Unincorporated Nye County

Building permits required within PRPD for: new construction over 200 sq ft; any construction in commercial zones; alteration, repair, moving, improving, removing, conversion, or demolition of buildings/structures; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work; swimming pools and spas; signs; any work affecting building service equipment.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) under 200 square feet with no utilities
• Exempt Fences and block walls not over 7 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
• Exempt Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 18 inches deep, not wider than 8 feet, under 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground
• Exempt Window awnings projecting not more than 54 inches
• Exempt Playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Exempt Minor electrical repair work including lamp replacement
• Exempt Connection of approved portable equipment to approved receptacles
• Exempt Portable heating appliances
• Exempt Portable ventilation/cooling equipment
• Exempt Portable evaporative coolers
• Exempt Stopping leaks in drains and pipes (if no concealed trap replacement needed)
• Exempt Clearing stoppages in pipes
• Exempt Repairing leaks in pipes/valves
• Exempt Removal and reinstallation of water closets without replacement of valves/pipes

Note: Even when building permits are not required, all structures must meet Title 17 of Nye County Code (zoning requirements). A Zoning Review Application is required prior to start of ANY construction. CRITICAL: Properties outside the Pahrump Regional Planning District (Tonopah, Beatty, Gabbs, rural areas) are entirely exempt from building permit requirements per Nye County Code Chapter 15.16.010, though zoning and other permits may still apply.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC)

Permit validity

Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance. Permits expire if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Extensions may be requested in writing.

Owner-builder

Property owners may act as their own contractor. Must submit Owner/Builder Affidavit with driver's license copy. Owner assumes all responsibility for code compliance.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Nevada has no exemptions for electrical, alarm, or sign installation work. License verification mandatory before hiring.

Source: Nye County Building and Safety Department ↗

1. 01
   Verify property is within Pahrump Regional Planning District (PRPD); properties outside PRPD do not require building permits.
2. 02
   Obtain approved Zoning Review Application from Planning Department (required prerequisite for all permits).
3. 03
   Create account on Nye County Citizen Services portal.
4. 04
   Prepare and gather required documents (construction plans, plot plan, soils report, structural calculations, etc.).
5. 05
   Submit application online through Citizen Services portal or in-person at Building and Safety office.
6. 06
   City staff reviews plans; standard turnaround is 10 business days.
7. 07
   Receive email notification once approved and pay fees through portal or in-person.
8. 08
   Permit issued after all fees paid and requirements met.
9. 09
   Schedule required inspections throughout construction.
10. 10
    Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection passes and required documentation submitted.

Typical processing time: Over-the-counter permits (minor work): same day. Full plan review: 10 business days. Complete permit timeline varies by project complexity.

Source: Nye County Building and Safety Department ↗

Accepted: Check, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, E-Check. Credit/debit cards subject to processing fees. Payment due after approval via Citizen Services portal email notification.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 13, 2025) before budgeting.

• Building and Safety (phone)
• Citizen Services Portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Friday: By appointment only (excluding holidays)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for single family residential: Pad certification (required before foundation), Foundation/Slab, Framing/Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, Insulation, Final building inspection, Final electrical/plumbing/mechanical as applicable, Certificate of Occupancy (requires wet-stamped pad certification and elevation certificate if in flood zone).