External Building and Planning Project Clearance
Environmental Health Clearance Requirements for External Agencies (Town of Truckee, City of Grass Valley, and City of Nevada City)
If your parcel is within one of the jurisdictions above, you may need a Building Permit or Planning Project Clearance. If you are on a septic system or well, or the scope of work involves any of the following, please follow the instructions below:
- Adding or changing any accessory structures (Additional Dwelling Units, Detached Accessory Buildings, Pools, Ground Mount Solar)
- For more information on ADU's and Junior ADU's, please refer to our ADU & JADU Sewage Disposal Information Handout
- Increasing the number of bedrooms
- Changing the original footprint of the home (additions, decks, patios)
- Constructing or modifying commercial facilities with:
- Retail food or food service
- Facilities that store/generate hazardous materials
- Body art facilities
- Organized camps
- Facilities with regulated pools or spas
*When applying for a building permit with the jurisdictional Building Department, please provide a copy of the plans to Environmental Health for review per the instructions below. Please remember to accurately show the septic system tank, leach area, future septic repair area, and well, if applicable.
- Apply Online using Accela Citizen Access link:
- Create an account and record your username and password in a secure location.
- Once you have signed in, select the Environmental Health tab and then select "Create an Application".
- Select the option for "Permit Clearance Building-Planning" and enter the applicable information requested.
- Provide a project summary on the "Details" page.
- Complete the 2024-25 Permit Clearance Application and upload it as an attachment.
- Upload plans showing the proposed work area and all development on parcel (including entire septic system with repair area and water source). (See Table T-112 for setback requirements in the Nevada County LAMP).
- Once submitted, Environmental Health will provide the applicant with payment instructions in accordance with the current fee schedule.
- Apply by Email or In-Person
- Submit the 2024-25 Permit Clearance Application with site plans and supporting documents using the contact information listed below.
Environmental Health Contact Information
Office Hours (Open to the Public): Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Nevada County Department of Environmental Health, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA
Phone: (530) 265-1222 Extension: 3