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1. Where are your offices located?

We are located on the bottom floor of the Eric Rood Administration Center.

2. When are your offices open?

The Nevada County Community Development Agency customer service counter is closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Building Department will be continuing to provide services through email, phone, and online services. Visit our Citizen Access Portal to apply for permits online, submit plans digitally, schedule inspections, and much more. You may also use our drop/pick-up boxes located outside the CDA main double doors in the main lobby area. We will be continuing to conduct field inspections during this time and ask that all non-essential inspections not to be scheduled until a later date. If you have any questions and/or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at BuildingDept@co.nevada.ca.us or 530-265-1222, Option 1. Thank you and be safe!

3. How much will my building permit cost?

Our permit fees vary depending on types of structures or permitted work. For more information review the fee estimate handouts for Eastern Nevada County and Western Nevada County. You can also contact us for a fee estimate by providing the square footage and type of structure. Our phone number is 530-265-1222 or you can email us.

4. Once I submit my plans, how long will it be until they are reviewed?

New residences are reviewed in approximately 4 weeks. Most other projects are reviewed in 10 days to 4 weeks depending on size and type of structure or the scope of work to be completed.

5. What is the largest structure I can build without a permit?

Per Section L-V 2.4, Land Use and Development Code, Work Exempt from a Permit: One-story detached accessory building without electrical, mechanical or plumbing not intended for habitation provided the projected roof area does not exceed 200 square feet. Meet setbacks, one structure per parcel. Once you add utilities to this structure, the exemption is removed and it will need to be permitted.

6. How can I check the status of my application to see if it is approved?

You can check the status of your plan review 24 hours a day on our Citizen Access Portal. You can view the permit information under Building by using the drop down to permit status. Review the Check the Status of your Permit handout for more information.

7. Can I find out what the snow load requirements are for my project?

You can use the GIS mapping tool, My Neighborhood Interactive map, where you can search for your property. This useful tool will provide ground snow load, wind exposure, climate zone, elevation, zoning and other helpful facts.

8. How do I schedule an inspection? When will the inspector arrive?

You can access our online Citizen Access Portal to set up an inspection, find out your inspection time window and view the results of your inspection. See the Inspection Scheduling page for more details. 

9. When can I talk to a Plan Examiner or Building Inspector?

You can call the Building Department at 530-265-1222 to set up an appointment to meet with your inspector or plans examiner.

10. What is the current required design criteria?

The 2019 California Building Standards are in effect as of January 1, 2020. See the Design Criteria page for details.