Washoe County Building Program
The Washoe County Building Program ensures buildings/structures are safe, by applying nationally recognized County adopted ordinances through our plan check and inspection services. These standards are a vital part of Washoe County's quality of life and play a key role in maintaining minimum acceptable construction standards and a predictable regulatory environment. Our goal is to assist our customers by providing exceptional public service and to foster a resilient built environment.
Building Latest Updates
Washoe County Policy Memorandum Updates:
- Inspection Scheduling Windows and Inspection Readiness Requirements.
- Ice Barrier (Ice Dam) Inspection - Photo Documentation Protocol.
North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) Fee Changes
NLTFPD will be increasing the hourly fee rate as of July 1, 2026.
Information and Website updates
The Washoe County Building department is in the process of updating all informational handouts, applications, and other documents as well as updating the website to meet accessibility standards.
- For all commercial and residential construction projects that require special inspections and/or structural observation documents, please complete the updated forms as the previous documents will no longer be accepted.
- Special inspections: Special Inspections Testing Agreement
- Structural Observation: Structural Observation Agreement
New Building Codes are here.
Washoe County has adopted the 2024 editions of the ICC codes and the 2023 NEC, effective July 1, 2025. All new permit submittals are required to be permitted under these new codes.
**Note: Permits previously submitted prior to January 1, 2026 under the 2018 codes are still permitted under the codes in which they were submitted. .**
The updated code editions include:
- 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council
- 2024 International Building Code, Chapters 1 through 35 and Appendices A, C, E, I, and P
- 2024 International Residential Code, Chapters 1 through 44 and Appendices BB, BF, BG, BH, BO, CA, CB, and CD
- 2024 International Existing Building Code, Chapters 1 through 16 and Appendices A, B, C, and E
- 2024 International Energy Conservation Code, Chapters 1 through 6
- 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, Chapters 1 through 8 and Appendix A
- 2024 International Mechanical Code, Chapters 1 through 15
- 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Chapter 5
- 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Chapters 1 through 11
- 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, Chapters 1 through 17 and Appendices A, B, D, E, I, and L
- 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, Chapters 1 through 18
- 2023 National Electrical Code (“NEC First Print”) - (Note, must create free login to access online);
- 2024 National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA") 54 - (Note, must create free login to access online);
- 2024 National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA") 58 - (Note, must create free login to access online);
- 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council
Other Recent News and Information
- 2025 HOA/ Construction Committee Registration Affidavit
-
EZ Permits are now available for basic utility and re-roof permits completed by licensed contractors.
Getting Started
- Design Criteria (Wind, Seismic Design, Snow Loads, Frost Lines, Foundations, Elevation, WUI/Fire Requirements)
Permit Review and Status
Please Note: NO WORK THAT CAN CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD MAY OCCUR ON RED FLAG DAYS!
1001 E Ninth Street
Phone (775) 328-2020
Fax (775) 328-6132
Hours of operation for In-Office front counter for the Washoe County Building Program
Monday through Friday - 8am to 4:00pm.
Thank You for visiting the Washoe County Building Program. If you have any problems or concerns regarding our website, please contact: building@washoecounty.gov