Plumbing Permit in Reno, Nevada
Required for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Reno. Governed by the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — NOT the International Plumbing Code — with 2024 Northern Nevada ICC Amendments. Plumbers must hold Reno journeyman cards.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Water heater installation or replacement (EZ permit: $45.00)
- New fixture installations (sinks, toilets, showers)
- Water or sewer line replacement on private property
- Re-piping
- Sewer line replacement (private property only — EZ permit: $90.00)
- Water line replacement (private property only — EZ permit: $90.00)
- Journeyman card required for plumbing tradespeople working in Reno
Required documents
- Req
Plumbing Permit Application (via onenv.us)
Apply via the ONE Regional portal; select Plumbing permit type
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement (EZ permit) | $45.00 | City of Reno FY27 EZ Permits — Residential EZ Permits section: 'Water Heater' = $45.00 |
| Sewer Line Replacement — private property (EZ permit) | $90.00 | — |
| Water Line Replacement — private property (EZ permit) | $90.00 | — |
| Lawn Sprinkler (EZ permit) | $45.00 | — |
| Stucco or Siding (if plumbing involved — EZ permit) | $87.00 | — |
| Gas Line (private property — EZ permit) | $90.00 | Gas piping is a fuel gas permit (IFGC) in Reno, typically processed as an EZ permit |
| Application Fee (EZ permits) | Included in EZ permit fee | — |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Reno building department
Inspection process
- 1
Underground / Under-slab
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
- 2
Rough-In
After pipes installed before walls closed — pressure test
- 3
Final
All fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting verified
Tips
- IMPORTANT: Reno uses the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), not the International Plumbing Code (IPC). This differs from many other states — pipe materials, fixture counts, and procedures follow UPC.
- Gas piping work in Reno requires a Fuel Gas permit (per the 2024 IFGC). A manometer test is required after gas piping is complete (11–15 inches water column for 15 minutes per NNICC).
- Water heater replacements are a $45.00 EZ permit — one of the least expensive permits in Reno.
- Journeyman cards are required for plumbers working in Reno — obtain from Development Services.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Reno use the International Plumbing Code?
- No. Reno uses the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, not the IPC. The UPC is also used throughout Washoe County and most of Northern Nevada.
- How much does a water heater permit cost in Reno?
- A water heater replacement EZ permit in Reno costs $45.00 per the FY26/27 fee schedule. Apply at onenv.us.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division — official building department
- City of Reno FY27 EZ Permits Fee Schedule (eff. Jul 1, 2026)
- 2024 Northern Nevada Code Amendments — Uniform Plumbing Code amendments
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 Reno building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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