Before demolition—and usually before a permit is issued—all utilities must be properly disconnected:
Electricity: Contact Idaho Power to disconnect service and remove the meter. This isn't just turning off the breaker—the connection to the power grid must be severed.
Natural gas: Contact Intermountain Gas to disconnect service and cap the line. Gas lines must be properly terminated to prevent leaks.
Water: Contact your water provider to shut off service at the meter. The line to the mobile home should be capped.
Sewer/septic: City sewer connections need to be properly capped. Septic systems have their own decommissioning requirements.
Propane: If the home uses propane, the tank must be emptied and removed before demolition.
Asbestos Survey Requirements
Idaho DEQ and EPA regulations require asbestos inspection before demolition in many cases:
Older mobile homes. Units built before 1980 are more likely to contain asbestos in flooring, insulation, siding, or duct tape. Testing is usually required.
The inspection process. A certified asbestos inspector takes samples and sends them to a lab. Cost is typically $200-500 for a mobile home.
If asbestos is found. Materials containing asbestos must be removed by licensed abatement contractors before general demolition can proceed. This adds cost and time.
Documentation. Keep the inspection report—you may need to show it to get your demolition permit or for future property sales.
What Happens If You Skip the Permit
Some people think they can just tear down a mobile home without permits. Here's why that's risky:
Fines. Demolishing without required permits can result in fines from the city or county. These often exceed what the permit would have cost.
Title issues. If the mobile home has a separate title (many do), demolishing it improperly can create problems when you try to sell the property.
Tax assessment problems. The county assessor needs to know the structure is gone. Without proper documentation, you might keep paying taxes on a nonexistent building.
Future building issues. If you want to build something new on the site, unpermitted demolition can complicate your building permit application.
Who Handles the Permit—You or the Contractor?
Either option works:
You pull the permit. Property owners can usually apply for demolition permits themselves. You'll need to gather the documentation and visit the building department.
Contractor pulls the permit. Many demolition contractors will handle permitting as part of their service. This is convenient and ensures nothing gets missed.
If your contractor offers to handle permits, make sure you understand what's included in their price and who's responsible if there are delays or additional requirements.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you probably need a permit to demolish a mobile home in the Treasure Valley. The exact requirements depend on your jurisdiction, but the process is usually straightforward—application, fee, utility disconnection documentation, and possibly an asbestos survey.
Contact your local building department to confirm requirements before starting any demolition work. The permit fee is a small part of the overall project cost and avoids potential headaches down the road.
We can help you understand what's required for your specific property and jurisdiction. Give us a call with questions.
Questions About Permits?
We've handled mobile home demolitions throughout the Treasure Valley and know the local requirements. Let us help you navigate the process.
Call (208) 943-5231