Electrical Permit in Unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada
Required 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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Residential Building Permit Application (2023) or EZ Permit — Electrical
Standard 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 |
Review timeline
~3–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Washoe County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In
After wiring installed, before walls closed — verify conductor sizing, box placement, and service connections
- 2
Final
All devices installed, panel labeled, GFCI/AFCI protection verified per 2023 NEC
Tips
- EZ Permits are available for basic electrical work (service changes, panel upgrades) by licensed contractors — download the EZ Permit — Electrical form from the Washoe County Building Program website.
- All electrical work must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted effective July 1, 2025.
- Nevada state law (NRS Chapter 624) requires a licensed electrical contractor unless the owner is performing work on their own single-family residence.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a homeowner pull their own electrical permit in unincorporated Washoe County?
- Nevada generally requires a licensed electrical contractor for electrical work; however, homeowners may perform electrical work on their own single-family residence under NRS 624. Contact the Washoe County Building Program at (775) 328-2020 to confirm current requirements before proceeding.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- Washoe County Building Program — official building department
- Washoe County Code Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 8 — Electrical Permit Fees
- EZ Permit — Electrical (for licensed contractors)
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.
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