Bolthole Index

Storey County, Nevada

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Storey County, Nevada

35Index Score / 100
#13 of 17 in Nevada

Storey County, Nevada requires a building permit for most construction and has adopted the 2024 International Residential Code; only a shed of 200 square feet or less without utilities is exempt1. Countywide zoning applies, and residential projects using septic need Nevada DPBH approval before Storey County will issue its permit23. An RV may be occupied only during construction under the county's conditional travel-trailer permit4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction; county building codes and amendments apply15
Zoning
Yes, countywide; the parcel's district controls allowed uses and standards26
Residential septic
Required from Nevada DPBH before Storey County issues its permit3
RV during construction
Conditional permit only; approved well, septic, power and building permit required4
Owner-builder exemption
Available for an owner's own home, but permits and licensed subcontractors still apply7
Manufactured home
Permanent occupancy is limited to the MHO overlay and barred in the Comstock Historic District8
Private well
Obtain the well permit before drilling and submit the final report to Community Development9
Septic soil difficulty
Only 1% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field10

Who to call

Building permits

Storey County Community Development

Provides residential and commercial construction permit resources and is the county contact to ask which authority reviews a residential septic proposal

775-847-0966

[email protected]

110 E. Toll Road, P.O. Box 526, Virginia City, NV 89440

Planning & zoning

Storey County Planning Department

Administers and updates Storey County's zoning ordinances (Storey County Code Title 17), zoning maps, and land use policy

775-847-1144

[email protected]

26 South B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440

Zoning

Storey County Code – Title 17, Zoning Ordinances

The Storey County Planning Department's own page identifying Title 17 as the county's zoning code

Septic permits

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) – Bureau of Water Pollution Control, OSDS Program

Statewide commercial onsite sewage disposal system (OSDS) permitting only; residential single-family septic systems are excluded and handled locally instead

(775) 687-9418

901 S. Stewart St., Ste. 4001, Carson City, NV 89701

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Storey County, Nevada?

Yes. Storey County Community Development requires a building permit for most residential and commercial construction; only a shed of 200 square feet or less without utilities is exempt1. Storey County has adopted model building codes with Northern Nevada amendments, including separate wildfire-code treatment for residential sprinklers5. Mandatory inspections occur at the plot walk, foundation, under-slab, framing, trade rough-in and final stages, and each must be completed before construction advances11. An owner may claim the contractor-licensing exemption when building a residence for personal occupancy rather than sale or lease, but must apply, file the affidavit with the permit, supervise the work directly and use licensed subcontractors7. The agricultural owner-builder exemption likewise concerns contractor licensing, not building permits, zoning or inspections12.

Who is the Storey County building department, and how do you reach them?

Storey County Community Development provides the county's residential and commercial building-permit resources and can be reached at 110 E. Toll Road, P.O. Box 526, Virginia City, Nevada, phone 775-847-0966, or [email protected]13. The Storey County Planning Department handles county zoning and land-use policy and can be reached at 26 South B Street, Virginia City, Nevada, phone 775-847-1144, or [email protected]14. Storey County's residential packet requires Nevada DPBH septic approval before the county permit can issue3. NDEP's Bureau of Water Pollution Control handles commercial onsite wastewater systems, not ordinary single-family systems, and can be reached at 901 S. Stewart St., Ste. 4001, Carson City, Nevada, or (775) 687-94181516.

Does Storey County have zoning?

Yes. Storey County Planning administers countywide zoning and land-use policy through Title 17 and official zoning maps26. Allowed uses and restrictions depend on the parcel's zoning district and any overlay17. A manufactured or mobile home may be used as permanent living quarters only in the MHO overlay, may not be used that way in the Comstock Historic District, and needs separate water and septic or sewer facilities before placement8. Storey County's complete district-by-district minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage, height limits and minimum dwelling sizes could not be confirmed from the available rules; ask Planning for the parcel's zoning map designation and current dimensional table14. The county publishes the maps and zoning code, but its overview does not enumerate every district standard6.

How do septic permits work in Storey County?

A Storey County residential septic project needs a percolation test and a septic and leach-field design submitted to Nevada DPBH for approval and a permit; Storey County also requires plot-plan approval and its construction permit before installation3. Poor percolation may require an engineered system, and leach lines cannot run through or within 100 feet of a natural drainage area3. Only 1% of Storey County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make a feasible septic design a purchase contingency10. NDEP's Bureau of Water Pollution Control permits commercial onsite systems rather than ordinary single-family systems1516. Nevada prohibits cesspools, so an improvised cesspool is not an off-grid substitute18.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Storey County?

