City of Lovelock

A building permit is required for new construction, remodels, and other improvements within City of Lovelock limits.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
• Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways (non-commercial)
• Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery

Note: Exemptions do NOT grant authorization for work to be done in violation of code or other ordinances. Subject to City's adopted codes. Septic permits are REQUIRED for all dwelling units regardless of building permit exemptions. Confirm specific exemptions with Building Department.

Building code

2012 International Building Code (IBC), 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). NOTE: Municipal Code Chapter 23 references 1994 Uniform Building Code, but current practice follows 2012 I-Codes per City Residential Building Guide (2025).

Permit validity

Valid for 1 year from date of issue. Work must commence within 180 days (extensions allowed per Pershing County policies).

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete affidavit form. Must comply with NRS 623.335 and NRS 623A.070(1)(a). Owner must occupy property for at least one year. Owner may only prepare plans for single-family dwelling they own and occupy.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board. City business license required for all contractors working in city limits (in addition to State business license). Contractors must provide valid Nevada State Contractors license number.

Source: Pershing County Building Department (Regional Planning Department shared service) ↗

1. 01
   Complete the Building Permit Application fully (incomplete applications will not be accepted).
2. 02
   Prepare required documents: three complete sets of plans with professional stamps, two hard copies of plot plan with setbacks, and truss calculations if applicable.
3. 03
   Submit in person or by mail to Pershing County Building Department at 398 Main Street, Lovelock, NV 89419.
4. 04
   Pay plan review fees at time of submittal.
5. 05
   Building Department reviews plans and issues permit once payment of all fees is complete.
6. 06
   Obtain City of Lovelock business license if contractor (required in addition to State Contractors Board license).
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections 24 hours in advance by phone: (775) 273-2700.
8. 08
   Obtain final inspection approval and occupancy clearance.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; no specific timeline published. Rural county operations suggest longer lead times than urban jurisdictions.

Source: Pershing County Building Department (Regional Planning Department shared service) ↗

• (775) 273-2700 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday (schedule in advance for specific times)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for stick-built homes: (1) Foundation footing with survey/soils certification, (2) Foundation stem wall, (3) Plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical rough, (4) Roof nail, (5) Framing/masonry, (6) Insulation, (7) Sheetrock, (8) Final with survey certification. Grading requirements: ground adjacent to foundation sloped minimum 5% for 10 feet perpendicular to wall; top of exterior foundation must extend 12 inches plus 2% above street gutter elevation.