Lincoln County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties within the unincorporated areas of Lincoln County, Nevada.

Department

Lincoln County Planning and Building Department

Address

181 North Main Street, Suite 107, Pioche, NV 89043

Phone

775-962-8071

Website

https://lincolncountynv.org/departments/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download and complete the Building Permit Application form from the county website or obtain in person at the Pioche office or Alamo Annex.
2. Gather required information including Assessor Parcel Number (APN), owner details, contractor information and NSCB license number, and project description.
3. Prepare construction plans and specifications, plot plan showing property boundaries and setbacks.
4. Submit completed application with all required documents and plans in person or by mail to the Lincoln County Planning and Building Department in Pioche or at the Alamo Annex.
5. Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission.
6. Staff will review plans for code compliance; review may involve multiple departments depending on project scope.
7. Upon approval, permit will be issued with instructions for scheduling inspections.
8. Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction by contacting the Building Department.

Typical processing time: Not explicitly stated. Smaller projects may be issued over the counter. Larger projects requiring detailed plan review may take several weeks. Contact department directly for project-specific timeframes.

Source: Lincoln County Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for the erection, construction, alteration, moving, removal, conversion, or improvement of any building or structure regulated by the county code, except as specified in exempt work provisions.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Assessor Parcel Number (APN)
• Construction plans and specifications
• Plot plan showing property boundaries and setbacks
• Contractor license information (if applicable)

Permit validity

Not explicitly stated. Contact the Building Department for specific validity periods.

Building code

2012 International Building Code (IBC), 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Owner-builder

Owners may act as their own general contractor under Nevada law (NRS 624.031). Must complete an Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption from the Nevada State Contractors Board, submit with permit application, directly supervise construction, and structure must be for owner's own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease within 1 year.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Nevada does NOT recognize out-of-state contractor licenses. Contractors must have 4 years of journeyman-level experience.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in overall permit fee structure; specific rates available from department.

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation and/or square footage; contact department for specific calculations. Administrative fee of 10% of permit cost assessed. SLCHCP (Southeastern Lincoln County Habitat Conservation Plan) fee of $50.00 assessed if applicable.

Reinspection fee

Not explicitly stated. Contact department for information.

Payment note

Building Permit Zoning Approvals/Address Assignment: $20.00. Research fee: $60.00/hour. Copy of Zoning Ordinance/Master Plan: $20.00 plus mileage. Additional surveyor review fees: $50.00 (one surveyor), $80.00 (two surveyors). Zoning/FEMA Verification Letter: $40.00. Street Name Change: $150.00. Continuance of hearing/Extension of Time: $250.00. Reconsideration of Decision: $150.00. NOTE: Fee schedule dated November 21, 2016. Contact department to confirm current rates.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective November 21, 2016).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Lincoln County Planning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 775-962-8071 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Advance notice required (specific hours not stated in available sources; typically 24-48 hours recommended).

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation inspection (after excavation, before concrete pour), Framing/rough inspection (structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC rough-in), Insulation inspection, Final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2012 International Building Code (IBC), 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Verify contractor license: Nevada State Contractors Board License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Lincoln County Code
• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 624 (Contractors)
• Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 624
• Lincoln County Planning Department
• Alamo Annex: 775-725-3356
• License lookup guide: Nevada Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nevada Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nevada hub: Nevada Contractor License & Permit Hub