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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pershing County
A building permit is required for new construction, remodels, septic systems, and manufactured homes.
- 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
- Exempt Agricultural buildings or structures per County Resolution 12-276 (accessory buildings in A-35 Zoning District that are not habitable, not for residential occupancy, and not open to public use)
Note: Exemptions do NOT grant authorization for work to be done in violation of code or other ordinances. Septic permits are REQUIRED for all dwelling units regardless of building permit exemptions.
- Completed building permit application
- Owner-Builder Affidavit (if applicable)
- Three (3) complete sets of plans with required professional stamps/signatures (minimum 24" x 36" for dwellings, 11" x 17" for accessory structures; no pencil drawings)
- Two (2) hard copies of plot plan with setbacks
- Truss calculations and layout (if applicable)
- Geotechnical investigation reports for all new projects
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Northern Nevada Amendments, 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Standards. Effective 2020.
- Permit validity
- Valid for 1 year from date of issue. Work must commence within 180 days (one extension allowed, then up to 365 days each, max 3 renewals).
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must complete affidavit form and comply with NRS 623.335 and NRS 623A.070(1)(a). Owner must occupy property for at least one year.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board. State business license required ($200, renewable annually).
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; no specific timeline published. Rural county operations suggest longer lead times than urban jurisdictions.
- 01 Complete the Building Permit Application fully (incomplete applications will not be accepted).
- 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.
- 03 Submit in person or by mail to Pershing County Building Department at 398 Main Street, Lovelock, NV 89419.
- 04 Pay plan review fees at time of submittal.
- 05 Building Department reviews plans and issues permit once payment of all fees is complete.
- 06 Schedule required inspections 24 hours in advance by phone: (775) 273-2700.
- 07 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.
Fee schedule
Pershing County building permit fees
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (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, (2) Foundation stem wall, (3) Plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical rough, (4) Roof nail, (5) Framing/masonry, (6) Insulation, (7) Sheetrock, (8) Final. Garages require: (1) Footings with rebar, (2) Stemwall with rebar, (3) Roof sheeting, (4) Electrical, (5) Final. Manufactured homes require: electrical/water/sewer/gas rough, septic inspection, runners, footing/stem wall, final. Grading must be complete before footing inspection.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Pershing County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pershing County, NV? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Pershing County, NV? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pershing County, NV? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pershing County, NV? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pershing County, NV? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pershing County, NV? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Pershing County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.