This is PermitBase’s published record for Unincorporated Washoe County as of 2026-06-30. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Unincorporated Washoe County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Washoe County, Nevada — as published 2026-06-30.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for all new single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhouses, and residential accessory structures in unincorporated Washoe County. Applies to construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, and change of occupancy of residential buildings up to three stories.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Confirm property is in unincorporated Washoe County (not City of Reno or City of Sparks) using the Washoe Regional Mapping System (WRMS)
- Contact Planning Division (775-328-6100) to verify zoning and land use regulations before applying
- Submit permit application online via ONe NV permit portal (www.onenv.us) or in person at 1001 E. Ninth Street
- Plans must comply with 2024 IRC and 2024 IECC (mandatory as of January 1, 2026)
- Plans must include site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and structural details; see Site Plan Checklist (2025)
- Setback and Elevation Certification Letter required at footings inspection
- Soils Compaction Certification Letter required at footings inspection
- Grading and Drainage Certification Letter required at final inspection
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023)Official Washoe County residential permit application form
- OptionalSingle Family Dwelling Handout (2022)County handout summarizing plan submittal requirements for new SFD construction
- RequiredSite Plan Checklist (2025)Combined Engineering Checklist (April 24, 2025) required for all new construction
- OptionalOwner/Builder Affidavit (2023)Required when owner acts as their own general contractor
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation $0.01–$500 | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 1 (Ordinance 1766, effective August 2016 — confirmed live on washoecounty.gov fee page as of 2026-06-30) |
| Building Permit — valuation $500.01–$2,000 | $45.00 for the first $500.00 plus $3.36 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $2,000.01–$25,000 | $95.40 for the first $2,000.00 plus $15.14 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $25,000.01–$50,000 | $443.62 for the first $25,000.00 plus $10.90 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $50,000.01–$100,000 | $716.12 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.63 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $100,000.01–$500,000 | $1,097.62 for the first $100,000.00 plus $5.93 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $500,000.01–$1,000,000 | $3,469.62 for the first $500,000.00 plus $5.07 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee — Single Family Dwelling | 50% of building permit fee | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 9 — paid at time of submittal |
| Park Tax | 1% of permit valuation or $1,000 per dwelling unit, whichever is less | NRS 278.4983 — must be paid in cash or check at final permit issuance |
| Regional Road Impact Fee (RRIF) | Varies — see RTC Regional Road Impact Fee Schedule | Collected at permit issuance; cash or check only; schedule at washoecounty.gov/building/Files_2020/RRIF-FEE-STRUCTURE.pdf |
| Residential Valuation basis — R-3 (one- and two-family), Type VB construction | $94.99–$126.86 per sq ft (Type VB cost table) | Used to calculate permit valuation per WCC Chapter 100 Appendix A Building Valuation Data |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, structural alterations, interior remodels, decks, attached garages, carports, patio covers, and any work not on the county's exempt-work list. Work not on the exempt list requires a permit per WCC Chapter 100.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Additions that increase floor area, alter structure, or add rooms require a permit
- Decks 200 sq ft or larger, or more than 30 inches above grade, require a permit
- Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a permit
- Detached garages, sheds, and barns over 200 sq ft require a permit
- Fences over 6 feet (or over 30 inches in the front yard) require a permit
- Submit Residential Application (2023) with construction drawings
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023)Used for additions, remodels, and alterations
- OptionalResidential Addition Handout (2022)County handout with submittal requirements for residential additions
- OptionalDecks and Patio Covers Handout (2022)Specific handout for deck and patio cover permits
- OptionalDetached Garages, Sheds and Barns Handout (2022)Specific handout for accessory structure permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation-based per WCC Chapter 100 Table 1 | Varies — valuation-based (same tiered table as new construction, $45 min) | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 1 and Other Residential Valuations table. Tiered table: $45 minimum (≤$500); up to $3,469.62 + $5.07/$1,000 ($500k–$1M). Other residential valuations: decks at $15.00/sf; fences at $8.00/lf; carports at $20.00/sf; retaining walls at $15.00/lf. |
| Plan Review Fee — Accessory Buildings / Other Permits | 65% of building permit fee | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 9 — 'Grading and all other Permits: 65% of Building Fee' |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installations, service changes, panel upgrades, new circuits, and wiring for additions or alterations in unincorporated Washoe County. Work must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Installation, change, or repair of any hard-wired electrical system
