FAQs • Humboldt County, NV • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit to build a deck off of my house?: Yes, if the deck height is greater then 30 inches. As measured from the highest portion of the deck’s walking surface to your finished grade. The main reason behind this code section is that a walking surfaces over 30 inches is required to comply with the building code’s guardrail requirements, as a safety measure. Because to an active adult, a deck barely over 30 inches is unlikely to cause injury; however, to small children and the elderly a fall from this height could cause a severe injury. Visit our Permits page or contact us for more information.

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Building Questions

1. How do I obtain an address for property I have purchased?

The first step in obtaining an address is to verify that there is legal access from the public way to your parcel. You must have an easement from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to cross their parcels to reach yours even if there is an existing road. You can contact the BLM at (775)623-1500. If you have to cross private property to gain access to your parcel you will need a recorded easement from the property owner(s).

Once the easements have been addressed you need to obtain a permit in order to obtain an address. This permit can be a building permit for a storage building over 200 square feet or an electrical permit.

2. Do I have to have a well and sewage disposal system in order to live on my property?: Yes! You will need to hire a licensed well driller to drill the required well. The State of Nevada Water Resources Division does not allow water to be hauled for residential properties. You need to have the well installed in order to obtain a sewage disposal permit. You can stay on the property for a total of 30 days in a calendar year without having a well or sewage disposal system. After that time you must install a well and sewage disposal system or moved off the property.

3. Can I live in a recreational vehicle on my property?: Humboldt County allows recreational vehicles to be used a dwelling in certain land zones. The land zones are usually AG or M3 zones. You will need to contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (775)623-6392 to verify if you can place a recreational vehicle on the parcel. Per Humboldt County Ordinance 03-07-16 a recreational vehicle can be occupied for 30 days cumulative before a permit is required. After the 30 days a permit is required and the recreational vehicle shall be connected to well, sewage disposal system & tied down. See our handouts page for recreational vehicle handout.

4. What size outbuilding can I construct without a permit.: One story detached accessory buildings such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, livestock shelters and greenhouses provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. These buildings shall be placed at least six feet from any building, structure or property line. For more information, contact the Building Department.

5. Do I need a permit to build a deck off of my house?: Yes, if the deck height is greater then 30 inches. As measured from the highest portion of the deck’s walking surface to your finished grade. The main reason behind this code section is that a walking surfaces over 30 inches is required to comply with the building code’s guardrail requirements, as a safety measure. Because to an active adult, a deck barely over 30 inches is unlikely to cause injury; however, to small children and the elderly a fall from this height could cause a severe injury. Visit our Permits page or contact us for more information.

6. Can I attach a patio cover to my manufactured home?: Only awnings "constructed of light-weight metallic material which does not exceed one pound per square foot dead load" may be attached to a manufactured home with or without a foundation. In order to attach a wood framed patio cover to a manufactured home the manufactured home shall be supported on a full perimeter foundation. The patio cover cannot hip back on the the manufactured home unless the manufactured home has a 30 lb roof load.

7. Do I need a permit to apply stucco to my house?: Yes, a permit is required for stucco finishes on any structure. This is due to the fact that stucco-type finishes add extra weight to the exterior of a structure and historically, improperly installed stucco-type finishes allow structural damage due to water infiltration.

8. Do I have to have a permit to replace a furnace or water heater?: Permits are required to replacement of furnaces and water heaters. If the furnace and water heater are gas and are being installed in a manufactured home the unit shall be manufactured home approved. If the water heater is being installed in a closet it shall be direct vent/sealed combustion unit.