Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Building Department

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

    Building Department

  • The Nevada County Community Development Agency customer service counter is open for walk ins from 8am to 3:30pm daily. You can also apply for a permit online by visiting the Citizen Access Portal, which allows you to submit plans digitally, schedule inspections, research permits and much more.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out by  emailing the Department or by phone at 530-265-1222, Option 1. Thank you.

    Building Department

  • 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.

    Building Department

  • 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.

    Building Department

  • 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.

    Building Department

  • 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.

    Building Department

  • 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.

    Building Department

  • 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. 

    Building Department

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

    Building Department

  • The 2022 California Building Standards are in effect as of January 1, 2023. See the Design Criteria page for details. 

    Building Department