- Panel upgrades and service entrance changes
- New circuits or rewiring for additions, alterations, or new construction
- EV charger (EVSE) installation
- Solar PV electrical wiring (separate from the building/structural solar permit)
- Submit using the ONe NV permit portal or the EZ Permit form for basic work by licensed contractors
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023) or EZ Permit — ElectricalStandard application for complex work; EZ Permit (docx) available for basic electrical work by licensed contractors
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Issuance — base fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 8 — added to all unit fees below |
| New single- or two-family residential building — electrical (per sq ft) | $0.04 per sq ft (not including garages/minor accessory buildings) | Table 8, New Residential Buildings — single- and two-family |
| Multifamily residential — electrical (per sq ft) | $0.03 per sq ft | Table 8, New Residential Buildings — multifamily (2+ units) |
| Alterations, additions, modifications to existing residential — electrical (per sq ft) | $0.03 per sq ft | Table 8 — garages, minor accessory buildings, and modifications |
| Service upgrade — up to 200 amps | $45.00 base + $18.00 (services 600V or less, ≤200 amp) | Table 8, Services section |
| Service upgrade — over 200 amps to 1,000 amps | $45.00 base + $36.00 | Table 8, Services section |
| Residential appliance (fixed) — water heater, dryer, dishwasher, A/C, EV outlet, etc. | $45.00 base + $3.00 per appliance | Table 8, Residential Appliance section |
| Private residential in-ground swimming pool (complete electrical system) | $45.00 base + $15.00 | Table 8, Private Swimming Pools section |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in unincorporated Washoe County, including water heater replacements, fixture additions, re-piping, and sewer/water service line work. Governed by the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Repair, replace, relocate, or add to the plumbing system
- Water heater installation or replacement
- New fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs)
- Water or waste re-piping
- Sewer or water service line replacement
- Submit via ONe NV permit portal or EZ Permit — Plumbing for basic work by licensed contractors
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023) or EZ Permit — PlumbingStandard application for complex plumbing work; EZ Permit form available for basic work by licensed contractors
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Issuance — base fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 5 — added to all unit fees below |
| Each plumbing fixture on one trap (toilet, sink, tub, shower, etc.) | $6.00 per fixture | Table 5, Unit Fee Schedule item 1 — includes water, drainage piping, and backflow protection |
| Building sewer | $30.00 | Table 5, item 2 |
| Water heater and/or vent | $8.00 | Table 5, item 5 — in addition to $45 base fee |
| Gas piping system, 1–4 outlets | $5.00 | Table 5, item 6 |
| Additional gas piping outlet (each outlet over 4) | $1.00 each | Table 5, item 7 |
| Lawn sprinkler system (per meter, including backflow device) | $10.00 | Table 5, item 11 |
| Backflow protective device — 2 inch or smaller | $8.00 | Table 5, item 13 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fuel gas, and related mechanical installations in unincorporated Washoe County. Covers furnaces, A/C, heat pumps, ductwork, gas piping, gas fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and evaporative coolers.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system
- Furnace, A/C, heat pump, or boiler installation or replacement
- Gas piping installation or pressure testing
- Wood stoves, pellet stoves, or gas fireplace installation
- Submit via ONe NV permit portal or EZ Permit form for basic HVAC or fireplace work
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023) or EZ Permit — HVAC / FireplaceStandard application; EZ Permit — HVAC and EZ Permit — Wood/Pellet/Gas/Electric Fireplace forms available for licensed contractors
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Issuance — base fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 4 — added to all unit fees below |
| Forced-air or gravity furnace (≤100,000 Btu/h) including ducts and vents | $20.00 | Table 4, Unit Fee Schedule item 1 |
| Forced-air or gravity furnace (>100,000 Btu/h) including ducts and vents | $26.00 | Table 4, item 1 |
| Suspended heater, recessed wall heater, or floor-mounted unit heater | $20.00 | Table 4, item 1 |
| Repair or addition to heating/cooling/absorption unit or system | $13.00 | Table 4, item 3 — applies to A/C replacements, repairs, evaporative cooler additions |
| Boiler or compressor ≤3 HP (or absorption system ≤100,000 Btu/h) | $20.00 | Table 4, item 4 |
| Evaporative cooler (non-portable) | $10.00 | Table 4, item 6 |
| Ventilation fan connected to a single duct | $7.00 | Table 4, item 7 |
| Gas piping system, 1–4 outlets | $5.00 | Table 4 — fuel-gas piping |
| Wood stove or insert (including fireplace insert) | $45.00 flat | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 2, item 6 — separate flat fee category |
Re-Roof / Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for roof replacement and re-roofing in unincorporated Washoe County. EZ Permits are available for licensed contractors for re-roof work. Siding replacement is handled under the general building permit.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Complete roof replacement (tear-off and re-roof) or re-roofing overlay
- Submit via ONe NV permit portal or use the EZ Permit — Reroof form (licensed contractors only)
