Navigating the permitting process in Southern Nevada

By Brian Deka

Monday, July 13, 2015 | 2 a.m.

One Clark County homeowner wants to install a water softener. Another is replacing windows.

Only one of them needs a building permit. Do you know which one?

In Southern Nevada, even small home-improvement projects might require building permits. That’s because faulty installations can cause fires, floods or other safety hazards. Also, if work is done without a permit, people who try to sell their homes might be forced to make costly repairs.

Municipal officials try to prevent that by helping residents with the permit process. Clerks who work at local building departments are happy to walk homeowners through the process.

Still, Ronald Lynn, director of Clark County’s Department of Building and Fire Prevention, described the process as incredibly complex and not designed for the average homeowner. The county recommends homeowners choose a licensed contractor to do the work and handle the permit.

For homeowners who have the expertise to handle the project themselves, here is a look at the process.

I have a home improvement project to do. Do I need a permit?

Rules can vary depending on where you live, but here is a basic overview of the types of projects that require or don’t require a permit.

Permit required

■ Room conversions, patio construction and additions

■ Fences and block walls

■ Water heaters and water softeners

■ Pools and spas

■ Play houses and sheds

■ New electrical outlets and fixtures

No permit required

■ Painting and wallpapering

■ Replacing existing doors and windows

■ Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks without altering existing plumbing

■ Replacing lighting or plumbing fixtures

■ Replacing floor coverings, cabinets or molding

I need a permit. How do I file for one?

The process may differ slightly by municipality, but here are the general steps you must take to get a building permit:

1. Get an application: They are available online or at the building department. Fill it out and gather any supplemental documents, such as architectural plans.

2. Submit your application: Bring your completed application to your municipality’s building department (see location information on page 10). A clerk will enter the information into an electronic system and give your application an identification number.

3. Zoning plan examination: Staffers will examine your plans to ensure they conform with development codes and the end result will fit aesthetically in the neighborhood. Some neighborhoods have special development reviews, as well.

4. Building plan examination: Engineers will look at the structural and architectural specifics of your plan to make sure everything is up to code. They might make recommendations, such as adding more steel rebar. The goal is to agree about how the plan will be executed so there are fewer problems during the inspection process.

5. Verification and payment: Staffers will verify ownership of the property in question and, if needed, direct you to other agencies for additional steps. Clerks also will calculate the fees owed and take payment.

6. Receive your permit: The permit is good for 180 days, and that timeframe will be extended each time an inspection is scheduled. People also can request an extension if the process is taking longer than expected.

Where do I need to go?

Residents of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City should file for a permit at their city’s building department. People who live in unincorporated areas of Clark County should file with the county.

Clark County

4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas

702-455-3000

clarkcountynv.gov/depts/development_services/pages/default.aspx

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Las Vegas

333 N. Rancho Drive, Las Vegas

702-229-6251

lasvegasnevada.gov/faces/home/building-and-safety

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday

Henderson

240 S. Water St., Henderson

702-267-3600

cityofhenderson.com/building-fire-safety/home

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday

North Las Vegas

2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Suite 170, North Las Vegas

702-633-1536

cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/communitydevelopment/buildingsafety.shtm

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Boulder City

401 California Ave., Boulder City

702-293-9282

bcnv.org/163/building-division

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday