Nye County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Building permits required only within Pahrump Regional Planning District (PRPD). Properties outside PRPD (Tonopah, Beatty, Gabbs, rural county areas) are exempt from building permit requirements but must comply with zoning ordinances.

Department

Nye County Building and Safety Department

Address

2041 E. Calvada Blvd N, Suite 2, Pahrump, NV 89048

Phone

(775) 751-6280

Website

https://www.nyecountynv.gov/322/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify property is within Pahrump Regional Planning District (PRPD); properties outside PRPD do not require building permits.
2. Obtain approved Zoning Review Application from Planning Department (required prerequisite for all permits).
3. Create account on Nye County Citizen Services portal.
4. Prepare and gather required documents (construction plans, plot plan, soils report, structural calculations, etc.).
5. Submit application online through Citizen Services portal or in-person at Building and Safety office.
6. City staff reviews plans; standard turnaround is 10 business days.
7. Receive email notification once approved and pay fees through portal or in-person.
8. Permit issued after all fees paid and requirements met.
9. Schedule required inspections throughout construction.
10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection passes and required documentation submitted.

Typical processing time: Over-the-counter permits (minor work): same day. Full plan review: 10 business days. Complete permit timeline varies by project complexity.

Source: Nye County Building and Safety Department

General Requirements

Building permits required within PRPD for: new construction over 200 sq ft; any construction in commercial zones; alteration, repair, moving, improving, removing, conversion, or demolition of buildings/structures; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work; swimming pools and spas; signs; any work affecting building service equipment.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Approved Zoning Review/Plot Plan from Planning Department
• 1 complete wet-stamped set of construction plans
• 1 wet-stamped soils report
• 1 wet-stamped truss/structural calculations
• Plot plan
• Owner/Builder Affidavit and copy of driver's license (if applicable)
• Flood Permit Application (if in flood zone)
• Septic application (if applicable)
• Road encroachment permit (if applicable)

Permit validity

Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance. Permits expire if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Extensions may be requested in writing.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC)

Owner-builder

Property owners may act as their own contractor. Must submit Owner/Builder Affidavit with driver's license copy. Owner assumes all responsibility for code compliance.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Nevada has no exemptions for electrical, alarm, or sign installation work. License verification mandatory before hiring.

Fees

Plan check fee

65% of permit fee

Permit fee formula

Based on ICC Building Valuation Data Tables; valuation updated annually on July 1st per Resolution #2004-29

Payment note

Accepted: Check, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, E-Check. Credit/debit cards subject to processing fees. Payment due after approval via Citizen Services portal email notification.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 13, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) under 200 square feet with no utilities
• Fences and block walls not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
• Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 18 inches deep, not wider than 8 feet, under 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground
• Window awnings projecting not more than 54 inches
• Playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Minor electrical repair work including lamp replacement
• Connection of approved portable equipment to approved receptacles
• Portable heating appliances
• Portable ventilation/cooling equipment
• Portable evaporative coolers
• Stopping leaks in drains and pipes (if no concealed trap replacement needed)
• Clearing stoppages in pipes
• Repairing leaks in pipes/valves
• Removal and reinstallation of water closets without replacement of valves/pipes

Important: Even when building permits are not required, all structures must meet Title 17 of Nye County Code (zoning requirements). A Zoning Review Application is required prior to start of ANY construction. CRITICAL: Properties outside the Pahrump Regional Planning District (Tonopah, Beatty, Gabbs, rural areas) are entirely exempt from building permit requirements per Nye County Code Chapter 15.16.010, though zoning and other permits may still apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building and Safety (phone)
• Citizen Services Portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Friday: By appointment only (excluding holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for single family residential: Pad certification (required before foundation), Foundation/Slab, Framing/Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, Insulation, Final building inspection, Final electrical/plumbing/mechanical as applicable, Certificate of Occupancy (requires wet-stamped pad certification and elevation certificate if in flood zone).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC)
• Verify contractor license: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Nye County Code Title 17 (Zoning/Development Code)
• NSCB Southern Nevada Office
• Nye County Planning Department
• License lookup guide: Nevada Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nevada Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nevada hub: Nevada Contractor License & Permit Hub