- Roofing materials must be rated for Washoe County's snow load — minimum 29 psf roof snow design load
Required documents
- RequiredReroof Permit Application (2020) or EZ Permit — ReroofSpecific reroof application; EZ Permit form available for licensed contractors
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Re-roof / Siding flat fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 2, item 8 — flat fee, not valuation-based, per the county's live fee page |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for rooftop or ground-mounted solar PV systems on residential and commercial properties in unincorporated Washoe County. Requires both a building/solar permit for the structural and collector installation and a separate electrical permit for wiring.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Solar PV building permit for panel mounting, racking, and collector installation
- Separate electrical permit for wiring, inverter connections, and interconnection
- Submit via ONe NV permit portal; include roof plan, electrical single-line diagram, equipment specs, and structural analysis
- NV Energy interconnection approval required before energizing system
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023)For the structural/collector installation portion
- RequiredSolar Roof Plan / Site PlanShowing panel layout, roof access pathways, and setbacks
- RequiredElectrical Single-Line DiagramWiring from panels to inverter to main panel
- RequiredEquipment SpecificationsData sheets for panels, inverter, and racking system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Permit Issuance — base fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 6, item 1 |
| Solar collectors — up to 1,000 sq ft | $8.00 | Table 6, item 2 — in addition to $45 base |
| Solar collectors — 1,001 to 2,000 sq ft | $12.00 | Table 6, item 2 |
| Solar collectors — over 2,000 sq ft | $12.00 plus $1.00 per additional 1,000 sq ft | Table 6, item 2 |
| Electrical permit for solar wiring (new SFD/residential — per sq ft) | $45.00 base + $0.04 per sq ft (or unit fee for alterations: $45 base + $0.03/sq ft) | Table 8 — separate electrical permit required |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of an attached, detached, or minor accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a residential property in unincorporated Washoe County. Washoe County (population ≥100,000) is subject to NRS 278.257 (effective July 1, 2026), which mandates a county ordinance authorizing ADUs and, as a condition of approval, prohibits barring separate kitchen facilities, requiring more than one added parking space where existing parking is adequate, imposing stricter side/rear setbacks than the main residence, requiring most public-street improvements, and (except for transient/short-term lodging) prohibiting the owner from renting the ADU as long-term housing (NRS 278.257(2)(a)-(e)). The statute does not address owner-occupancy, and Washoe County's ADU standards (WCC §110.306.20-.25) do not impose an owner-occupancy requirement either.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- A main residential dwelling unit must exist on the parcel
- Only one ADU or guest quarters is permitted per parcel
- ADUs are permitted in General Rural (GR), General Rural Agricultural (GRA), and Residential Regulatory Zones (WCC Development Code §110.306.20–110.306.25)
- Attached ADU: minimum 5,000 sq ft lot; size limit is 80% of main dwelling or 1,500 sq ft (whichever is smaller) in most zones; 1,200 sq ft cap in MDS/HDS and urban zones
- Detached ADU: minimum 12,000 sq ft lot; size limit is 80% of main dwelling or 1,500 sq ft (whichever is smaller) in most zones; 1,200 sq ft in MDS zone
- Minor ADU (detached, <500 sq ft): if 12 ft or less in height, may be placed as close as 5 ft from side/rear property lines; no off-street parking required on parcels >½ acre
- Detached ADUs on parcels ≤½ acre require administrative review (Article 809) and one additional off-street parking space
- Compliance with 2024 IRC and all applicable setback, height, and lot coverage standards (Article 406)
- Submit Residential Application (2023) via ONe NV permit portal; contact Planning Division (775-328-6100) to confirm zoning eligibility before applying
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023)Used for ADU construction; available at washoecounty.gov/building
- RequiredSite Plan Checklist (2025)Engineering checklist required for all new construction including ADUs
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation-based per Table 1 | Varies — valuation-based (same tiered table as new residential construction) | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 1 and Building Valuation Data. Example: a 500 sq ft minor ADU (Type VB, utility/misc. occupancy at $36.91–$64.30/sf) would typically fall in the $25,000–$50,000 valuation range: $443.62 + $10.90 per $1,000 over $25,000. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of building permit fee | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 9 — accessory buildings / other permits |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for the full or partial demolition of structures in unincorporated Washoe County.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Submit Demolition Permit Application
- Utility disconnection letters from applicable utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) typically required before permit issuance
- Asbestos survey may be required for structures built before 1980 per NDEP and EPA regulations
