Ely, NV Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated city limits of Ely, Nevada. Properties outside city limits in unincorporated White Pine County require White Pine County permits.

Department

City of Ely Building Department

Address

501 Mill Street, Ely, NV 89301

Phone

(775) 289-2430

Email

buildingofficial@cityofelynv.gov

Website

https://www.cityofelynv.gov/building-department-and-building-codes-city-of-ely/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the Building Permit Application form
2. Gather all required documentation (see General Requirements below)
3. Submit application and documentation to City of Ely Building Department in person at 501 Mill Street, Ely, NV 89301, or contact for mail submission instructions
4. Department will advise if any additional documentation is needed
5. All plans must be submitted and approved prior to permit issuance
6. Pay required permit fees based on project valuation
7. Permit is issued upon approval and payment
8. Call (775) 289-6500 to schedule required inspections
9. Note: Work done prior to issuance of permit will be subject to double permit fees

Typical processing time: Contact City of Ely Building Department at (775) 289-2430 for current processing times; varies based on plan complexity and staff availability

Source: City of Ely Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required when any owner or authorized agent intends to: construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure; erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the International Building Code and/or International Residential Code.

Required Documents

• Complete Building Permit Application with project address and contact information
• Site plan showing building location, grading needed, and property location (2 copies)
• Building plans showing intended project completely and application of codes (2 copies: one for City retention, one to be at project site at all times)
• Proof of ownership or letter of authorization from owners
• Letter of intent to serve from utility companies
• Letter of Clearance from utility companies (City of Ely Water/Sewer Department, Mt. Wheeler Power, etc.)
• Copies of approved Zone changes, Variances, or Special/Conditional use permits from White Pine Regional Planning Commission
• Copy of approval from Nevada State Health Division, Bureau of Health Protective Services for needed septic system and/or domestic water system
• Completed Owner Builder Affidavit of Exemption from Nevada State Contractor's Board (if applicable)
• All Contractors' Names and License Numbers must be listed
• Letter of approval for access (All Weather Road) for emergency vehicle from Ely Fire Chief or White Pine County Fire Chief

Permit validity

Permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days, or if construction is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after work has commenced

Building code

City of Ely has adopted: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) - Ordinance 746, adopted August 18, 2022; 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) including Appendix Chapters G (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs), H (Patio Covers), and Q (Tiny Houses)

Owner-builder

Property owners may be eligible for Owner Builder Exemption if building their own residence. Must complete Owner Builder Affidavit of Exemption from Nevada State Contractor's Board. Contact NSCB for requirements.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). All contractors' names and license numbers must be listed on permit application. Unlicensed contracting is prohibited in Nevada.

Fees

Plan check fee

Charged on all permits requiring plan review

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees assessed for work completed prior to permit issuance

Payment note

Contact City of Ely at (775) 289-2430 for specific fee information, fee schedule, and accepted payment methods

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Ely Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (775) 289-6500 or (775) 289-2430 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule inspections 24 hours in advance (not including weekends and holidays)

Inspection hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: Footings, Foundation, Under Slab Utilities, Rough Framing, Rough Electrical, Rough Plumbing, Rough Mechanical, Insulation, Drywall Nailing, Final. Rough Framing, Rough Plumbing, Rough Electrical, and Rough Mechanical can be scheduled together.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City of Ely has adopted: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) - Ordinance 746, adopted August 18, 2022; 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) including Appendix Chapters G (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs), H (Patio Covers), and Q (Tiny Houses)
• Verify contractor license: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) License Lookup
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• City of Ely Building Department
• City of Ely Home Page
• White Pine Regional Planning Commission
• Nevada State Contractors Board
• Nevada State Health Division
• License lookup guide: Nevada Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nevada Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nevada hub: Nevada Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in White Pine County