Lyon County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Lyon County excluding incorporated cities (Fernley, Yerington). The county also operates a Dayton office at 34 Lakes Blvd., Dayton, NV 89403 (call 775-246-6135 for appointment).

Department

Lyon County Community Development Department - Building Division

Address

27 S. Main Street, Yerington, NV 89447

Phone

(775) 463-6591

Email

building@lyon-county.org

Website

https://www.lyon-county.org/153/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the appropriate permit application form (residential, commercial, manufactured home, or floodplain development).
2. Prepare required documents: two complete sets of drawings, truss calculations, structural calculations, water/sewer documentation (will serve letters, well driller contract, septic application with perc test).
3. Submit application online through Citizens Portal or in person at Yerington office.
4. Pay non-refundable plan review deposit and $25.00 processing fee.
5. Applications requiring County Engineer review will be billed on time and materials basis; invoices must be paid prior to permit issuance.
6. Pay final building permit fee prior to permit issuance.
7. Schedule inspections as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Plan review process timing varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for specific estimates.

Source: Lyon County Community Development Department - Building Division

General Requirements

All new construction, repair, or remodeling of buildings or structures on residential lots; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work; accessory structures over 200 square feet (IRC) or 120 square feet (IBC); decks attached to buildings; grading and excavation beyond building footprint.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Two complete sets of construction drawings (for paper applications)
• Truss calculations
• Structural calculations
• Water/sewer documentation (will serve letters, well contract, septic app with perc test)
• Owner-Builder Affidavit (if applicable)
• Plans must be prepared by Nevada-licensed designers or contractors
• All structural engineering must contain wet-seal stamp of Nevada-licensed engineer

Permit validity

Building permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days. Extensions may be granted by Building Official.

Building code

2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Northern Nevada ICC Amendments, 2024 Lyon County Amendments (effective January 1, 2026)

Owner-builder

Owner may act as own general contractor under NRS 624.031(5). Must complete Owner-Builder Affidavit of Exemption from NSCB. Must occupy building for at least one year after final approval. Cannot construct duplex or commercial as owner-builder. Must directly supervise construction. All subcontractors must be NSCB-licensed. Unlicensed workers must be direct employees under owner supervision.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). License required for any project $500 or more (labor and materials).

Fees

Permit fee formula

Permit fees calculated using project valuation method based on ICC Building Valuation Data. (Gross Square Footage) x (Square Foot Construction Cost from ICC Table) = Building Valuation. Building Valuation x Fee Multiplier = Permit Fee.

Reinspection fee

Additional inspection fees may apply; County Engineer fees billed separately for time and materials.

Payment note

Plan review deposit required with application (non-refundable). $25.00 processing fee per permit (effective 7/1/2015).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences six feet or less in height (height limitations: max 6 feet side/rear yards, max 4 feet front yard, max 2 feet within 25 feet of intersection)
• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses: IRC construction under 200 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing; IBC construction under 120 SF with no electrical, mechanical, or plumbing
• Detached decks not exceeding 200 SF floor area and less than 30 inches above grade

Important: All exempt work must still comply with zoning regulations and setback requirements. If electrical, mechanical, or plumbing is included, permit is required regardless of size.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Citizens Portal (online)
• (775) 463-6591 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Counter closes at 4:00 PM)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing inspection, Framing inspection, Plumbing rough-in, Electrical rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Insulation inspection, Final inspection. Reinspection fee note: Additional inspection fees apply for reinspections; fees vary by project type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Northern Nevada ICC Amendments, 2024 Lyon County Amendments (effective January 1, 2026)
• Verify contractor license: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Residential Information Letter (05-2024)
• 2024 Northern Nevada ICC Amendments
• 2024 Lyon County Amendments
• Lyon County Planning Department
• Fire District Approval
• Floodplain Development Permit Information
• License lookup guide: Nevada Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nevada Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nevada hub: Nevada Contractor License & Permit Hub