What Requires a Permit?
Certain types of construction and repairs may be completed without a building permit (exempt). The full list of exempt construction and repair activities is found in Washoe County Code, Chapter 100. If a project is not on the exempt list, a building permit is required.
No Building Permit Required
(Below are example activities that do no require a building permit and are included on the exemption list. Prior to starting construction, please view full list in code for additional considerations, details and information. You may also email building@washoecounty.gov)
- Small sheds or playhouses under 200 sq. ft. (no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical; must meet setback rules)
- Fences:
- Up to 30" high in front yard
- Up to 6' high in other areas (not used for pools or required screening)
- To replace current fence with the same material (less than 100 linear feet)
- Wire fences less than 58 inches on parcels greater than 2 acres.
- Retaining or rock walls under 4' high (not supporting extra weight or liquids)
- Water tanks on the ground, under 5,000 gallons, with a low height-to-width ratio
- Patios, sidewalks, and driveways:
- Less than 30" above ground
- No foundation
- Not over basements, septic systems, or part of an accessible route
- Decks not more than 30 inches in height and meets required setbacks
- Interior finish work like painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and countertops
- Small above-ground pools:
- Less than 24" deep
- Under 5,000 gallons
- Shade cloth structures for nursery or agriculture (no utilities)
- Playground equipment for single-family homes
- Door and window replacement (same opening and size, meets applicable codes)
- Window awnings:
- Extend less than 54" from the wall
- Extend less than 24" into setbacks
- No extra supports (for certain residential uses)
- Roof repair
- Less than 100 sq/ft or under its one-year warranty
- Decks not more than 30 inches in height and meets required setbacks
- Grading: Clearing less than 50 cubic yards of soil, dirt or rock.
- Electrical and Gas - minor repairs, minor maintenance for example:
- The replacement of lamps,
- Replacement of light fixtures in single family and accessory structures,
- Portable electrical equipment connected to approved permanently installed receptacles, and
- Repair or replacement of fixed appliances in the same location.
- Temporary electrical for example:
- Temporary electrical uses,
- Temporary lighting, and
- Portable gas-heating appliance, portable ventilation equipment, and portable cooling units.
- Plumbing - minor repair to address leaks and stoppages for example:
- Minor work to stop leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe,
- Clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets (do not involve valves, pipes or fixtures rearrangement or modification),
- Repair or replacement of residential sinks, toilets, water closets (no rearranging of the water, waste, or vent pipes).