Storey County allows occupancy of a travel trailer during construction only through a conditional permit tied to an active single-family residence project4. The trailer may be no longer than 35 feet, the initial permit lasts 6 months, and a second 6-month term depends on significant construction progress and the Building Official's discretion4. Before the county issues the $50 travel-trailer permit, the site must have an approved well, septic system, electrical source and building permit4. Storey County's general camping and long-term RV rules outside that construction context could not be confirmed; ask Planning before occupying an RV14. Storey County's parcel-level tiny-home rules also could not be confirmed, although Nevada requires a smaller county to designate at least one district for an accessory dwelling unit, single-family unit or tiny house park19.

Building a home in Storey County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Storey County Planning to identify the parcel's district, overlays, allowed dwelling type and dimensional standards1714.
  1. Submit plans and applications, then complete the county's plot walk plus any planning, flood-zone, HOA or historic approvals that apply20.
  1. For septic, obtain a percolation test and Nevada DPBH approval; for a private well, obtain the well permit before drilling39.
  1. Pay remaining fees and obtain the physical Storey County building permit before work begins20.
  1. If using the owner-builder exemption, file the affidavit, supervise directly and hire licensed subcontractors7.
  1. Schedule each mandatory inspection with at least 24 hours' notice and do not advance beyond an inspection stage until it passes11.

What to check before you buy land in Storey County

Confirm wastewater feasibility first: only 1% of Storey County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and the county process requires a percolation test103. For a private well, verify that the required separation can be met: at least 100 feet from septic tanks and 150 feet from leach lines, including neighboring systems9. If public service is available, Storey County Public Works considers separate new-residential water and sewer hookup applications, with listed fees of $2,500 for water and $3,300 for sewer21. Storey County averages 11.9 inches of precipitation, and severe drought occurs in about 45.2% of years2223. Only 23.8% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, so confirm buildable area, access and grading feasibility before closing24.

Watch-outs

  • Storey County will not issue its permit for a septic-served project until Nevada DPBH has approved the septic design and permit3.
  • A Storey County construction RV permit requires approved well, septic, electricity and a building permit before occupancy4.
  • Only 1% of Storey County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field; obtain the required percolation test before relying on a standard system103.

Sources

  1. Storey County Building Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Zoning Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  3. Residential Construction Packet Policy #006, quoted and re-checked
  4. Residential Construction Packet Policy #006, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  7. Owner Builder Affidavit of Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  8. Storey County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Residential Construction Packet Policy #006, quoted and re-checked
  10. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  11. Residential Construction Packet Policy #006, quoted and re-checked
  12. Owner Builder Affidavit of Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  13. Storey County Community Development (storeycounty.org)
  14. Storey County Planning Department (storeycounty.org)
  15. Onsite Sewage Disposal System Program (Nevada statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) – Bureau of Water Pollution Control, OSDS Program (ndep.nv.gov)
  17. Zoning Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  18. Underground Injection Control Program — UIC (Nevada statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 278 — Planning and Zoning (Nevada statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Residential Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  21. Water & Sewer Hook-Ups, quoted and re-checked
  22. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Storey County in Nevada

35
County map
Storey County highlighted among the Nevada counties · colored by Index score

How Storey County scores

Seclusion40100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2096% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability24100% ev.
Property Autonomy94100% ev.
Carry Cost41100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$480kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$77,197Land / acre
11.9"Annual rain
45.2% of yrsSevere drought
4.7 / yr (+4.5)Mid-century 100°F days
51.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.28" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.1×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,162Home insurance / yr
2.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.59%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
273,375Radius comparison (15 mi)
15.8People / sq mi
8.9%Federal land
23.8%Land at 15% slope or less
1%Septic soil without severe limits
1,633 acWorkable land screen
13.7%Wooded land
4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Storey County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Storey County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Storey County building construction, including residential construction.

    • The 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments apply where applicable.
    • The 2024 IWUI is adopted with the exception of Section 602 residential fire sprinkler requirements, for which the 2018 IWUI is identified.
    • Where referenced codes conflict, amendments apply.
    “The following model codes and amendments have been adopted by Storey County and are now in ordinance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction subject to Storey County Community Development inspection.

