Administrative overview · FIPS 32031
Washoe County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Washoe County Community Services Department - Planning and Building Division
For a project in or near Washoe County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
775-328-2020; automated inspection line 775-325-8000; County 311
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno, NV 89512
Operating hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for the Building Program front counter.
Review expectation
N/A; the county states processing time depends on current intake volume.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Washoe County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Washoe County Community Services Department - Planning and Building Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 775-328-2020; automated inspection line 775-325-8000; County 311.
How long might review take?
N/A; the county states processing time depends on current intake volume.
How are inspections scheduled?
Schedule by email at inspections@washoecounty.us, voicemail at 775-325-8000, through an Accela account, or through the Washoe County Inspections app. Requests should be made by 4:00 p.m.; provide permit number, job address, inspection type, requested date, and contact details.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
For new permit submittals, effective July 1, 2025: 2024 ICC codes including IBC, IRC, IEBC, IECC, IFGC, IMC, IWUIC, ISPSC, UPC, and UMC; 2023 NEC; 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments; and listed NFPA 54/58 requirements. Permits submitted before January 1, 2026 may remain under their submitted 2018 codes. Examples include small sheds/playhouses under 200 square feet without utilities; limited-height fences; retaining walls under 4 feet; certain low patios, sidewalks, driveways, and decks; interior finish work; small above-ground pools; same-opening door/window replacement; limited roof repair; clearing under 50 cubic yards; and minor electrical, gas, and plumbing repairs. Tahoe Basin restrictions may add requirements.