Block / Screen Wall / Fence Permit in Unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada
Required 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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Residential Building Permit Application (2023)
Used for fence and wall permits
- Opt
Fences 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 |
Review timeline
~3–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Washoe County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footings (if applicable)
For masonry or block walls — verify footing depth, rebar, and setback before concrete pour
- 2
Final
Wall or fence complete — verify height, setbacks, and construction per approved plans
Tips
- Exempt fences: up to 30 inches in the front yard, or up to 6 feet in side/rear yards. Replacing up to 100 linear feet of existing fence does not require a permit.
- Retaining walls under 4 feet and rock walls under 4 feet do not require a permit.
- Block walls (CMU) along property lines often function as both screen walls and retaining walls — confirm height and structural requirements with the Building Program before starting.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a block wall in unincorporated Washoe County?
- It depends on the height and function. Retaining walls and rock walls over 4 feet require a permit. Fences over 6 feet (or 30 inches in the front yard) require a permit. Block (CMU) walls that are structural always require a permit. Review the Fences and Retaining Walls Handout (2022) or call (775) 328-2020.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- Washoe County Building Program — official building department
- Fences and Retaining Walls Handout (2022) — Washoe County Building Program
- What Requires a Permit — Washoe County Building Program
- Washoe County Code Chapter 100, Appendix A — Other Residential Valuations and Table 1
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.
Other permits in Unincorporated Washoe County
Get the AI compliance checklist
Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.