This is PermitBase’s published record for Fernley as of 2026-07-20. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Fernley building permits
VerifiedFernley, Nevada — as published 2026-07-20.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Codes adopted
Nevada is a home-rule state for building codes with a mandatory statewide energy floor only: NRS 701.220 requires local governments that adopt or amend a building code to include, at minimum, the energy conservation provisions of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or an equivalent code adopted by the state Director of Business and Industry. There is no single statewide building-code edition — each Nevada city/county adopts and amends its own codes. Confirm your city's edition before assuming any other Nevada jurisdiction's codes apply. Source: Nevada Revised Statutes 701.220 (Energy conservation standards).City of Fernley is a self-administering jurisdiction: pursuant to NRS 244.105/268.012, the City of Fernley Building Division (part of Community & Economic Development) independently adopts codes and issues building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits within Fernley city limits. Fernley does NOT route building permitting to Lyon County; the City runs its own Building Division at 595 Silver Lace Blvd. Source: City of Fernley Municipal Code Title 8, Chapter 2, Sec. 8.02.01; City of Fernley Building Department page, cityoffernley.org/74/Building-Department2024 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by City of Fernley per Fernley Municipal Code Title 8, Chapter 2, Sec. 8.02.01, effective per Ordinance adopted June 18, 20252024 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012024 International Fire Code (IFC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01 (electrical edition is one cycle behind the other 2024 codes)2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01; satisfies and exceeds the NRS 701.220 statewide energy floor2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.012024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — adopted by City of Fernley, Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01 (Nevada jurisdictions in this region use the Uniform Plumbing Code, not the International Plumbing Code)2024 Northern Nevada Amendments by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council (NNICC) — regional amendments adopted by City of Fernley alongside the 2024 codes; final document dated 2/20/2025. Source: City of Fernley Building Codes page and 2024 NNICC Code Amendments Final PDFTransition period: as of the City's Building Codes page (current as of this review), contractors, developers, and owner-builders may submit plans under EITHER the 2018 codes or the newly adopted 2024 codes; as of January 1, 2026, all new plan submissions must comply with the 2024 codes. Source: City of Fernley Building Codes page, cityoffernley.org/76/Building-CodesPrior codes (superseded, still valid for permits filed before the 2024-code mandatory date): 2018 IBC (with appendices C, E, H, I), 2018 IRC (with appendices A, B, C, G, H, Q), 2018 IMC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IFC (with appendices B, C, D), 2018 IPMC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IECC, 2018 IEBC, 2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code, 2018 UPC, 2018 UMC, and 2018 Northern Nevada Amendments — per Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01 and the City's 'Design Criteria 2018 Codes' handout
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Single- and Two-Family Dwellings)
VerifiedRequired for new construction of single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and manufactured/modular homes in Fernley. Combined building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permit reviewed against the City of Fernley's adopted codes (2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/UPC/UMC with 2023 NEC, plus 2024 NNICC amendments; 2018-code submittals still accepted until January 1, 2026). Applications are processed through the SmartGov Community Portal.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Completed, signed residential building permit application with all contractor and sub-contractor information
- Two (2) sets of plans, all sheets stamped/dated/signed by design professional, contractor, or owner/builder (Owner/Builder Affidavit required if owner-builder permit)
- Site plan meeting the City of Fernley Building Site Plan Requirements Checklist (APN, north arrow, scale, 5-ft contour elevations, property lines/dimensions, easements/ROW, setbacks, utilities, stormwater drainage, flood hazard boundary if applicable)
- Architectural plan sheets: floor plan, roof plan, elevations, sectional building drawings, wall sections, exterior column sections, braced wall panels
- REScheck energy compliance report, signed/stamped by preparer
- Structural plan sheets: foundation design and details, brace/shear wall designs and anchorage to foundations, plus structural calculations
- Truss calculations and truss submittal verification letter
- Mechanical plans and system calculations per ACCA Manuals S, D, and J (engineered or stamped/signed by contractor)
- Electrical plans and electrical load calculations (engineered or stamped/signed)
- Plumbing plans (engineered or stamped/signed)
- Special inspections documentation if required (e.g., post-tension slabs require engineer's stamp/date/signature)
- Proof of water/sewer prepayment if applicable; Architectural Review Committee approval if in Desert Lakes or Miller Meadows subdivisions; proof of any approved zoning setback deviation
- Completed New Connection Form for water/sewer utilities; 'Request for Will Serve' application if new construction is not within an existing subdivision
- Design must meet City of Fernley/2024 NNICC climatic and geographic design criteria: Seismic Design Category D2, 120 mph basic wind speed (Special Wind Region), 18-inch minimum frost depth, 30 psf ground snow load per IBC Table 1608.2.1, Winter Design Temp 11 F
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationCity of Fernley Building & Safety Division residential application (REV 05/2023), submitted via the SmartGov Community Portal
- RequiredResidential Submittal ChecklistChecklist of all required plan sheets, calculations, and supporting documents for new residential construction
- RequiredBuilding Site Plan Requirements ChecklistCity of Fernley checklist for site plan content (general info, project info, utilities, stormwater, critical areas) with a typical site plan example diagram
- RequiredNew Connection FormWater/sewer utility new-connection application, submitted with the building permit for new construction
