Nevada building departments

How permitting works in Nevada

Local codes; state energy code minimum. Nevada building codes are adopted and enforced by cities and counties, with the state energy code as a minimum. Contracting work generally needs a Nevada State Contractors Board license.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

Nevada building codes and licensing

Adopted by

Nevada Governor's Office of Energy (energy code); cities and counties for building codes (opens in a new tab)

Contractor licensing

Contracting work requires an NSCB license. The handyman exemption (NRS 624.031) covers only repair or maintenance work under $1,000 including labor and materials, and only when no building permit or licensed trade is required. Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) (opens in a new tab)

What is different in Nevada

• Owner-builders may act as their own general contractor only on a home for their own occupancy. They must file an Owner-Builder Affidavit with the local building department and use licensed subcontractors.
• Selling or leasing an owner-built home within one year of completion may be presumed a violation of the owner-builder exemption.
• Under NRS 701.220, the Governor's Office of Energy adopts the latest IECC every three years and local governments must follow, with optional stricter amendments. The 2024 IECC was adopted effective August 18, 2024.

Nevada department guides

Browse Nevada counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in Nevada?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. Nevada counties and municipalities / Nevada Legislature
2. Nevada State Contractors Board – Exemptions
3. Nevada State Contractors Board – Handyman Exemptions
4. Nevada State Contractors Board – Owner-Builder Information
5. Nevada Governor's Office of Energy – State Adoption Status
6. Nevada Governor's Office of Energy – Local Adoption Status

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.