Building Department

Effective March 30, 2021, the department is open for limited appointments only to meet the current State of CA Business “RED” Tier under the COVID-19 guidelines. Click here for information to make an appointment. 

The Building Department will be continuing to provide services through email, phone, and online services. Please visit our Citizen Access Portal to apply for permits online, submit plans digitally, schedule inspections, and much more.

 In addition to our online services, the department has a drop box in the lobby for picking up and dropping off of plan submissions or other related paperwork. Please allow processing time of 24 to 48 hours from date received. 

 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 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!


Welcome to the Nevada County Building Department! Our department is committed to providing excellent service to the community in a timely, efficient and effective manner while maintaining compliance with minimum housing, building and safety laws. We strive to build positive relationships with the public through knowledge and outreach to our citizens. 
 
Please contact us with questions Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Permits are accepted for processing and/or issuance, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 3:30 pm.

2019 Bldg Code (PNG) Opens in new window

Go to online citizen access program.

Online Citizen Access


The Citizen Access Portal is for scheduling inspections, applying for permits, checking the status of your application and searching records. Handouts are available for inspection scheduling, checking the status of your application and creating an online application. 
Code Books 2019 (PNG)

Building Codes


The 2019 California Building Codes including the current Energy Codes are effective as of January 1, 2020. The local ordinance for the Nevada County Land Use and Development Code for local amendments to the code is effective January 1, 2020.
Pay your CDA fees online.

Pay Your Fees


You can pay online with a credit card or virtual check. Access to our fee schedule is also available.
Access the rules for building inspections.

Building Inspection


​Inspection scheduling for your active building permit can be completed by accessing our online permitting portal, Citizen Access or ACA.
Access frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions


Find the Building Departments most frequently asked questions.
Take our short survey online.

Take Our Short Survey


We would love to get your feedback on how we are doing by taking an online survey.