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential/Commercial/Industrial/Miscellaneous construction not separately scheduled | Based on the current ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) tables and/or written contract value (whichever is higher), applied to the City of Fernley Building Permit Fee Schedule (BPFS) | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A; Building Official sets valuation if a project cannot be valued by the standard table |
| Plan Review Fee | Additional 65% of the determined Building Permit Fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A; due at time of permit application |
| Manufactured/Modular Home Permit | $500 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Residential Foundation-Only Permit Application | $250 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | $200 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Third Plan Review (2nd revision resubmittal) | $98.00 per hour or quarter-hour fraction thereof | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A, Note 2 |
| Permit Processing Fee (new construction, additions, repairs, TIs) | $25 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Repair Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, alterations, and repairs to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Fernley that are not exempt under adopted IRC Section R105.2 (e.g., exceed the exempt shed/deck/fence/retaining-wall thresholds). Reviewed against the City's adopted codes; combined building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permit via the Residential Permit Application or the EZ Over-the-Counter application for smaller scope items.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for additions, remodels, and alterations affecting structural, fire, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
- Work exempt from a building permit (IRC R105.2): one-story detached accessory structures (sheds) up to 200 sq ft; fences not over 7 ft; retaining walls not over 4 ft (unless supporting a surcharge); water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons; sidewalks/driveways; decks up to 200 sq ft that are not more than 30 in. above grade, unattached to the dwelling, and do not serve a required egress door
- Completed, signed residential building permit application with contractor/sub-contractor information, or the EZ Commercial/Residential application for smaller items (reroof, HVAC change-out, water heater, gas line, sewer/water line replacement, service change, stucco/siding, windows/doors)
- Site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, and existing/proposed structures for any addition that changes the building footprint
- Owner/Builder Affidavit required if filing as owner-builder (per NRS 624/NRS 278.573)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationFor additions/remodels affecting structure or major systems; submitted via SmartGov Community Portal
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application - EZ (Commercial and Residential)Over-the-counter application covering gas line, HVAC change-out, reroof, service change, sewer/water line replacement, stucco/siding, and window/door replacement for one- and two-family dwellings
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or contract value (whichever is higher), applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule | Per City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A / current BPFS | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Plan Review Fee | Additional 65% of the determined Building Permit Fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Permit Processing Fee (additions, repairs, TIs) | $25 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Electrical Permit (Tag / Service Change / New Installation)
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, service change, or repair work in Fernley, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the City of Fernley. Small-scope electrical work (service change, tag inspection) uses the Gas or Electric Tag Application or the EZ application; new-construction electrical is included in the combined Residential/Commercial Building Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit/tag required for installation, alteration, service change, or repair of hard-wired electrical systems
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by City of Fernley (Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01) plus 2024 NNICC amendments
- Electrical work bundled into new construction is covered by the combined Residential/Commercial Building Permit Application; standalone tag work (utility service restoration, residential service under 400A) uses the Gas or Electric Tag Application
- Contractor must hold a current Nevada Contractor's License (NRS 624) and, where applicable, a City of Fernley business license
Required documents
- RequiredGas or Electric Tag ApplicationCity of Fernley Building Department handout/form for standalone electric tag, gas tag, or combined gas-and-electric tag inspections
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application - EZ (Commercial and Residential)Covers residential/commercial electrical service change (with existing/new amperage fields) as an over-the-counter permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit, Inspection & Tag — Residential Service under 400A, or Utility Service Restoration | $80 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| New construction / larger electrical scope not separately scheduled | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (normal business hours), for work not otherwise scheduled | Actual cost | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (outside normal business hours, 2-hour minimum) | $103 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Re-Inspection Fee (third or subsequent inspection of same building element, each) | $207 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Fernley, governed by the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted by the City of Fernley. New-construction plumbing is included in the combined Residential/Commercial Building Permit Application; standalone items (water heater, water/sewer line replacement) use the EZ Over-the-Counter application.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, water heaters, gas piping, or water/sewer service lines
- Governed by the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted by City of Fernley (Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01) — not the International Plumbing Code
- New-construction plumbing bundled into the Residential/Commercial Building Permit Application; standalone water heater, water line, or sewer line replacement uses the EZ Over-the-Counter application
