Building Division Amnesty Program Open Now

In observance of National Building Safety Month, the Community Development Department's Building Division is offering amnesty to homeowners who may have completed work on their property without the required permits. “This process ensures your plans comply with local codes, standards, and zoning requirements,” said Thomas Stewart, Jr., Boulder City Building Official. “The primary goal of the Residential Amnesty Program is to promote safety and self-disclosure of non-permitted work and to obtain compliance.”

Completing work without a permit can cause a number of problems for homeowners. Often, when they go to sell the property, a diligent review by the potential buyer or buyer's agent will include a review of the property file at City Hall. That can disrupt a sale when the necessary permits are not approved and on file. Also, work may not be up to code and this can lead to problems down the road as well. Now is your chance to get into compliance with the Residential Amnesty Program.

Some of the work that requires permits include:

• Interior or exterior alterations


• Kitchen or bathroom remodeling


• Electrical or plumbing work


• Patio covers


• Hot water heater installation


• Self-contained hot tub installations


• Room additions of less than 600 square feet


• Block wall repairs, installations, and replacements


• Furnace and air conditioning replacement


• Sheds or accessory structures greater than 120 square feet


• Garage conversions


• Retaining walls over two feet in height


• Fences greater than four feet in height with permanent foundations

If you've done work on your property and didn't get a permit, call (702) 293-9282 to apply for the necessary permits. All permit fees apply but homeowners won't pay a penalty for the unpermitted work. This year the City plans to extend the amnesty program to December 31, 2026.