    • Mandatory inspections must occur before proceeding to the next construction phase.
    • Required stages include plot walk/site visit, footings and stem wall, under-slab, framing, trade rough-ins, and final inspection for certificate of occupancy.
    • At least 24 hours’ notice is required; remote inspections are discretionary.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (Remote or video inspections require written request at least 24 hours in advance and Building Official approval.)

    “Inspections will be required to be performed by a Building Inspector at various stages of construction. Below is a list of mandatory inspections that must be scheduled before moving on to the next phase of construction.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning ordinances and land-use policies administered by Storey County Planning Department.

    “Storey County Planning Department oversees the county’s zoning ordinances and land use policies to protect the character, harmony, and stability of residential and business areas.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning ordinances and land-use policies administered by Storey County Planning Department across Storey County.

    • The official county page identifies zoning ordinances as part of the Storey County Codes, Title 17.
    • Specific permitted uses and restrictions depend on the applicable zoning district and overlay provisions.
    “Storey County Planning Department oversees the county’s zoning ordinances and land use policies to protect the character, harmony, and stability of residential and business areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Storey County zoning and land-use regulation in the county jurisdiction.
      “Storey County Planning Department oversees the county’s zoning ordinances and land use policies to protect the character, harmony, and stability of residential and business areas.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Storey County zoning districts and official zoning maps.

    • The official page links to Title 17 and official zoning maps.
    • The cited page does not itself enumerate every district or current numeric standard.
    “Zoning Ordinances are part of the Storey County Codes:”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Travel-trailer occupancy during construction on a property with an active single-family residence permit.

    • The trailer may not exceed 35 feet in length.
    • Occupancy is allowed during construction only.
    • The permit is valid for six months and may be renewed for a second six-month period if construction has significant progress, at the Building Official’s discretion.
    • An approved well, septic system, electrical source, and building permit are required before issuance.
    • The permit fee is $50.

    maximum trailer length: <= 35 feet · travel trailer permit fee: 50 USD · initial permit term: 6 months (Second six-month renewal may be available at Building Official discretion.)

    “The applicant may obtain a travel trailer permit for a unit not to exceed 35 feet in length and may occupy said trailer during the course of construction only.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Use of a manufactured or mobile home as a permanent living accommodation or permanent living quarters in Storey County.

    • A manufactured or mobile home may be used as a permanent living accommodation only when the parcel lies within the MHO overlay zone shown on the land use classification map on file in the county building department and made part of Title 17.
    • A manufactured home or mobile home may not be used as a permanent living accommodation within the Comstock Historic District.
    • Separate water systems and septic tank or sewage facilities must be established before placement as permanent living quarters, and all pertinent statutes and ordinances must be complied with.
    • Manufactured homes and mobile homes already in use or in place before adoption of the zoning ordinance are not prohibited; if replaced, the replacement unit must meet the zoning ordinance.
    • Manufactured/mobile home parks are permitted only in approved zoning for Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks and must comply with Storey County Code Chapter 8.24.
    • All utilities in manufactured/mobile home parks must be underground.
    • Manufactured/mobile home parks must provide two off-street parking spaces per unit.
    • Manufactured homes and mobile homes in an MHO overlay zone are considered residences and are governed by the residence restrictions of the underlying zone.

    off-street parking spaces per manufactured/mobile home park unit: 2 spaces per unit

    “No manufactured or mobile home shall be used as a permanent living accommodation unless the parcel of land lies within the MHO overlay zone as shown on the land use classification map on file in the county building department, and made a part of this title. No manufactured home or mobile home shall be used as a permanent living accommodation within the Comstock Historic District.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer hookups for Storey County residential and commercial properties, including new construction.

    • Applications must be submitted to Storey County Public Works for consideration.
    • New residential construction has separate water and sewer applications.
    • For new commercial hookups, Board of Commissioners approval is required first.

    new residential water hookup fee: 2500 USD · new residential sewer hookup fee: 3300 USD

    “To request water and sewer hook-ups for new residential construction, please complete the applications below and submit them to the Storey County Public Works department for consideration .”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permit process administered by Storey County Community Development.

