Getting Started
I am ready for a building permit...where do I start?
Are you in Unincorporated Washoe County?
Please first determine if your property is indeed located within unincorporated Washoe County. Your property may also be within the "sphere of influence" of the Cities of Reno or Sparks. The location of the property will determine which agency you will need to visit for permitting.
- Visit Quick Maps to determine your property jurisdiction.
- The Navigating the GIS Map provides helpful instructions on using the regional quick maps system.
Is this an allowable project on the property?
Once you have determined that your property is in Unincorporated Washoe County, the next step is to determine if your proposed project is allowed and what is needed to proceed. Start by contacting Washoe County Planning Division at planning@washoecounty.gov to learn more about the land regulations specific to your property.
Understand the Building Permit Process
Our Project Information Sheet was designed to help guide you through our process, while providing you with the best county experts to assist you. The process includes submission of an application describing your project on a site plan, review of the project by professional technical teams, issuance of a permit that allows for construction and a final inspection of the constructed project.
Washoe County Building Permit Process
The Washoe County Building Permit Process consists of three main process phases: pre-submittal, plan submittal and review, and issuance. During each process phase, professionals from multiple public teams review submitted plans and provide feedback on the project design as it relates to meeting local, regional, and federal mandates. The illustration below is available to demonstrate the complexity of permit pre-submittal, plan submittal and review and issuance phases.
Additional Helpful Information