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationWashoe County specific demolition application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit | Valuation-based per WCC Table 1 — $45.00 minimum | Washoe County assigns no per-square-foot demolition valuation rate; Show full citationHideWashoe County assigns no per-square-foot demolition valuation rate; under the WCC Chapter 100 valuation rules (Other Residential Valuations — Exceptions clause), the applicant provides the estimated total value of the demolition work (materials and labor) at application and the Building Official sets the final valuation, then the permit fee is computed from Table 1 (minimum $45.00 for valuation up to $500). Both major demolition (entire building) and minor demolition (a wall/room within a building) use this method. |
Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit
VerifiedRequired for interior alterations, remodels, and tenant improvements to existing commercial buildings in unincorporated Washoe County. Governed by the 2024 IBC. Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are required for associated trade work.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Commercial interior alterations, change of occupancy, or improvements to commercial tenant spaces
- Submit construction drawings to Washoe County Building Program via ONe NV portal
- Plans must comply with 2024 IBC and applicable fire, accessibility (ADA), and energy codes
- Contact Planning Division (775-328-6100) to confirm zoning and occupancy compatibility
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Permit ApplicationAvailable at washoecounty.gov/building — Commercial Projects section
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsFull plan set per 2024 IBC requirements
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation-based per Table 1 | Varies — valuation-based (same tiered table as residential) | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 1 and Building Valuation Data. Commercial occupancy costs per sf (Business group B, Type VB: ~$109.35/sf) are used for valuation. |
| Plan Review Fee — Commercial | 65% of building permit fee | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 9 — 'Grading and all other Permits: 65% of Building Fee' |
Swimming Pool / Spa Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of new in-ground or above-ground swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in unincorporated Washoe County. Governed by the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and the 2024 IRC. A separate electrical permit is also required.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Submit Pool Permit Application (2021) via ONe NV permit portal
- Review Residential Pool and Spa Handout (2022) before submitting
- Plans must include site plan showing pool location, setbacks, fencing/barrier details, and equipment location
- Barrier/fence enclosure meeting WCC Chapter 100 and 2024 IRC R326 required before pool can be used
- Separate electrical permit required for pool wiring, bonding, and underwater lighting
Required documents
- RequiredPool Permit Application (2021)Specific Washoe County pool permit application
- OptionalResidential Pool and Spa Handout (2022)County handout with submittal requirements for residential pools
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private swimming pool, spa, or hot tub — permit fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 7, item 1 (Private): $45.00 flat |
| Pool filling system including backflow prevention — 2 inch diameter or smaller | $6.00 | Table 7, item 2 — in addition to pool permit fee |
| Water heater and/or vent (pool heater) | $6.00 | Table 7, item 3 |
| Gas piping system (pool heater gas line) | $10.00 | Table 7, item 4 |
| Electrical permit for pool — private residential in-ground pool (complete system) | $45.00 base + $15.00 | Table 8, Private Swimming Pools — separate electrical permit required |
Block / Screen Wall / Fence Permit
VerifiedRequired for block walls, screen walls, and fences in unincorporated Washoe County that exceed the exempt thresholds. Fences over 6 feet high (or over 30 inches in the front yard) require a permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a permit.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Fences exceeding 6 feet in height (or 30 inches in front yard) require a permit
- Fence replacements over 100 linear feet require a permit
- Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height require a permit
- Rock walls over 4 feet require a permit
- Block/masonry walls require a permit regardless of height if structural
- Submit Residential Application (2023) with site plan showing wall location, height, and setbacks
- Review Fences and Retaining Walls Handout (2022)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (2023)Used for fence and wall permits
- OptionalFences and Retaining Walls Handout (2022)County handout with submittal requirements for fence and wall permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — Fence (valuation-based at $8.00 per linear foot) | Varies — valuation-based ($8.00/lf valuation, then Table 1 tiered fee) | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Other Residential Valuations: Fence = $8.00/lf; then Table 1 fee applies. Example: 100 lf fence = $800 valuation = $45.00 + $3.36/additional $100 = ~$55.50. |
| Building Permit — Retaining Wall (valuation at $15.00 per linear foot) | Calculated using $15.00/lf valuation, then Table 1 tiered fee | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Other Residential Valuations: Retaining Wall = $15.00/lf |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of building permit fee | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 9 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Online permit portal
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 Unincorporated Washoe County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.