    • Submit plans and required applications; complete plan review; obtain required plot-walk, planning/flood-zone, septic, well or will-serve, HOA, historic, and other approvals where applicable.
    • Pay remaining fees and obtain the physical permit before construction proceeds.
    • A plot plan must be inspected and approved before work begins.
    • Permit inspections must be scheduled before advancing to the next phase.
    “The plot plan then must be inspected on site and approved BEFORE any work begins.”

Nevada rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, or changing the use of a building or other structure within territory covered by a Nevada building code or zoning regulations, after a building official has been appointed.

    • The requirement applies after a building official is appointed pursuant to NRS 278.570.
    • The structure must be within territory covered by the building code or zoning regulations.
    • Plans must fully conform to all building code and zoning regulations then in effect.
    • If applicable, plans must comply with NRS 393.110.
    • A building official may not issue a permit to a person acting for another unless that applicant proves licensure as a contractor for the work under NRS Chapter 624.
    “within the territory covered by the building code or zoning regulations without obtaining a building permit from the building official.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner of property building or improving a residential structure for the owner's own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease, as an exemption from Nevada contractor-licensing requirements.

    • The owner must apply to the State Contractors' Board for the exemption.
    • Sale, lease, or offering the newly built structure for sale or lease within 1 year after completion creates a rebuttable presumption that the structure was built with intent to sell or lease.
    • The owner must submit an Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement to both the State Contractors' Board and the local building official responsible for issuing the permit.
    • The disclosure statement must be completed fully and accurately and signed under penalty of perjury.
    • The disclosure statement must include the owner's identifying information, county, assessor's parcel number, work description, permit type, exemption basis, and declarations that the owner owns the property, is building or improving it for own occupancy and not for sale or lease, the information is accurate and complete, and the owner will comply with applicable statutes, regulations, ordinances, and codes.
    • Unless the Board notifies the applicant within 10 days that the exemption is denied, the exemption is deemed approved.
    • If denied, the Board must provide reasons within 10 days; the applicant may submit supplemental materials, and the Board may approve if the materials address the denial reasons.

    board notification period: 10 days (If the Board does not notify the applicant of denial within 10 days after submission, the exemption is deemed approved.) · presumed sale or lease period: 1 year (Sale, lease, or offering the newly built structure within 1 year after completion creates a rebuttable presumption of intent to sell or lease.)

    “An owner of property who requests an exemption pursuant to this subsection must apply to the Board for the exemption.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner building or improving a residential structure for the owner’s own occupancy in Storey County.
      “An owner of property who is building or improving a residential structure on the property for his or her own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Tiny houses regulated under a county or city ordinance adopted pursuant to NRS 278.253.

    • The applicable county or city governing body must adopt a tiny-house zoning ordinance under NRS 278.253.
    • For a tiny house not built on a permanent foundation, the certificate of occupancy may be issued only tied to the specific parcel on which the tiny house is located.
    • If the tiny house is moved from that parcel, the owner must obtain a new certificate of occupancy.
    • The ordinance may limit the certificate of occupancy to use as a single-family residential unit or accessory dwelling unit.
    • The ordinance must classify the tiny house consistently with the designated zoning district on the building permit or zoning approval.
    “If the tiny house is moved from that parcel, the owner of the tiny house must obtain a new certificate of occupancy.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny houses located in Nevada jurisdictions subject to NRS 278.253, including classification as accessory dwelling units, single-family residential units, or units in tiny house parks.

    • A county with population 100,000 or more or a city with population 150,000 or more must designate at least one zoning district for each of: accessory dwelling units, single-family residential units, and tiny house parks.
    • A county with population less than 100,000 or a city with population less than 150,000 must designate at least one zoning district for an accessory dwelling unit, a single-family residential unit, or a tiny house park.
    • Before adopting the ordinance, the governing body must consider disproportionately high and adverse human-health and environmental effects on minority and low-income populations.
    • An ordinance may include additional requirements and may limit a certificate of occupancy to single-family residential or accessory-dwelling-unit use.
    • A tiny house not built on a permanent foundation may receive a certificate of occupancy tied only to the specific parcel; moving it requires a new certificate of occupancy.
    • Tiny-house-park ordinances must address community water and wastewater, spacing for public-safety access and utilities, space size, park lot size, open space, and parking.
    • The ordinance must define tiny house in accordance with the International Residential Code definition adopted by the International Code Council or successor.

    county population threshold: >= 100000 persons (Counties below 100,000 are governed by the alternative rule in subsection 2.) · city population threshold: >= 150000 persons (Cities below 150,000 are governed by the alternative rule in subsection 2.) · certificate-of-occupancy parcel tie for non-permanent-foundation tiny house: required (If moved, the owner must obtain a new certificate of occupancy.)

