Lander County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated properties within Lander County. Lander County has no incorporated cities; all building permits are issued directly by the county Building and Planning Department.

Department

Lander County Building and Planning Department

Address

50 State Route 305, Battle Mountain, NV 89820

Phone

(775) 635-2860

Email

buildingassistant@landercountynv.org

Website

https://www.landercountynv.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the General Building Permit Application from the Lander County Building and Planning Department (in-person, by phone, or online).
2. Prepare all required documentation including completed application, plot plans (2 copies), and construction plans (2 full-size sets, 24" x 36", with wet stamps).
3. Submit application with all required documents in person, by mail, or via email to buildingassistant@landercountynv.org.
4. County staff or contracted plan review agency reviews plans and may request revisions if corrections are needed.
5. Pay permit fees based on project valuation once review is complete and before permit issuance.
6. Permit is issued specifying scope of work and required inspections.
7. Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Department at (775) 635-2860; no inspections scheduled on Fridays.

Typical processing time: Non-commercial: typically 3 weeks or less. Commercial: up to 3 months depending on complexity.

Source: Lander County Building and Planning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction, alterations, repairs, and extensions within unincorporated Lander County, with limited exemptions (e.g., sheds 120 sq ft or smaller).

Required Documents

• Completed General Building Permit Application
• Plot plan (2 copies, drawn to scale with owner name, address, APN, structures, utilities, drainage, dimensions, easements)
• Construction plans (2 full-size sets 24" x 36", 2 half-size copies 11" x 17", and PDF)
• Cover sheet with project identification, location, vicinity map, and associated firms
• Foundation plan with footings, reinforcements, rebar, anchor bolts, tie-downs
• Floor plans with overall dimensions, doors, windows, fire assemblies
• Wall/cross sections and building elevations
• Roof truss calculations (2 wet-stamped copies)
• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans with full specifications
• Type of construction, square footage, seismic zone (D2), height/stories, occupant load
• Freeze depths (24" minimum), wind loads, snow loads

Permit validity

Construction must commence within the validity period specified on permit. If not initiated within validity period, a new permit application may be required.

Building code

2018 International Codes: IBC, IRC, IECC, IFGC, IFC; 2018 UPC and UMC; 2017 NEC; ICC A117.1-2009

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may build for their own occupancy if they meet Nevada exemption requirements. Must complete Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption. Must directly supervise all construction. Cannot sell or lease within 1 year of completion.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). License required for projects valued at $500 or more. Verify licenses at www.nscb.nv.gov or (775) 688-1141. Lander County business license required ($50 fee). State of Nevada business license required ($200, renewable annually).

Fees

Plan check fee

Non-commercial: included in permit fee. Commercial: separate plan review fees apply.

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation; specific schedule not available online.

Payment note

Lander County business license: $50. State of Nevada business license: $200 (renewable annually). Building Official may waive plan review fees when deemed feasible or practical. Contact department at (775) 635-2860 for current fee schedule based on project valuation.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Sheds 120 square feet or smaller (must be anchored and meet setback requirements)

Important: Most other construction, alterations, repairs, and extensions require permits. Contact the Building Department at (775) 635-2860 to confirm if a permit is required for specific work. Owner-builder exemptions are available for residential structures built for owner's own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease within 1 year.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (775) 635-2860 (phone)
• Building Department at 50 State Route 305, Battle Mountain, NV 89820 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Contact department to schedule; requests should be made with adequate notice.

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed Fridays, weekends, and holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections at key stages: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final. Each inspection must be passed before proceeding to the next stage. No inspections scheduled on Fridays.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Codes: IBC, IRC, IECC, IFGC, IFC; 2018 UPC and UMC; 2017 NEC; ICC A117.1-2009
• Verify contractor license: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) License Lookup
• Lander County Website
• Nevada State Contractors Board
• Nevada Division of Water Resources
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Maps
• License lookup guide: Nevada Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nevada Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nevada hub: Nevada Contractor License & Permit Hub