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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lander County
A building permit is required for all construction, alterations, repairs, and extensions within unincorporated Lander County, with limited exemptions (e.g., sheds 120 sq ft or smaller).
- Exempt Sheds 120 square feet or smaller (must be anchored and meet setback requirements)
Note: Most other construction, alterations, repairs, and extensions require permits. Contact the Building Department at (775) 635-2860 to confirm if a permit is required for specific work. Owner-builder exemptions are available for residential structures built for owner's own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease within 1 year.
- Completed General Building Permit Application
- Plot plan (2 copies, drawn to scale with owner name, address, APN, structures, utilities, drainage, dimensions, easements)
- Construction plans (2 full-size sets 24" x 36", 2 half-size copies 11" x 17", and PDF)
- Cover sheet with project identification, location, vicinity map, and associated firms
- Foundation plan with footings, reinforcements, rebar, anchor bolts, tie-downs
- Floor plans with overall dimensions, doors, windows, fire assemblies
- Wall/cross sections and building elevations
- Roof truss calculations (2 wet-stamped copies)
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans with full specifications
- Type of construction, square footage, seismic zone (D2), height/stories, occupant load
- Freeze depths (24" minimum), wind loads, snow loads
- Building code
- 2018 International Codes: IBC, IRC, IECC, IFGC, IFC; 2018 UPC and UMC; 2017 NEC; ICC A117.1-2009
- Permit validity
- Construction must commence within the validity period specified on permit. If not initiated within validity period, a new permit application may be required.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may build for their own occupancy if they meet Nevada exemption requirements. Must complete Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption. Must directly supervise all construction. Cannot sell or lease within 1 year of completion.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). License required for projects valued at $500 or more. Verify licenses at www.nscb.nv.gov or (775) 688-1141. Lander County business license required ($50 fee). State of Nevada business license required ($200, renewable annually).
Application process
Typical processing: Non-commercial: typically 3 weeks or less. Commercial: up to 3 months depending on complexity.
- 01 Obtain the General Building Permit Application from the Lander County Building and Planning Department (in-person, by phone, or online).
- 02 Prepare all required documentation including completed application, plot plans (2 copies), and construction plans (2 full-size sets, 24" x 36", with wet stamps).
- 03 Submit application with all required documents in person, by mail, or via email to buildingassistant@landercountynv.org.
- 04 County staff or contracted plan review agency reviews plans and may request revisions if corrections are needed.
- 05 Pay permit fees based on project valuation once review is complete and before permit issuance.
- 06 Permit is issued specifying scope of work and required inspections.
- 07 Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Department at (775) 635-2860; no inspections scheduled on Fridays.
Typical processing time: Non-commercial: typically 3 weeks or less. Commercial: up to 3 months depending on complexity.
Fee schedule
Lander County building permit fees
Lander County business license: $50. State of Nevada business license: $200 (renewable annually). Building Official may waive plan review fees when deemed feasible or practical. Contact department at (775) 635-2860 for current fee schedule based on project valuation.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (775) 635-2860 (phone)
- Building Department at 50 State Route 305, Battle Mountain, NV 89820 (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact department to schedule; requests should be made with adequate notice.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed Fridays, weekends, and holidays)
Typical sequence: Required inspections at key stages: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final. Each inspection must be passed before proceeding to the next stage. No inspections scheduled on Fridays.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lander County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lander County, NV? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lander County, NV? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lander County, NV? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lander County, NV? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lander County, NV? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lander County, NV? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lander County Building and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.