Residential Addition / Remodel Permit in Unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada
Required 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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Residential Building Permit Application (2023)
Used for additions, remodels, and alterations
- Opt
Residential Addition Handout (2022)
County handout with submittal requirements for residential additions
- Opt
Decks and Patio Covers Handout (2022)
Specific handout for deck and patio cover permits
- Opt
Detached 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' |
Review timeline
~5–30 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Washoe County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footings (if applicable)
Before concrete pour for new footings — setback certification may be required
- 2
Framing / Structural
After framing is complete and before walls are covered — verify structure, connections, and blocking
- 3
Final
All work complete per approved plans
Tips
- Exempt from permit: sheds/playhouses under 200 sq ft; decks under 200 sq ft and less than 30 inches above grade; fences up to 30 inches in the front yard or 6 feet in other areas; retaining walls under 4 feet; roof repairs under 100 sq ft.
- Exempt fence replacements: under 100 linear feet replacement does not require a permit.
- Decks and patio covers have a dedicated county handout — review it before submitting plans.
Frequently asked questions
- What work is exempt from a permit in unincorporated Washoe County?
- Exempt work includes: sheds/playhouses under 200 sq ft; decks under 200 sq ft and under 30 inches high; fences up to 6 feet (or 30 inches in front yards); retaining/rock walls under 4 feet; roof repairs under 100 sq ft; patios/sidewalks/driveways at grade; pools under 24 inches deep; painting, flooring, cabinets, and countertops. The full exempt list is in WCC Chapter 100.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- Washoe County Building Program — official building department
- Washoe County Residential Applications and Handouts
- What Requires a Permit — Washoe County Building Program
- Residential Addition Handout (2022)
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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