    “shall adopt an ordinance for the zoning of tiny houses that:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Nevada onsite sewage disposal systems statewide.

    • Residential approvals are issued by local health authorities or county building departments, not NDEP.
    • Commercial onsite wastewater systems are overseen and permitted by NDEP's Bureau of Water Pollution Control.
    • Commercial systems 3,000 gallons or smaller in Nye and Clark counties are permitted locally under existing agreements.
    “Residential approvals [...] not NDEP. [...] Commercial systems are permitted by BWPC”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a septic system serving a Storey County property.

    • A percolation test is required.
    • An engineered system may be required in some areas if the percolation test is poor.
    • The perc result and septic/leach-field design must be submitted to Nevada DPBH for approval and permit.
    • No leach line may run through or within 100 feet of a natural drainage area.
    • County plot-plan approval and a construction permit are also required before installation.

    natural drainage setback: >= 100 feet (Applies to leach lines.)

    “A septic permit is required from Nevada State Department of public and behavioral Health before a Storey County Permit can be issued.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing systems submitted for coverage under Nevada's state OSDS program.

    • Existing systems must submit a Notice of Intent with pumping logs or inspection reports.
    • Systems built after 2008 may also need the Design Plan Approval Form.
    • This source does not establish a universal inspection interval for all residential septic systems.
    “Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) with pumping logs or inspection reports.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Cesspools and injection wells associated with septic tanks in Nevada.

    • The prohibition is stated for State UIC and Division of Health regulations.
    • This claim does not resolve every form of off-grid sanitation, including permitted temporary nonsewered toilets or locally approved residential systems.
    “State UIC and Division of Health regulations prohibit cesspools”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private well development serving Storey County property.

    • The well permit must be issued before work commences.
    • The applicant must provide the drilling company’s name, contact information, and Nevada well-drilling license number.
    • The final well report must be sent to Storey County Community Development.
    • The well must be at least 100 feet from any septic tank and at least 150 feet from any leach lines, including neighboring systems.
    • The packet identifies Nevada Division of Water Resources as the state approving agency for wells.

    well-to-septic-tank separation: >= 100 feet · well-to-leach-line separation: >= 150 feet (Includes septic or leach fields on neighboring properties.)

    “When applying for a well permit, please provide the name of the well drilling company, their address, phone number, and their State of Nevada Well Drilling License Number.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Drilling and use of domestic wells in Nevada.
      “permits [...] are not required for [...] domestic use. [...] unless a waiver [...] is first obtained [...] A permit must be obtained [...] if:”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Division, exchange or transfer of Nevada land for agricultural purposes when every resulting parcel satisfies the statutory agricultural-subdivision exemption requirements.

    • The exemption applies only if each resulting parcel is 10 acres or more, unless local zoning laws require a larger minimum parcel size; in that event each resulting parcel must comply with the locally required parcel size.
    • Each parcel must have a zoning classification consistent with the master-plan designation, if any, for the parcel.
    • Each parcel must be describable by reference to standard subdivisions used in the United States Public Land Survey System.
    • Each parcel must qualify for agricultural-use assessment under NRS 361A.100 to 361A.160 and related regulations.
    • Each parcel must be accessible by an existing street, road or highway, through other adjacent lands owned by the same person, or by an agricultural-purpose easement granted in connection with the division, exchange or transfer.
    • The exemption does not apply if a resulting parcel ceases to qualify for agricultural-use assessment.
    • The exemption does not apply if new commercial buildings or residential dwelling units are proposed after the division, exchange or transfer; expansion, repair, reconstruction, renovation or replacement of preexisting buildings or dwelling units remains allowed when they are dilapidated, dangerous, at risk of being declared a public nuisance, damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake or another natural or man-made disaster, or otherwise in need of such work.

    minimum resulting parcel size: >= 10 acres (Local zoning may require a larger minimum parcel size.)