- Manometer/gas-line pressure testing required per adopted code for gas piping work
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application - EZ (Commercial and Residential)Covers standalone water heater/boiler replacement, water line replacement, and sewer line replacement (private property only) as an over-the-counter permit
- OptionalResidential Building Permit ApplicationFor new-construction plumbing systems bundled with the overall building permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater, Wood Stove, or Gas Fireplace Insert Only | $80 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| New construction / larger plumbing scope not separately scheduled | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (normal business hours), for work not otherwise scheduled | Actual cost | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Re-Inspection Fee (third or subsequent inspection of same building element, each) | $207 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation, replacement, or alteration in Fernley, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by the City of Fernley. Standalone HVAC change-outs use the EZ Over-the-Counter application; new-construction mechanical work is bundled into the Residential/Commercial Building Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation or replacement of furnaces, air conditioners, mini-split/heat pump systems, and gas lines/fireplaces
- Governed by the 2024 IMC, 2024 UMC, and 2024 IFGC as adopted by City of Fernley (Fernley Municipal Code Sec. 8.02.01), plus 2024 NNICC amendments
- EZ application requires: type of install (oil-to-gas, oil-to-oil, gas-to-gas), unit size (K BTUs, tons, or amps for heat pump), and gas line length if applicable
- New-construction mechanical plans and system calculations must follow ACCA Manuals S, D, and J (engineered or stamped/signed by contractor) per the Residential Submittal Checklist
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application - EZ (Commercial and Residential)Covers HVAC furnace/AC/mini-split-heat-pump installation or replacement, gas fireplace insert, and gas line work as an over-the-counter permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater, Wood Stove, or Gas Fireplace Insert Only | $80 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A (shared fee line covering gas fireplace inserts) |
| New construction / larger mechanical scope not separately scheduled | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (normal business hours), for work not otherwise scheduled | Actual cost | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (outside normal business hours, 2-hour minimum) | $103 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential and commercial re-roofing (tear-off or overlay) in Fernley. Submitted via the EZ Over-the-Counter application, reviewed against the City's adopted building code roofing provisions and 2024 NNICC design criteria for snow/wind loading.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for re-roofing; applicant specifies Tear Off or Overlay and roofing material (Asphalt, Metal, Tile, or Other) on the EZ application
- Roof assemblies must meet the City's adopted code (2024 IBC/IRC or 2018 IBC/IRC during the transition period) and 2024 NNICC design criteria: 30 lb/sq ft minimum ground snow load (per IBC Table 1608.2.1 for City of Fernley), 120 mph basic wind speed with Special Wind Region designation
- Ice barrier underlayment is NOT required by the City of Fernley design criteria (unlike several other Northern Nevada jurisdictions that require it above 5,300-5,500 ft elevation)
- Commercial re-roofing without alteration to openings may qualify for a valuation/permit-fee-only review (no plan review) per the City's fee schedule notes on similar OTC categories
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application - EZ (Commercial and Residential)Over-the-counter reroof application specifying tear-off vs. overlay and roofing material type
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Re-roofing not separately scheduled | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A (re-roofing falls under the general valuation-based fee provision; no dedicated flat re-roof fee line was found in the Resolution 20-009 fee schedule) |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (normal business hours), for work not otherwise scheduled | Actual cost | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Re-Inspection Fee (third or subsequent inspection of same building element, each) | $207 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) / EV Charging Station Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle charging stations on properties in Fernley. Dedicated Solar/EV Charging Station application distinct from the general building permit, covering both residential (one- and two-family) and commercial projects.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Dedicated Solar/EV Charging Station Building Permit Application required, specifying system location (ground or roof mount), number of modules, existing electrical service panel size, whether an electrical service upgrade/derate is needed, whether existing roof retrofit is required, and battery storage system status (new/existing/none)
- For EV chargers: charger location (interior/exterior), size of existing service panel, and whether an electrical service upgrade is needed
- Project valuation (cost of labor and materials) must be stated
- Owner/Builder Affidavit required if filing as owner-builder
- Design professional (architect/engineer) information required if plans are engineered
- Systems reviewed against City of Fernley design criteria for roof structural loading (30 lb/sq ft ground snow load, 120 mph wind speed) and the adopted NEC for electrical interconnection
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application - Solar / EV Charging StationCity of Fernley Building & Safety Division dedicated solar/EV application (REV 08/2024), covering both residential photovoltaic and commercial EV charging installations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV / EV charger permit — valuation-based (project cost of labor and materials) | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or written contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A; no dedicated flat solar fee line was found — solar/EV falls under the general valuation-based provision |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (normal business hours), for work not otherwise scheduled | Actual cost | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of electric vehicle charging stations in Fernley. The City uses the same dedicated 'Building Permit Application - Solar / EV Charging Station' form (REV 08/2024) used for solar PV — see the solar-pv-permit entry — but this entry documents the EV-specific submittal fields and process distinctly, since EV charger installation is its own selectable section on that application.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Use the dedicated Solar/EV Charging Station Building Permit Application (REV 08/2024), selecting the EV Charger section
