FAQs • Lyon County • CivicEngage

Why do I need to get a building permit?: The elected governing body of Lyon County, the Board of Commissioners, has enacted regulations and established responsible departments to promote the public health and safety. To that end the Building Department was established, as provided by state statute, to provide plan review, permitting and inspection services under the adopted building codes.

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Building - Permits

1. Can a contractor apply for and obtain a permit on my behalf?: Yes. However written authorization must accompany the permit application per NRS 278.610(AGO). This may be a signature of the current property owner on the application or a separate written authorization.

2. Do I have to come to Yerington to apply for a building permit?: Complete applications may be submitted by mail or in person at the Yerington office or in some cases the Dayton office in the Dayton Utilities Building (call 246-6135 for appointment). In either case a plan review deposit is required with the application so It is suggested you call first.

3. Do I need a permit for my storage shed?: Single-Family Residential or Buildings Constructed Under the International Residential Code (IRC) - One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouse, or similar uses that do not include electrical, mechanical or plumbing and do not exceed 200 square feet of floor area do not require a building permit. If any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work is included within the detached accessory structure or if the floor area exceeds 200 square feet, an appropriate permit is required.

Other Buildings or Buildings Constructed Under the International Building Code (IBC) -
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouse, or similar uses that do not include electrical, mechanical or plumbing and do not exceed 120 square feet of floor area do not require a building permit. If any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work is included within the detached accessory structure or if the floor area exceeds 120 square feet, an appropriate permit is required.

4. Do I need a permit to build a deck?: Decks (excluding flat concrete walking surfaces) attached to a building require a building permit. Detached decks which do not exceed 200 square feet of floor area and are less than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit but still must comply with code requirements.

5. Do I need a permit to build or replace my fence?: Fences six feet or less in height do not require a building permit. In Lyon County residential fences are limited to a maximum six feet in height in side and rear yards. Fences in front yard areas may not exceed 4 feet in height. Fences within 25 feet of an intersection are limited to 2 feet in height.

6. How close can I build to my property line?: Minimum setback requirements are established by County zoning codes. You are encouraged to phone or email the building department for this information. There may also be restrictions due to easements established on the property or other deed restrictions. In Mason and Smith Valleys the Walker River Irrigation District must approve the site plan for a project as part of the application process.

7. How long is a permit good for?: In general for a permit to remain valid, work must be started within six months and must not be abandoned for a period of six months. Evidence that a project has not been abandoned is usually on-going inspections. Time extensions of up to 180 days may be granted but must be requested in writing with justification before the permit expires.

8. What do I need to apply for a building permit?: It is suggested you visit our Information and Applications pages as a first step. Applications can be printed, filled-out and submitted with appropriate documents by mail or in person at the Building Dept. Since plan review deposits are now required with most applications,you are encouraged to phone or email to determine the amount of deposit and to discuss any remaining questions. Generally, non-residential permits in Lyon County require review and approval by the appropriate Fire District prior to being submitted to the Building Dept. Link to Information and Applications

9. Where can I get information regarding electric service to my lot?: See www.nvenergy.com/services/business/new_construction which is a web page providing a wealth of information including answers to numerous frequently asked questions regarding this subject. (For information regarding natural gas service in Lyon County visit www.southwestgas.com.) Link to SPPCo. webpage

10. Why do I need to get a building permit?: The elected governing body of Lyon County, the Board of Commissioners, has enacted regulations and established responsible departments to promote the public health and safety. To that end the Building Department was established, as provided by state statute, to provide plan review, permitting and inspection services under the adopted building codes.