Residential Building Permit — New Construction (Custom Single-Family) in Las Vegas, Nevada
Required for all new single-family custom homes in the City of Las Vegas. Covers structural, framing, envelope, and all associated systems under 2024 IRC.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Valid Nevada State Contractor's license and City of Las Vegas business license required for contractor-pulled permits
- Homeowners may pull their own permit for owner-occupied single-family dwellings
- Submit application in person at City Hall First Floor Lobby, 495 S. Main St., or via Accela online portal (MyGovernmentOnline or city portal)
- Plans must comply with 2024 IRC with Southern Nevada amendments effective January 5, 2026
- Energy compliance documentation per 2024 IECC Climate Zone 3B required
- Separate permits required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application
City of Las Vegas permit application form, submitted at Development Services Center or online
- Req
Construction Drawings
Complete plan set including site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details — drawn to scale
- Req
Energy Compliance Documentation
2024 IECC Climate Zone 3B compliance documentation (prescriptive or performance path)
- Opt
Soils Report
Geotechnical soils report may be required for new construction depending on site conditions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Single-Family Custom (Type VB) — 1,000 sq ft | $1,488 total (Admin: $55 + Plans Check: $488 + Inspection: $945) | Estimated from City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator; final fees determined at application |
| New Single-Family Custom (Type VB) — 1,500 sq ft | $1,961 total | Estimated from City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator |
| New Single-Family Custom (Type VB) — 2,000 sq ft | $2,432 total (Admin: $55 + Plans Check: $967 + Inspection: $1,410) | Estimated from City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator |
| New Single-Family Custom (Type VB) — 2,500 sq ft | $2,904 total | Estimated from City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator |
| New Single-Family Custom (Type VB) — 3,000 sq ft | $3,250 total | Estimated from City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator |
| New Single-Family Custom (Type VB) — 4,000 sq ft | $3,943 total (Admin: $55 + Plans Check: $1,260 + Inspection: $2,628) | Estimated from City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator |
| Administration Fee (all permits) | $55 | Flat fee applied to all building permits |
| Additional fees NOT included: Residential Construction Tax | 1% of construction valuation or $1,000 per dwelling unit (whichever is less) — effective Jan 1, 2024 | Habitable space only; separate from building permit fee |
| Additional fees NOT included: Clark County Transportation Tax | $1,000 per single-family dwelling unit | Separate from building permit fee |
| Additional fees NOT included: Traffic Impact Fee | $195 per single-family dwelling | Separate from building permit fee; exceptions may apply |
| Additional fees NOT included: Sewer Connection | $3,235 per ERU (equivalent residential unit) — effective January 1, 2026 | Separate utility fee; not a building permit fee |
Review timeline
10–14 business days
Las Vegas’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Footing / Foundation Inspection
Required before concrete pour; verifies footing dimensions, rebar, and grade compliance
- 2
Framing Inspection
Required when framing is complete and before insulation or drywall is installed
- 3
Insulation Inspection
Required after insulation is installed, before drywall
- 4
Drywall / Sheathing Inspection
Required before taping and texturing
- 5
Final Inspection
Required upon completion; all systems must be operational; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon approval
Tips
- Las Vegas is in Seismic Design Category D0 — structural plans must account for moderate seismic loads even for single-family homes
- Desert climate (Climate Zone 3B) means high cooling loads; IECC compliance focuses on fenestration SHGC and insulation R-values for hot-dry climates
- No frost depth concerns (only 12-inch depth required below 5,000 ft) — minimal footings required compared to northern states
- Contractors must hold both a Nevada State Contractor's license AND a City of Las Vegas business license
- Published plan review standard: 2 weeks for structural reviews (per City Building & Safety page)
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use the 2018 codes if I started my project before January 5, 2026?
- Yes. Projects submitted before January 5, 2026 could elect to use 2018 or 2024 codes. All new submittals from January 5, 2026 forward must use 2024 codes per the City's Industry Notice on 2024 Code Adoption.
- Does Las Vegas use IPC (International Plumbing Code) or UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code)?
- Las Vegas uses the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), not the IPC. Similarly, Las Vegas uses the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), not the IMC. This is different from many other states.
- What is the standard plan review timeline for new residential construction?
- The City of Las Vegas Building & Safety publishes a 2-week standard for structural plan reviews (which includes new residential construction). Express Plan Review is available for an additional fee by appointment.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Las Vegas Building & Safety (Community Development Department) — official building department
- City of Las Vegas Building & Safety — Plan Review Timelines
- City of Las Vegas Permit Fee Estimator
- 2024 Code Adoption Industry Notice (PDF)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Las Vegas building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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