- Specify charger location (interior/exterior), size of existing electrical service panel, and whether an electrical service upgrade/derate is needed to support the charger
- Project valuation (cost of labor and materials) must be stated
- Owner/Builder Affidavit required if filing as owner-builder
- Reviewed against the adopted NEC for electrical interconnection; a main panel service upgrade/derate, if required, is evaluated as part of the same submittal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application - Solar / EV Charging StationCity of Fernley Building & Safety Division dedicated solar/EV application (REV 08/2024) — select the EV Charger section for a standalone charging-station project
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV charger permit — valuation-based (project cost of labor and materials) | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or written contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A; no dedicated flat EV-charger fee line was found — EV charger installation falls under the same general valuation-based provision documented on the solar-pv-permit entry |
| Hourly Inspection Rate (normal business hours), for work not otherwise scheduled | Actual cost | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any building or structure within Fernley city limits, including detached one- or two-family dwellings, townhouses, and accessory structures. Governed by the City's Demo Application requirements, including utility disconnection, asbestos abatement documentation, and site restoration.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Demo Application required, identifying project/unit type (detached one- or two-family dwelling, townhouse, or accessory structure), building height, floor areas (living space, decks, porches, basement/storage, garage), and total structure area
- Valuation amount or contract amount must be provided (copy of contract required)
- Service connections must be disconnected and capped: water service turned off and sewer capped, gas service turned off and capped, electrical service de-energized — with sign-off from Owner, Public Works, NV Energy, and Southwest Gas (SWG)
- Asbestos Abatement Report required prior to demolition
- Construction documents and demolition schedule required, specifying on a plot plan all buildings to be demolished and dimensions from property lines
- Vacant lot must be filled and maintained to existing grade after demolition/removal; provisions required to prevent water accumulation or foundation damage to adjoining property
- Fire extinguisher and water supply (dust control/fire protection) required on job site during demolition; sanitary facilities and pedestrian protection required
- For structures affected by fire damage: floor plan showing areas to be demolished/repaired, itemized material replacement list, asbestos abatement report, fire extinguisher on site, and owner signature required
- Lead-based paint (LBP) debris from residential structures may be disposed of at a municipal or construction & demolition waste landfill per USEPA's 2003 rule; non-residential/commercial LBP debris is subject to state/federal hazardous waste determination requirements
- Owner-Builder permits pursuant to NRS 278.573 require a signed Owner-Builder Received Acknowledgement Form
Required documents
- RequiredDemo ApplicationCity of Fernley Building Division demolition permit application, including utility disconnection sign-off section and fire-damage supplement
- RequiredAsbestos Abatement ReportRequired for all demolitions prior to work commencing
- RequiredPlot Plan / Construction Documents and Demolition ScheduleShows all buildings to be demolished, dimensions from property lines, and dimensions to remaining structures
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit; by valuation | Minimum fee $100 | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A ('Demolitions Permit; by Valuation, minimum fee $100') |
| Mobile Home Conversion to Real Property Permit | $100 (minimum $200 per Exhibit A formatting) | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
| Plan Review Fee (if applicable to demolition scope) | Additional 65% of the determined Permit Fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences and retaining walls in Fernley are exempt from a building permit below specific height thresholds under the adopted IRC/IBC Section 105.2 (R105.2 residential); a building permit is required only above those thresholds.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Fences not over 7 feet (2,134 mm) high: EXEMPT from a building permit, both residential and commercial (adopted IRC/IBC Section 105.2, item 2)
- Fences over 7 feet high: a building permit IS required (not separately exempted by the code section published by the City)
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and NOT supporting a surcharge: EXEMPT from a building permit (residential and commercial)
- Commercial retaining walls not over 4 feet are also exempt unless supporting a surcharge OR impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids (per the commercial exemption list, a stricter standard than residential)
- Retaining walls over 4 feet, or any wall supporting a surcharge regardless of height, require a building permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application - EZ (Commercial and Residential) or Residential Building Permit ApplicationUsed for fences/retaining walls exceeding the exempt thresholds; no fence- or wall-specific dedicated application form was found on the City's Applications page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/retaining wall permit (above exempt threshold) — valuation-based | Based on ICC BVD valuation tables and/or contract value applied to the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule, plus 65% plan review fee | City of Fernley Resolution 20-009, Exhibit A; no dedicated flat fence/wall fee line was found — falls under the general valuation-based provision |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
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 Fernley building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.