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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Storey County
A building permit is required for all construction within unincorporated Storey County, except for exempt structures and work as specified in Nevada Revised Statutes and county code.
One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft without permanent foundation (tool sheds, playhouses)
Fences without permanent foundations under 4 feet in height
Retaining walls under 24 inches in height
Decks under 200 sq ft, not attached, not over 30 inches above grade
Painting, papering, floor coverings, cabinets, countertops
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Minor repairs and maintenance as defined by building code
Contractor license exempt work under NRS 624.031: government entity work, public utility work, owner-builder work (under specified conditions), repair/maintenance work under $1,000 (with limitations for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, refrigeration)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft without permanent foundation (tool sheds, playhouses)
- Exempt Fences without permanent foundations under 4 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls under 24 inches in height
- Exempt Decks under 200 sq ft, not attached, not over 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, floor coverings, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance as defined by building code
- Exempt Contractor license exempt work under NRS 624.031: government entity work, public utility work, owner-builder work (under specified conditions), repair/maintenance work under $1,000 (with limitations for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, refrigeration)
Note: Building permit exemption does not mean exemption from zoning, planning, and design review requirements. Verify with County Community Development before proceeding, especially for historic district or HOA-governed properties.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plot plan showing all structures, improvements, and neighboring properties within 150 feet of septic system
- Wet-stamped building plans (architect, contractor, or engineer stamped)
- Engineering truss calculations (wet-stamped)
- Owner-Builder Affidavit (if applicable)
- Proof of property taxes paid to date (from County Treasurer)
- Certificate of Appropriateness (if in Comstock Historic District)
- Architectural review stamp (if in Virginia City Highlands or Highland Ranches subdivisions)
- Well and septic locations with required setbacks shown on plans
- Building code
- 2018 International Code Suite (IBC, IRC, IEBC, IECC, IFGC, IMC, NEC, UMC, UPC, ISPSC, IFC, IWUIC) with Northern Nevada Amendments. 2024 code adoption in process (verify current edition with county).
- Permit validity
- Permit valid for 6 months (180 days) from issuance. Inspections must be scheduled and completed within 180 days or permit becomes void. Permit renewal available at one-half the building fee at Building Official's discretion.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may construct residential structures for personal occupancy (not for sale or lease) under NRS 624.031(4). Must complete Owner-Builder Affidavit, directly supervise construction, and ensure all subcontractors are NSCB-licensed. Workers Compensation insurance required. Sale or lease within 1 year of completion creates rebuttable presumption of intent to sell.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors and subcontractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) and hold a current Storey County business license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review typically 4-8 weeks depending on project complexity. Permit valid for 6 months (180 days) from issuance.
- 01 Verify property tax status with County Treasurer; delinquent taxes must be paid before permit issuance.
- 02 If in Comstock Historic District (Virginia City, Gold Hill, surrounding areas), obtain Certificate of Appropriateness from Comstock Historic District Commission before submitting building permit.
- 03 If in Virginia City Highlands or Highland Ranches subdivision, obtain architectural review stamp from HOA committee and include with submittal.
- 04 Prepare wet-stamped building plans (architect, contractor, or engineer stamped) meeting county requirements.
- 05 Submit plans and required documents to Nevada Blue (Reno or Carson City office) or directly to Storey County Community Development.
- 06 County Community Development reviews plans and coordinates with Fire Protection District.
- 07 Pay plan review fee (65% of building permit fee) and applicable privilege tax ($1,600 per residential dwelling unit).
- 08 Obtain approved plans from Nevada Blue; color-printed approved set must remain on-site during construction.
- 09 Schedule inspections as work progresses; contact County at (775) 847-0966 or building@storeycounty.org.
Typical processing time: Plan review typically 4-8 weeks depending on project complexity. Permit valid for 6 months (180 days) from issuance.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Per Resolution #03-172 and April 1998 Building Standards
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation per April 1998 Building Standards for Building Valuation (verify with county)
03
Reinspection fee
$100 per hour (assessed after two failed inspections for same stage)
Payment required before permit issuance. Contact county for accepted payment methods and processing details.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Per Resolution #03-172 and April 1998 Building Standards) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (775) 847-0966 (phone)
- building@storeycounty.org (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Provide address, permit number, inspection type, and contact person. Inspections must be scheduled within 180 days of permit issuance.
- Inspection hours
- Hours of operation: contact county for current schedule
- Time windows
- Inspection windows vary; coordinate with inspector
Typical sequence: Typical residential sequence: (1) Plot Walk/Site Visit, (2) Footings and Stem Wall, (3) Under Slab, (4) Joist/Girder, (5) Shear and Hold Downs, (6) Roof Nailing, (7) Rough Framing, (8) Rough Electrical/Mechanical/Plumbing, (9) Insulation, (10) Drywall Nailing, (11) Final Inspection / Certificate of Occupancy. No remote inspections allowed for footings and stem wall.
Remote inspections not permitted for footings, stem wall, and other critical stages. Contact inspector for specific requirements.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Storey County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Storey County, NV? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within unincorporated Storey County, except for exempt structures and work as specified in Nevada Revised Statutes and county code.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Storey County, NV? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Storey County, NV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation per April 1998 Building Standards for Building Valuation (verify with county). Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Storey County, NV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Storey County, NV, follow these steps: 1. Verify property tax status with County Treasurer; delinquent taxes must be paid before permit issuance. 2. If in Comstock Historic District (Virginia City, Gold Hill, surrounding areas), obtain Certificate of Appropriateness from Comstock Historic District Commission before submitting building permit. 3. If in Virginia City Highlands or Highland Ranches subdivision, obtain architectural review stamp from HOA committee and include with submittal. 4. Prepare wet-stamped building plans (architect, contractor, or engineer stamped) meeting county requirements. 5. Submit plans and required documents to Nevada Blue (Reno or Carson City office) or directly to Storey County Community Development. 6. County Community Development reviews plans and coordinates with Fire Protection District. 7. Pay plan review fee (65% of building permit fee) and applicable privilege tax ($1,600 per residential dwelling unit). 8. Obtain approved plans from Nevada Blue; color-printed approved set must remain on-site during construction. 9. Schedule inspections as work progresses; contact County at (775) 847-0966 or building@storeycounty.org.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Storey County, NV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Storey County, NV typically run Plan review typically 4-8 weeks depending on project complexity. Permit valid for 6 months (180 days) from issuance.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Storey County, NV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Storey County, NV. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft without permanent foundation (tool sheds, playhouses); Fences without permanent foundations under 4 feet in height; Retaining walls under 24 inches in height; Decks under 200 sq ft, not attached, not over 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, floor coverings, cabinets, countertops; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches; Minor repairs and maintenance as defined by building code; Contractor license exempt work under NRS 624.031: government entity work, public utility work, owner-builder work (under specified conditions), repair/maintenance work under $1,000 (with limitations for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, refrigeration). Note: Building permit exemption does not mean exemption from zoning, planning, and design review requirements. Verify with County Community Development before proceeding, especially for historic district or HOA-governed properties. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Storey County, NV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Storey County, NV via: (775) 847-0966, building@storeycounty.org. Provide address, permit number, inspection type, and contact person. Inspections must be scheduled within 180 days of permit issuance..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/nevada/storey/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.