On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Las Vegas
New construction, additions and remodels, structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, sign installation, and most construction and alteration work
Minor repairs and maintenance
Painting, papering, and similar finish work
Portable heating and cooling equipment
Some landscaping work (verify with city)
Specific exemptions per LVMC Chapter 16
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Portable heating and cooling equipment
- Exempt Some landscaping work (verify with city)
- Exempt Specific exemptions per LVMC Chapter 16
Note: Zoning regulations and other city codes may still apply.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Architectural and construction drawings
- Energy code compliance documents
- Structural calculations or SNBO standard details
- Geotechnical report when required
- Contractor license information
- Building code
- 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with amendments (effective January 5, 2026), 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018/2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with Southern Nevada Amendments, 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
- Permit validity
- Permits valid for 180 days from date of issuance. Work must begin within 180 days or permit expires. Extensions available by contacting Building Department.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may obtain permits for work on their own property. Must sign owner-builder affidavit. Limited to single-family residences owned and occupied by applicant.
- Contractor requirements
- Nevada State Contractors Board license required for all commercial work. License verification at https://www.nscb.nv.gov/
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Simple permits (water heater, HVAC swap): 1-2 days. Larger projects requiring plan review: 10-15 business days
- 01 Determine permit requirements and check if project requires permit using the Permit Fee Estimator.
- 02 Prepare necessary documentation: completed permit application, site plan, architectural and construction drawings, energy code compliance documents, structural engineering calculations or SNBO standard details, and geotechnical or soils report if required.
- 03 Submit application online by uploading application and plans through the Online Building Permits portal.
- 04 Plan review and approval: multiple city departments review plans for code compliance. Monitor progress via Permit & Application Status page.
- 05 Permit issuance: pay outstanding fees after approval. Permit issued upon payment.
- 06 Schedule inspections at key milestones through the online portal.
Typical processing time: Simple permits (water heater, HVAC swap): 1-2 days. Larger projects requiring plan review: 10-15 business days
§ 04
Fee schedule
Las Vegas building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$55
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit fee for new construction
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based with separate plan check and permit/inspection fees. Sample residential: Single-Family Custom 2,000 sq ft - Plan Check $1,181 + Permit $3,044. Single-Family Addition 1,000 sq ft - Plan Check $489 + Permit $1,319. Apartment Low/Midrise 10,000 sq ft - Plan Check $2,344 + Permit $5,677.
04
Reinspection fee
Additional plan review (revisions): $80 per hour
Online payment available; credit cards accepted
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online portal (online)
- (702) 229-6251 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday
- Time windows
- Monday - Friday
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, insulation, drywall, final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Las Vegas permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Las Vegas, NV? ▸
New construction, additions and remodels, structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, sign installation, and most construction and alteration work
02 How much does a building permit cost in Las Vegas, NV? ▸
Building permit fees in Las Vegas, NV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $55. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based with separate plan check and permit/inspection fees. Sample residential: Single-Family Custom 2,000 sq ft - Plan Check $1,181 + Permit $3,044. Single-Family Addition 1,000 sq ft - Plan Check $489 + Permit $1,319. Apartment Low/Midrise 10,000 sq ft - Plan Check $2,344 + Permit $5,677.. Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee for new construction.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Las Vegas, NV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Las Vegas, NV, follow these steps: 1. Determine permit requirements and check if project requires permit using the Permit Fee Estimator. 2. Prepare necessary documentation: completed permit application, site plan, architectural and construction drawings, energy code compliance documents, structural engineering calculations or SNBO standard details, and geotechnical or soils report if required. 3. Submit application online by uploading application and plans through the Online Building Permits portal. 4. Plan review and approval: multiple city departments review plans for code compliance. Monitor progress via Permit & Application Status page. 5. Permit issuance: pay outstanding fees after approval. Permit issued upon payment. 6. Schedule inspections at key milestones through the online portal.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Las Vegas, NV? ▸
Building permit processing times in Las Vegas, NV typically run Simple permits (water heater, HVAC swap): 1-2 days. Larger projects requiring plan review: 10-15 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Las Vegas, NV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Las Vegas, NV. The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs and maintenance; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Portable heating and cooling equipment; Some landscaping work (verify with city); Specific exemptions per LVMC Chapter 16. Note: Zoning regulations and other city codes may still apply. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Las Vegas, NV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Las Vegas, NV via: Online portal, (702) 229-6251.
last verified April 2026
source City of Las Vegas Building and Safety Department ↗
entry id permits/nevada/clark/las-vegas
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Las Vegas Building and Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.