County Building Permits

Storey County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Storey County, Nevada. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Nevada Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated properties within Storey County, Nevada. Virginia City and Gold Hill areas in Comstock Historic District require separate Certificate of Appropriateness. TRIC (Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center) has expedited permitting.

Department
Community Development Department
Address
110 East Toll Road, P.O. Box 526, Virginia City, Nevada 89440
Phone
(775) 847-0966
Website
https://www.storeycounty.org

Online Permit Portal

Open Storey County Official Website

Platform: Nevada Blue (DFS/Revver) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  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.

Typical processing time: Plan review typically 4-8 weeks depending on project complexity. Permit valid for 6 months (180 days) from issuance.

Source: Community Development Department

General Requirements

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.

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
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.
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).
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.

Fees

Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation per April 1998 Building Standards for Building Valuation (verify with county)
Reinspection fee
$100 per hour (assessed after two failed inspections for same stage)
Payment note
Payment required before permit issuance. Contact county for accepted payment methods and processing details.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Per Resolution #03-172 and April 1998 Building Standards).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • 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)

Important: 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.

Inspections

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 inspection 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.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.
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