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City of Las Vegas: plumbing permits
Source: Las Vegas Plumbing Help (lasvegasplumbinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Plumbing permits
The City of Las Vegas issues water heater (same for same, including tankless), water softener, gas line repair or tag, water piping replacement, drainage and vent repair, and building water and sewer repair permits online with no plans. (source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
- The City of Las Vegas requires a permit to install, move, remove or replace any water heater. Homeowners may get it for their own primary residence; rentals and second homes need a contractor.
- Two seismic straps attached to framing, within the upper and lower thirds of the tank, with 4 inches of clearance above the controls at the lower strap.
- The temperature and pressure relief drain runs outside (or to the drainage system by an air gap) and ends between 6 inches and 2 feet above the ground, pointing down.
- A gas shutoff within 6 feet of the appliance, a sediment trap, maintained water pipe bonding, an electrical disconnect for electric units, and a listed expansion tank where a check valve or backflow device is present.
- A final inspection is required; request it at least one day ahead at 702-229-6914 or online.
(source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
Its homeowner guide says permits are not required for: (source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
- Repair or replace a sink, a toilet, or a faucet not concealed in a wall.
- Resurface shower walls; repair or replace shower heads, gutters and downspouts, or a hose bibb.
- Add to or alter an irrigation system with an approved backflow device; install a water filter.
- Clear stoppages or repair leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, or remove and reinstall a toilet, if no concealed piping is replaced or rearranged.
- Replace a fixture in the same place with a similar one, if only the fixture, tail piece or trap is replaced and no fire-resistive construction is penetrated.
(source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
The City of Las Vegas has a year-round amnesty program that lets homeowners self-disclose non-permitted or non-code-compliant work in their homes without any penalties for the required plan review and permit fees. Building and Safety: (702) 229-6251. (source: City of Las Vegas Building and Safety)
Nevada rules that apply here
Plumbers are licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board in classification C-1. Subclassification C-1d Plumbing covers water supply, sanitary waste and vent systems, roof drainage, hydronic heating up to 200,000 BTU, landscape irrigation, water heating (including solar), permanent gas supply, and medical gas, compressed air and vacuum piping. A C-1d licensee may also pipe water and gas from the edge of the building to the utility meter (NAC 624.190). (source: Nevada Legislature)
The under $1,000 repair exemption never covers work of a type done by a plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, heating or air-conditioning contractor (NRS 624.031). (source: Nevada Legislature)
See the permit comparison, water heater rules and checking a license.
Other cities: Unincorporated Clark County · City of Las Vegas · City of Henderson
On this site: What license does a Las Vegas plumber need? · Do I need a plumbing permit in Las Vegas? · Replacing a water heater in Las Vegas · What to do if you smell gas in Las Vegas · Plumbing work that needs no permit in Las Vegas · Water softener and reverse osmosis permits in Las Vegas · Leak repair and repiping permits in Las Vegas · Plumbing inspections in Las Vegas · Finding a licensed plumber in Las Vegas · Plumbing problems in a Las Vegas rental · How to check a Las Vegas plumber's Nevada license · Can a handyman do plumbing work in Nevada? · What happens if an unlicensed plumber works in Nevada? · What must a Nevada plumbing contract include? · How much deposit can a Nevada plumber ask for? · The Nevada Residential Recovery Fund · How to file a complaint about a Las Vegas plumber · Cancelling a plumbing deal signed at your door in Nevada · Doing your own plumbing work in Las Vegas · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: Online Permits List (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: Residential Water Heater Installation Guideline (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: When Do I Need a Permit? A Homeowner's Guide (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Las Vegas Building and Safety: Building and Offsite Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau): NAC 624.190 (C-1 plumbing and heating) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau): NRS 624.031 (exemptions, including the under $1,000 repair exemption and owner-builders) (checked November 2, 2026)
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