FAQs • Nye County, NV • CivicEngage

What is the difference between the Board of County Commissioners and the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission?: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are elected officials who are responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance of unincorporated Nye County, including land development. The BOCC are elected from five electoral districts and appoint the members of the Regional Planning Commission. The Pahrump Regional Planning Commission is empowered by the BOCC to make final development decisions on many land use applications, and make recommendations on nonconforming zone change requests. The BOCC is the final authority on all zoning issues, including appealed decisions from the PRPC.

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Planning Department

1. Can I appeal a decision made by the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission?: Any decision made by the PRPC can be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Appeals must be filed in writing with the Planning Department within 30 days from the PRPC meeting and are scheduled for a hearing by the BOCC approximately one month later. Specific scheduling can be obtained by contacting Planning staff.

2. What is a Master Plan and how is it different from zoning? What is it used for?: The Master Plan, or Land Use Plan, is an overall development guide for all areas of the Pahrump Regional Planning District. It provides the appropriate mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses in a logically transitioned pattern. It is used to decide if proposed development is in conformance with the plan. Zoning is the division of the county into districts for the purpose of regulating the use of private land. It is, also, a legal entitlement to develop your property within the permitted uses specified in the zoning code. (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

3. Where do I obtain an elevation certificate?

To obtain a Flood Elevation Certificate application and obtain a Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential buildings select the links or visit the FEMA website. Elevation data reported on a FEMA Elevation Certificate must be certified by a licensed surveyor, Engineer or Architect. This document is reference in the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual (Special Certifications Section.)

You must also apply for an Elevation Certificate review with Nye County Planning HERE. A wet stamp hard copy must be dropped off at the Nye County Planning Department and a $75.00 fee paid prior to the commencement of the Flood Plain Administrator review.

4. Why does my Pahrump business license application have to be signed off by the Planning Department?: The Planning Department verifies that the proposed business use is appropriate for the zoning of your property.

5. Can I have more than one Home-Based Business in Pahrump?: Yes, you can have more than one Home-Based Business in your home as long as you comply with the Home Occupations section of the Zoning Ordinance (NCC 17.04.800). Nye County Code

6. How can I find out the rules for developing or making use of my property?: Property development in the Pahrump Regional Planning District is governed by Title 17 of the Nye County Code. This code governs all property development and land uses. You can also speak with a Planner to ask specific questions to ensure that your project will comply with the Development Code.

7. In Pahrump I want to build a (pool, garage, patio cover, carport, shed, Fence ) on my property. Do I need Planning approval? Why?: Demonstrating compliance with the Development Code is a required step for all building permits. This ensures that any use you make of your property will not have a negative impact on neighboring properties or property values. Even when a building permit is not required, all structures must meet Title 17 of the Nye County Code requirements. You must obtain an approved Zoning Review Application HERE prior to the start of ANY construction

8. My neighbor built a carport next to my fence without a building permit. Who do I report this to?: The Code Compliance Office, is responsible for code enforcement. They can be reached at (775) 751-4249. You can also fill out the online complaint form HERE.
Online Code Compliance Complaint Form

9. What is my property zoned? What is zoning used for?

Specific property zoning can be determined by visiting the Planning Department or visiting the Nye County Assessor data search (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

Property zoning determines what a property can be used for and the applicable development standards such as setbacks, height restrictions, etc. Planning staff can discuss the zoning rules and specific requirements for developing a parcel.

Zoning information is also available online with the Nye County GIS interactive Map. Nye County GIS

10. What is the difference between the Board of County Commissioners and the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission?: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are elected officials who are responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance of unincorporated Nye County, including land development. The BOCC are elected from five electoral districts and appoint the members of the Regional Planning Commission. The Pahrump Regional Planning Commission is empowered by the BOCC to make final development decisions on many land use applications, and make recommendations on nonconforming zone change requests. The BOCC is the final authority on all zoning issues, including appealed decisions from the PRPC.

11. When do I need a building permit?: Generally, any new construction of a structure over 200 square feet or anything in a commercial zone will require a building permit. Appropriate building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, and/or other permits are required for all new construction, alteration, repair, moving, improving, removing, conversion, or demolition of buildings, structures, signs, amusement, and transportation systems, or building service equipment as outlined in the Nye County Code. (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

12. Where do I get a building permit?: Building permits are obtained from Pahrump Building and Safety; located at 250 N Hwy 160, Ste. 3. Phone (775) 751-3773. Online applications can be submitted using this link. (This only applies to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

13. How do I find out the location of water, gas, power, TV, and sewer lines in relation to my property?: You can find this information by contacting the utility company who has jurisdiction in the area for which the property is located. All of the Public Utility Companies servicing Nye County can be found here.

14. Is my property in a flood zone?

You may obtain flood zone information from Nye County by stopping by the Pahrump Planning Department, 250 N. Hwy 160, Ste. 1 or by calling the Floodplain Administrator at (775) 751-4242.

You may also view the flood map on the Nye County website at this LINK or by visiting the Nye County GIS HERE by entering in your address or APN and selecting the Flood layer.

15. Must I obtain Flood Insurance?: If your property is within the 100-year flood plain, in zones AO-1, 2, or 3 in an Undefined A-Zone, your mortgage company will likely require flood insurance. Otherwise, flood insurance is not mandatory. However, the decision to purchase Flood Insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program must be made by each individual. You can get more information from the FEMA website or from your insurance agent. FEMA

16. How can I reach individual Nye County Planning staff members by telephone?: The telephone number for all Planning staff is (775) 751-4249. If the staff member you have chosen is not available please leave a detailed message and they will return your phone call.

17. How can I obtain a copy of the staff report for my application?: On the Thursday before your PRPC meeting, this information is available on the internet by going to the Nye County Meeting Center. Or you can find your staff report in your online portal by selecting attachments.
Nye County

18. Is a Site Development Plan Review always required with a Conditional Use Permit Application?: A conceptual Site Plan is required with all Conditional Use Permit applications and must comply with NCC 17.04.950 before going before the Regional Planning Commission for action. If the application is approved, then a full Site Development Plan Review will be required and must be approved by both the Planning Department and Public Works Department before any construction or development will be permitted, as well as before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued from the Building and Safety Department. (This applies only to the Pahrump Regional Planning District)

19. How can I obtain written confirmation of the zoning of my property in Pahrump?: Specific zoning for your property can be obtained from the Planning Department by submitting an application for a Zoning Verification Request. Up to five parcels can be requested on each form. Applications can be submitted HERE.

20. In Pahrump when is the Site Development Plan required?: It is intended that Site Development Plan reviews shall be required prior to the issuance of Building or other Construction Permits for all properties located in the (NC) Neighborhood Commercial, (GC) General Commercial, (MU) Mixed Use, (MF) Multi-family, (LI) Light Industrial, (HI) Heavy Industrial, (BR) Brothel, and (AP) Airport Zones and is required for all commercial/industrial development.