Building Department Offers 90-Day Amnesty for Residential Construction Work Done Without Permits
The Clark County Building Department is encouraging homeowners to participate in a 90-day amnesty program that waives penalties on self-disclosed residential construction work done without permits.
The self-disclosure period begins July 1 and extends through Sept. 30, 2012. During the amnesty period, homeowners in unincorporated Clark County will be subject to paying normal fees for permits, inspections and plan reviews, but not penalties. Fees for residential-related construction range from $150 to $400, depending on the project. The Building Department’s Permit Application Center is located at 4701 W. Russell Road.
“This initiative gives homeowners the opportunity to come forward to address and resolve any repair work in their home that requires permits and inspections,” said Clark County Commission Chair Susan Brager. “The goal of the program is to not penalize homeowners but to ensure that any repair or remodeling work done at their residence is safe and built to code.”
Building officials say the most common residential projects built on residential property without the necessary permits include garage conversions, room additions, patio covers and water heater installations.
“Building permits and inspections help ensure the safety of your home and your family, as well as protect your investment,” said Ron Lynn, the County’s Building Official and Building Department director. “Faulty installations can cause fires, flood damage and other hazards. Work done without permits may not be covered by insurance. You also could face costly repairs if and when you try to sell your home.”
The County Commission voted unanimously in June to adopt a resolution authorizing the 2012 temporary amnesty program. A similar program was approved in 2009. ###
Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 14th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to more than 2 million citizens and 42 million visitors a year. Included are the nation’s 8th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to almost 900,000 residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.