    “Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, this chapter, including, without limitation, any requirements relating to the adjustment of boundary lines or the filing of a parcel map or record of survey, does not apply to the division, exchange or transfer of land for agricultural purposes if each parcel resulting from such a division, exchange or transfer: (a) Is 10 acres or more in size, unless local zoning laws require a larger minimum parcel size, in which case each parcel resulting from the division, exchange or transfer must comply with the parcel size required by those local zoning laws; (b) Has a zoning classification that is consistent with the designation in the master plan, if any, regarding land use for the parcel; (c) Can be described by reference to the standard subdivisions used in the United States Public Land Survey System; (d) Qualifies for agricultural use assessment under NRS 361A.100 to 361A.160, inclusive, and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and (e) Is accessible: (1) By way of an existing street, road or highway; (2) Through other adjacent lands owned by the same person; or (3) By way of an easement for agricultural purposes that was granted in connection with the division, exchange or transfer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner-builder contractor-licensure exemption for an owner whose property’s primary use is an agricultural or farming enterprise.
      “An owner of property, the primary use of which is as an agricultural or farming enterprise, building or improving a structure on the property for his or her use or occupancy and not intended for sale or lease.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division or proposed division of Nevada land into five or more lots, parcels, sites, units or plots for transfer or development, subject to statutory exemptions and applicable local subdivision ordinances.

    • A subdivision generally means land divided or proposed to be divided into five or more lots, parcels, sites, units or plots for transfer or development.
    • The definition does not apply to divisions subject to NRS 278.471 to 278.4725, joint tenancy or tenancy in common interests treated as a single interest, court-ordered or operation-of-law divisions, security instruments, investment-entity interests, cemetery lots, or severed oil, gas, mineral or building-material interests, unless a method of disposition is used to evade the chapter.
    • A common-interest community consisting of five or more units is deemed a subdivision but must comply only with the statutory provisions identified in NRS 278.320(2).
    • Local subdivision ordinances must be enacted by every incorporated city and every county, and the subdivider must comply with the appropriate local ordinance before final-map approval.

    lots or parcels threshold: >= 5 lots/parcels/sites/units/plots (Subject to statutory exemptions in NRS 278.320.)

    ““Subdivision” means any land, vacant or improved, which is divided or proposed to be divided into five or more lots, parcels, sites, units or plots, for the purpose of any transfer or development, or any proposed transfer or development, unless exempted by one of the following provisions: [...] Local subdivision ordinances shall be enacted by the governing body of every incorporated city and every county, prescribing regulations which, in addition to the provisions of NRS 278.010 to 278.630, inclusive, govern matters of improvements, mapping, accuracy, engineering and related subjects, but shall not be in conflict with NRS 278.010 to 278.630, inclusive. 2.  The subdivider shall comply with the provisions of the appropriate local ordinance before the final map is approved.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Nevada counties adopting and enforcing zoning regulations for county territory, including unincorporated areas.

    • The governing body may divide the county into zoning districts and regulate or restrict buildings, structures and land within those districts.
    • The authority is subject to the exception in NRS 278.02071.
    • Zoning regulations must be adopted in accordance with the master plan for land use.
    • The regulations must address the statutory planning considerations, including air and water resources, open space and scenic resources, solar access, energy efficiency, recreation, natural-disaster protection, population plans when required, transportation and public facilities, land character and physical limitations, financial impact and suitability, health and general welfare, housing, existing neighborhoods and communities, solar or wind energy systems, and compatibility with military installations.
    • Additional notice and procedure requirements may apply to zoning changes, including requirements involving military installations, unincorporated towns, and counties with populations of 100,000 or more or 700,000 or more.
    “For the purposes of NRS 278.010 to 278.630, inclusive, the governing body may divide the city, county or region into zoning districts of such number, shape and area as are best suited to carry out the purposes of NRS 278.010 to 278.630, inclusive. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 278.02071, within the zoning district, it may regulate and restrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings, structures or land.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Nevada counties adopting building codes, regulating construction and building safety, issuing building permits, and enforcing those requirements in unincorporated areas.

