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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lyon County
All new construction, repair, or remodeling of buildings or structures on residential lots; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work; accessory structures over 200 square feet (IRC) or 120 square feet (IBC); decks attached to buildings; grading and excavation beyond building footprint.
Fences six feet or less in height (height limitations: max 6 feet side/rear yards, max 4 feet front yard, max 2 feet within 25 feet of intersection)
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses: IRC construction under 200 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing; IBC construction under 120 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing
Detached decks not exceeding 200 SF floor area and less than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Fences six feet or less in height (height limitations: max 6 feet side/rear yards, max 4 feet front yard, max 2 feet within 25 feet of intersection)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses: IRC construction under 200 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing; IBC construction under 120 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing
- Exempt Detached decks not exceeding 200 SF floor area and less than 30 inches above grade
Note: All exempt work must still comply with zoning regulations and setback requirements. If electrical, mechanical, or plumbing is included, permit is required regardless of size.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Two complete sets of construction drawings (for paper applications)
- Truss calculations
- Structural calculations
- Water/sewer documentation (will serve letters, well contract, septic app with perc test)
- Owner-Builder Affidavit (if applicable)
- Plans must be prepared by Nevada-licensed designers or contractors
- All structural engineering must contain wet-seal stamp of Nevada-licensed engineer
- Building code
- 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Northern Nevada ICC Amendments, 2024 Lyon County Amendments (effective January 1, 2026)
- Permit validity
- Building permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days. Extensions may be granted by Building Official.
- Owner-builder
- Owner may act as own general contractor under NRS 624.031(5). Must complete Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption from NSCB. Must occupy building for at least one year after final approval. Cannot construct duplex or commercial as owner-builder. Must directly supervise construction. All subcontractors must be NSCB-licensed. Unlicensed workers must be direct employees under owner supervision.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). License required for any project $500 or more (labor and materials).
Source: Lyon County Community Development Department - Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review process timing varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for specific estimates.
- 01 Complete the appropriate permit application form (residential, commercial, manufactured home, or floodplain development).
- 02 Prepare required documents: two complete sets of drawings, truss calculations, structural calculations, water/sewer documentation (will serve letters, well driller contract, septic application with perc test).
- 03 Submit application online through Citizens Portal or in person at Yerington office.
- 04 Pay non-refundable plan review deposit and $25.00 processing fee.
- 05 Applications requiring County Engineer review will be billed on time and materials basis; invoices must be paid prior to permit issuance.
- 06 Pay final building permit fee prior to permit issuance.
- 07 Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Typical processing time: Plan review process timing varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for specific estimates.
Source: Lyon County Community Development Department - Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lyon County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Permit fees calculated using project valuation method based on ICC Building Valuation Data. (Gross Square Footage) x (Square Foot Construction Cost from ICC Table) = Building Valuation. Building Valuation x Fee Multiplier = Permit Fee.
02
Reinspection fee
Additional inspection fees may apply; County Engineer fees billed separately for time and materials.
Plan review deposit required with application (non-refundable). $25.00 processing fee per permit (effective 7/1/2015).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Citizens Portal (online)
- (775) 463-6591 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Counter closes at 4:00 PM)
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing inspection, Framing inspection, Plumbing rough-in, Electrical rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Insulation inspection, Final inspection. Reinspection fee note: Additional inspection fees apply for reinspections; fees vary by project type.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lyon County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, NV? ▸
All new construction, repair, or remodeling of buildings or structures on residential lots; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work; accessory structures over 200 square feet (IRC) or 120 square feet (IBC); decks attached to buildings; grading and excavation beyond building footprint.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lyon County, NV? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Lyon County, NV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Permit fees calculated using project valuation method based on ICC Building Valuation Data. (Gross Square Footage) x (Square Foot Construction Cost from ICC Table) = Building Valuation. Building Valuation x Fee Multiplier = Permit Fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, NV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, NV, follow these steps: 1. Complete the appropriate permit application form (residential, commercial, manufactured home, or floodplain development). 2. Prepare required documents: two complete sets of drawings, truss calculations, structural calculations, water/sewer documentation (will serve letters, well driller contract, septic application with perc test). 3. Submit application online through Citizens Portal or in person at Yerington office. 4. Pay non-refundable plan review deposit and $25.00 processing fee. 5. Applications requiring County Engineer review will be billed on time and materials basis; invoices must be paid prior to permit issuance. 6. Pay final building permit fee prior to permit issuance. 7. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lyon County, NV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Lyon County, NV typically run Plan review process timing varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for specific estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lyon County, NV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Lyon County, NV. The following work is generally exempt: Fences six feet or less in height (height limitations: max 6 feet side/rear yards, max 4 feet front yard, max 2 feet within 25 feet of intersection); One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses: IRC construction under 200 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing; IBC construction under 120 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing; Detached decks not exceeding 200 SF floor area and less than 30 inches above grade. Note: All exempt work must still comply with zoning regulations and setback requirements. If electrical, mechanical, or plumbing is included, permit is required regardless of size. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lyon County, NV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lyon County, NV via: Citizens Portal, (775) 463-6591.
last verified April 2026
source Lyon County Community Development Department - Building Division ↗
entry id permits/nevada/lyon/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lyon County Community Development Department - Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.