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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clark County
New construction of buildings or structures, additions, remodels, structural changes, installation or modification of plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems, fencing over exempt heights (above 6 ft for certain types), re-roofing if replacing structural roof components or exceeding exempt limits, windows/doors/glazing when changing sizes/types or affecting fire-rated assemblies, retaining walls over certain dimensions, and sign construction.
One-story detached accessory buildings (sheds), 200 sq ft or less, with no plumbing/electrical/mechanical
Roof covering replacements (re-roofing) provided no structural repairs and less than 64 sq ft of roof sheathing replaced
Type A fencing up to 6 ft (not part of pool barrier)
Type B fencing/retaining walls up to 24 inches height
Platforms or decks 30 inches or less above grade (accessory to single-family dwelling)
Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over basement
Windows or doors replacement/glazing if same size/type, not changing structural or fire-rated elements
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings (sheds), 200 sq ft or less, with no plumbing/electrical/mechanical
- Exempt Roof covering replacements (re-roofing) provided no structural repairs and less than 64 sq ft of roof sheathing replaced
- Exempt Type A fencing up to 6 ft (not part of pool barrier)
- Exempt Type B fencing/retaining walls up to 24 inches height
- Exempt Platforms or decks 30 inches or less above grade (accessory to single-family dwelling)
- Exempt Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over basement
- Exempt Windows or doors replacement/glazing if same size/type, not changing structural or fire-rated elements
Note: Zoning and land use regulations still apply even when building permit is not required.
Required documents
- Completed Clark County building permit application
- Site plan/plot plan with lot dimensions, setbacks, existing structures
- Construction drawings/plans (sealed as required for additions/structural work)
- Contractor license/architect/engineer information
- Owner-builder affidavit if applicable
- Energy compliance documentation
- Grading/drainage plans if applicable
- Geotechnical reports if applicable
- Building code
- 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with Southern Nevada Amendments, 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) - effective January 11, 2026
- Permit validity
- Permits valid for 180 days from date of issuance. If work does not begin within 180 days, permit may expire. Renewal requires submitting application to ExpiredPermits@ClarkCountyNV.Gov with minimum renewal fee of $54.00.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may act as their own contractor on their primary residence. Must complete owner-builder affidavit. Cannot sell or lease property within one year of completion without proper licensing. Commercial work requires licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board. License verification at https://www.nscb.nv.gov/ or call (702) 486-1100.
Source: Clark County Building and Fire Prevention Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 7-21 business days depending on project complexity
- 01 Prepare your documents: completed building permit application, site plan/plot plan, construction drawings/plans (sealed by architect/engineer as required), contractor license information, owner-builder affidavit if applicable, energy compliance documentation, and any additional documents such as grading plans or geotechnical reports.
- 02 Determine permit type and check if project qualifies for 'Simple Online Permit' or requires full plan review.
- 03 Submit via Accela Citizen Access portal: register/log in, select permit type, upload required documents, and pay intake/plan check fees.
- 04 County staff reviews submission for code compliance. Average review times: Commercial 21 days, Commercial Minor 14 days, Standard Plan 21 days, Custom Single Family Residence 21 days, Residential Minor 14 days, Revisions 10 days.
- 05 Final approval and permit issuance: pay remaining fees upon approval. Permit must be visibly posted at job site.
- 06 Schedule inspections via portal at key milestones: foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, and final.
Typical processing time: 7-21 business days depending on project complexity
Source: Clark County Building and Fire Prevention Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Clark County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$54.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee calculation (varies by valuation)
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based per Table 3-E Building Valuation Data. $1-$500: $54 flat. $501-$2,000: $54 + $1.683 per $100 above $500. $2,001-$25,000: $79.29 + $7.371 per $1,000 above $2,000. $25,001-$50,000: $248.82 + $4.725 per $1,000 above $25,000. $50,001-$100,000: $366.95 + $3.402 per $1,000 above $50,000. $100,001+: $537.05 + $2.934 per $1,000 above $100,000.
04
Reinspection fee
$110 per reinspection; After-hours inspections $110/hour (3-hour minimum if not contiguous); Additional plan reviews $110/hour
05
Penalty (no permit)
Work without permit penalty equal to permit fee (cap $4,000 residential / $50,000 commercial); Investigation fee 3x inspection hourly rate
Online payment via Accela portal; credit card accepted
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Accela Citizen Access portal (online)
- (702) 455-3000 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed Fridays)
- Time windows
- Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/under-slab, Framing/structural, MEP rough-ins (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), Insulation, Drywall, Final inspection
Source: Clark County Building and Fire Prevention Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clark County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, NV? ▸
New construction of buildings or structures, additions, remodels, structural changes, installation or modification of plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems, fencing over exempt heights (above 6 ft for certain types), re-roofing if replacing structural roof components or exceeding exempt limits, windows/doors/glazing when changing sizes/types or affecting fire-rated assemblies, retaining walls over certain dimensions, and sign construction.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clark County, NV? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Clark County, NV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $54.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per Table 3-E Building Valuation Data. $1-$500: $54 flat. $501-$2,000: $54 + $1.683 per $100 above $500. $2,001-$25,000: $79.29 + $7.371 per $1,000 above $2,000. $25,001-$50,000: $248.82 + $4.725 per $1,000 above $25,000. $50,001-$100,000: $366.95 + $3.402 per $1,000 above $50,000. $100,001+: $537.05 + $2.934 per $1,000 above $100,000.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee calculation (varies by valuation).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, NV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, NV, follow these steps: 1. Prepare your documents: completed building permit application, site plan/plot plan, construction drawings/plans (sealed by architect/engineer as required), contractor license information, owner-builder affidavit if applicable, energy compliance documentation, and any additional documents such as grading plans or geotechnical reports. 2. Determine permit type and check if project qualifies for 'Simple Online Permit' or requires full plan review. 3. Submit via Accela Citizen Access portal: register/log in, select permit type, upload required documents, and pay intake/plan check fees. 4. County staff reviews submission for code compliance. Average review times: Commercial 21 days, Commercial Minor 14 days, Standard Plan 21 days, Custom Single Family Residence 21 days, Residential Minor 14 days, Revisions 10 days. 5. Final approval and permit issuance: pay remaining fees upon approval. Permit must be visibly posted at job site. 6. Schedule inspections via portal at key milestones: foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, and final.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, NV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Clark County, NV typically run 7-21 business days depending on project complexity. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clark County, NV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Clark County, NV. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings (sheds), 200 sq ft or less, with no plumbing/electrical/mechanical; Roof covering replacements (re-roofing) provided no structural repairs and less than 64 sq ft of roof sheathing replaced; Type A fencing up to 6 ft (not part of pool barrier); Type B fencing/retaining walls up to 24 inches height; Platforms or decks 30 inches or less above grade (accessory to single-family dwelling); Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over basement; Windows or doors replacement/glazing if same size/type, not changing structural or fire-rated elements. Note: Zoning and land use regulations still apply even when building permit is not required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, NV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, NV via: Accela Citizen Access portal, (702) 455-3000.
last verified April 2026
source Clark County Building and Fire Prevention Department ↗
entry id permits/nevada/clark/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clark County Building and Fire Prevention Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.