City of Winnemucca

Building permit required for all construction within city limits: new construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; additions to existing structures; manufactured home installations; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work; grading and excavation; signs and fences. All construction must comply with City of Winnemucca codes and ordinances.

• Exempt Detached accessory structures under 200 square feet (one-story)
• Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
• Exempt Sidewalks, decks, platforms, driveways under 30 inches above grade
• Exempt Above-ground pools under 5 feet deep / in-ground pools under 24 inches deep
• Exempt Painting, papering, and finish work
• Exempt Shade cloth structures under 250 square feet for agricultural/nursery use

Note: Always confirm with City Building Department at (775) 623-6319 before beginning work. Zoning approval may still be required even if building permit not required. City and County have a Regional Planning Commission that handles planning matters for both jurisdictions.

Building code

City has adopted same codes as Humboldt County through Regional Planning Commission coordination: 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2012 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2012 International Fire Code, 2011 National Electrical Code, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code

Permit validity

120 days to commence work; 180 days between inspections; expires one year from issuance per IRC Section R105.5. Renewal permits available at 50% of fee if renewed within 6 months.

Owner-builder

Property owners may act as their own general contractor for residential construction intended for their own occupancy. Must file Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption with Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) and submit original to City Building Department. Cannot sell or lease within 1 year. Must directly supervise construction. All subcontractors must be NSCB-licensed. Must comply with all state and federal employment laws.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board for work valued at $500 or more. Must obtain City of Winnemucca Business License: (775) 623-6339. Workers' compensation insurance required for businesses with employees.

1. 01
   Contact Regional Planning Department at (775) 623-6392 to confirm zoning requirements and land use compatibility.
2. 02
   Contact City of Winnemucca Water and Sewer Department at (775) 623-6340 for service connection approvals.
3. 03
   Complete building permit application package with all required documents (site plan, floor plans, elevations, cross sections, framing plans, foundation details).
4. 04
   City Building Department reviews submitted plans. May require coordination with Regional Planning, City Fire Department, City Water and Sewer Department, and Nevada State Fire Marshal.
5. 05
   Submit application in-person at 90 West Fourth Street, Winnemucca, via email to building@winnemuccacity.org, or by phone to (775) 623-6319.
6. 06
   Pay permit fees at time of permit issuance.
7. 07
   Receive permit and inspection record form.
8. 08
   Call (775) 623-6319 to schedule required inspections.
9. 09
   Complete all required inspections (same sequence as Humboldt County).
10. 10
    Upon passing final inspection, certificate of occupancy issued.

Typical processing time: Approximately 10 working days for complete single-family residence applications.

• (775) 623-6319 (phone)
• 90 West Fourth Street, Winnemucca, NV 89445 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

24-hour notice typically required. City limits area typically has more flexible scheduling than outlying county areas.

Inspection hours

Contact department for specific hours.

Time windows

Contact department for specific scheduling.

Typical sequence: Same as Humboldt County: Underground utilities, Foundation/footing, Stem walls, Under floor, Roof framing/sheathing, Framing and rough trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), Insulation, Sheetrock, Final. City-Specific: Coordination with City Water and Sewer Department for utility inspections. Fire Department inspections may be required for certain occupancies.