Building Department

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.

Video Tutorials

Learn about the permitting process from start to finish and how to complete a digital permit application using the citizen access portal.
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. View the inspection scheduling handout (PDF) and ACA user manual (PDF).
2016 California Building Standards Code Books (jpg)

Building Codes


The 2016 Building Codes are effective as of January 1, 2017. The current Energy Codes are effective January 1, 2017. The Nevada County Building Code Ordinance (PDF) for local amendments to the code is effective January 1, 2017.
Pay your CDA fees online.

Pay Your Fees


You can pay online with a credit card or virtual check. Access to our fee schedules is also available.
*PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 1, 2018 the Building Department will be required to collect a $4.00 fee on every building permit except for those within the limits of Nevada City in accordance with AB 1379.***

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.