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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Elko County
New construction, additions, remodels, repairs, change of occupancy, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
Sidewalks, driveways, and uncovered decks (when deck is not used as exit)
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and uncovered decks (when deck is not used as exit)
Note: Electrical, mechanical, and sanitary plumbing installations are NOT exempt from permits. All exempt work must still comply with code.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Scaled plans
- Site plan
- Plot plan
- Structural calculations (if applicable)
- Engineered plans for commercial projects
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) - Building & Electrical chapters only, 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) - for reference
- Permit validity
- 180 days from issuance; work must commence within 180 days or permit expires
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may prepare and submit their own plans for their own private residential use. Plans must be titled without reference to being prepared by another party and have owner's original signature.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 14 days residential, 21 days commercial (varies by complexity)
- 01 Complete building permit application
- 02 Submit two sets of plans (residential) or three sets (commercial)
- 03 Pay application fee
- 04 Plans reviewed by building official
- 05 Permit issued upon approval and fee payment
- 06 Post permit and inspection record card on job site
- 07 Schedule required inspections
- 08 Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Typical processing time: 14 days residential, 21 days commercial (varies by complexity)
§ 04
Fee schedule
Elko County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$44.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee for residential; 65% of permit fee for commercial
03
Permit fee formula
$1-$1,300: $44.00; $1,301-$2,000: $44.00 + $2.75 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $63.00 + $12.50 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $352.00 + $9.00 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $580.00 + $6.25 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $895.00 + $5.00 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $2,855.00 + $4.25 per $1,000; Over $1,000,000: $4,955.00 + $2.75 per $1,000
04
Reinspection fee
$50.00 per hour (minimum 1/2 hour)
Contact department for accepted payment methods
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (775) 738-6816 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours in advance
- Inspection hours
- Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footings, Foundation, 4-way (framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough mechanical), Insulation, Sheetrock, Final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Elko County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Elko County, NV? ▸
New construction, additions, remodels, repairs, change of occupancy, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Elko County, NV? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Elko County, NV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $44.00. Fees are calculated as: $1-$1,300: $44.00; $1,301-$2,000: $44.00 + $2.75 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $63.00 + $12.50 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $352.00 + $9.00 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $580.00 + $6.25 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $895.00 + $5.00 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $2,855.00 + $4.25 per $1,000; Over $1,000,000: $4,955.00 + $2.75 per $1,000. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee for residential; 65% of permit fee for commercial.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Elko County, NV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Elko County, NV, follow these steps: 1. Complete building permit application 2. Submit two sets of plans (residential) or three sets (commercial) 3. Pay application fee 4. Plans reviewed by building official 5. Permit issued upon approval and fee payment 6. Post permit and inspection record card on job site 7. Schedule required inspections 8. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Elko County, NV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Elko County, NV typically run 14 days residential, 21 days commercial (varies by complexity). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Elko County, NV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Elko County, NV. The following work is generally exempt: Sidewalks, driveways, and uncovered decks (when deck is not used as exit). Note: Electrical, mechanical, and sanitary plumbing installations are NOT exempt from permits. All exempt work must still comply with code. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Elko County, NV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Elko County, NV via: (775) 738-6816. At least 24 hours in advance.
last verified April 2026
source Elko County Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/nevada/elko/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Elko County Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.