    • Boards of county commissioners may regulate construction, maintenance and safety of buildings, structures and property within the county.
    • County authority is subject to NRS 244.368, 278.02315, 278.580, 278.582, 278.584, 278.5846, 278.586, NRS 444.340 to 444.430, inclusive, and NRS 477.030.
    • A county may adopt building, electrical, housing, plumbing or safety codes and establish necessary fees.
    • Under NRS 278.580, building-code adoption is subject to NRS 244.368 and NRS 278.586; the governing body may establish a reasonable fee schedule for building permits.
    • A building permit is required only after a building official is appointed and only within territory covered by the applicable building code or zoning regulations.
    • In counties with populations of 100,000 or more, additional construction and energy-code adoption and enforcement requirements apply.
    • A city building code may supersede less stringent county-code provisions within the city and, in counties under 700,000 population, within a one-mile limit outside city boundaries; farm or ranch buildings existing on March 30, 1959, are excluded from that supersession rule.
    “Subject to the limitations set forth in NRS 244.368, 278.02315, 278.580, 278.582, 278.584, 278.5846, 278.586, 444.340 to 444.430, inclusive, and 477.030, the boards of county commissioners within their respective counties may: 1. Regulate all matters relating to the construction, maintenance and safety of buildings, structures and property within the county.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size under Storey County zoning.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size under Storey County zoning.
  • Setbacks — Setbacks under Storey County zoning.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage under Storey County zoning.
  • Building height — Building-height controls under Storey County zoning.
5 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Storey County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Nevada’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

A single-family domestic well is exempt from a water-right permit up to 2 acre-ft/yr statewide, but in a State-Engineer-designated basin you must obtain approval before drilling, the State Engineer may bar new domestic wells where a municipal supplier is available, and in the most stressed basins (e.g. Pahrump) a new domestic well requires relinquishing 2.0 acre-ft of existing water rights.

Limit: 2.0 acre-ft/yr single-family domestic (NRS 534.180); 0.5 acre-ft/yr floor if curtailed in a critical management area

Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 534 ↗
  • Churchill Valley (Basin 102)partial of county

    Over-appropriated State-Engineer-designated basin (committed groundwater rights exceed perennial yield); new appropriations are unavailable, and because the basin is designated a new exempt domestic well still needs a State-Engineer permit or waiver to drill (NAC 534.300/534.315).

    Nevada Division of Water Resources ↗
  • Dayton Valley (Basin 103)partial of county

    Over-appropriated State-Engineer-designated basin (committed groundwater rights exceed perennial yield); new appropriations are unavailable, and because the basin is designated a new exempt domestic well still needs a State-Engineer permit or waiver to drill (NAC 534.300/534.315).

    Nevada Division of Water Resources ↗
  • Tracy Segment (Basin 083)partial of county

    Over-appropriated State-Engineer-designated basin (committed groundwater exceeds perennial yield, NDWR 2023 Basin Status Maps); new appropriations are unavailable and a new exempt domestic well needs State-Engineer clearance to drill (NAC 534.300/534.315, NRS 534.120).

    Nevada Division of Water Resources ↗
  • Truckee Meadows (Basin 087)partial of county

    Over-appropriated State-Engineer-designated basin (committed groundwater exceeds perennial yield, NDWR 2023 Basin Status Maps); new appropriations are unavailable and a new exempt domestic well needs State-Engineer clearance to drill (NAC 534.300/534.315, NRS 534.120).

    Nevada Division of Water Resources ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Nevada state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Storey County, Nevada

Is Storey County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Storey County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 11.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 45.2% of years and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Storey County, Nevada?

Storey County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Nevada state environmental health program (Division of Public and Behavioral Health Environmental Health Section, reorganized in 2025 under the Nevada Health Authority), unconfirmed for this county. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Storey County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Storey County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Travel-trailer occupancy during construction on a property with an active single-family residence permit. The trailer may not exceed 35 feet in length. Occupancy is allowed during construction only. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Storey County, Nevada?

Land in Storey County runs about $77,197 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Storey County?

Storey County gets about 11.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 45.2% of years. On water rights, Storey County lies in the Churchill Valley (Basin 102) — Over-appropriated State-Engineer-designated basin (committed groundwater rights exceed perennial yield); new appropriations are unavailable, and because the basin is designated a new exempt domestic well still needs a State-Engineer permit or waiver to drill (NAC 534.300/534.315)..

How remote is Storey County?

A typical private-land location has about 273,375 people within 15 miles and 833,584 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Storey County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Storey compares in Nevada

Compare side-by-side →See all 17 Nevada counties ranked →