THE BLUE BOOK

A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR THE NEVADA

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

FOR:
Building officials, design professionals, contractors and the public

DEVELOPED BY:
Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design
Nevada State Board of Landscape Architecture
Nevada State Contractors Board
Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Nevada Organization of Building Officials
Nevada State Fire Marshal Division
Nevada State Public Works Division

2020
2020 EDITION

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 For information concerning requirements of these state boards and state organizations, please
contact:

Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design

Monica Harrison, Executive Director
2080 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 120
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702) 486-7300 FAX (702) 486-7304
Email: [email protected] Website: nsbaidrd.org

Nevada State Board of Landscape Architecture

Ellis Antunez, Executive Director
P.O. Box 34143
Reno, Nevada 89533
(775) 971-4440 FAX (775) 971-4410
Email: [email protected] Website: nsbla.nv.gov

Nevada State Contractors Board

Margi Grein, Executive Officer
Southern Nevada office: 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200
Henderson, Nevada 89074
(702) 486-1100 FAX (702) 486-1190
Northern Nevada office: 5390 Kietzke Lane, Suite 102
Reno, Nevada 89511
(775) 688-1141FAX (775) 688-1271
Email: [email protected] Website: nscb.nv.gov

Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Patty Mamola, Executive Director
1755 E. Plumb Lane, Suite 258
Reno, Nevada 89502
(775) 688-1231 FAX (775) 688-2991
Email: [email protected] Website: nvbpels.org

Nevada Organization of Building Officials

Samuel D. Palmer, PE, NOBO Chair
4701 West Russell Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89118
(702) 455-8011FAX (702) 380-9712
Website: nevadabuildingofficials.org

Nevada State Fire Marshal Division

State Fire Marshal
107 Jacobsen Way
Carson City, Nevada 89711
(775) 684-7525
Email: [email protected] Website: fire.state.nv.us

Nevada State Public Works Division

Rick Kabele, Building Official
515 E. Musser Street, Suite 102
Carson City, Nevada 89701
(775) 684-4141 FAX (775) 684-4142
Website: publicworks.nv.gov

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The information contained in this publication is being provided as a service to the public. Although
the information contained herein is believed to be correct at the time of printing, the Nevada
Construction Industry Relations Committee (NCIRC) and staff do not assume any liability for
errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accidents or other
cause. Policies and procedures of the respective agencies are subject to change and revision.
You are advised to contact the agency in question for the most current information.

This publication is designed to provide information in a highly summarized manner with regard to
the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged
in rendering legal, technical or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is
required, the service of competent professionals should be retained.

Blue Book, 2020 Edition

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1

PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................. 2

DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................. 3
Architecture ............................................................................................................................. 3
Registered Interior Design ....................................................................................................... 3
Residential Design .................................................................................................................. 4
Landscape Architecture ........................................................................................................... 4
Contractors .............................................................................................................................. 4
Professional Engineering ........................................................................................................ 5
Professional Land Surveyor ..................................................................................................... 5
Building Officials ...................................................................................................................... 6
Design Professional ................................................................................................................ 6
Public Authority ....................................................................................................................... 6

PRINCIPAL DESIGN PROFESSIONAL ...................................................................................... 7

ROLES OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS............................................... 8

Architects................................................................................................................................. 9
Registered Interior Designers .................................................................................................. 9
Residential Designers ........................................................................................................... 10
Landscape Architects ............................................................................................................ 11
Contractors ............................................................................................................................ 12
Professional Engineers ......................................................................................................... 13
Professional Land Surveyors ................................................................................................. 14
Building Officials or Public Authority ...................................................................................... 15
Nevada State Fire Marshal Division ...................................................................................... 16
Nevada State Public Works Division ...................................................................................... 17

STAMPING AND SIGNING OF PLANS .................................................................................... 18

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STANDARDS FOR BUILDING PLANS ..................................................................................... 22
Drawings ............................................................................................................................... 22
Cover Sheet .......................................................................................................................... 22
Site Plan ................................................................................................................................ 23
Foundation Plan .................................................................................................................... 23
Floor Plan .............................................................................................................................. 24
Framing and Roofing Plans ................................................................................................... 24
Exterior Elevations................................................................................................................. 24
Building and Wall Sections .................................................................................................... 24
Mechanical System ............................................................................................................... 24
Plumbing System................................................................................................................... 25
Electrical System ................................................................................................................... 25
Landscaping Plan .................................................................................................................. 25
Irrigation Plan ......................................................................................................................... 26
Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System Plan .......................................................................................... 26
Non-Structural Fire and Life Safety Submittal ........................................................................ 26
Other Submittals .................................................................................................................... 26
Deficient Submittal................................................................................................................. 27

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Architects............................................................................................................................... 28
Registered Interior Designers ................................................................................................. 32
Residential Designers ............................................................................................................ 37
Landscape Architects ............................................................................................................. 41
Contractors ............................................................................................................................ 44
Engineers and Land Surveyors.............................................................................................. 47
Homeowner............................................................................................................................ 51
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................ 53

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2020 BLUE BOOK v
 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been jointly published by the State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and
Residential Design, State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, State Board of
Landscape Architecture, State Contractors Board, Nevada State Fire Marshal Division, State
Public Works Division and the Nevada Organization of Building Officials, to assist building
officials, registrants, licensees, and the public in understanding the laws governing building design
and construction in the state of Nevada.

This manual is a guideline intended as a source of basic information and does not attempt to
address all questions concerning design and construction. Items have been taken from the
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), Nevada Administrative Codes (NAC), building codes, city and
county ordinances, board policies, and recommended minimum practices and standards.

The last section of this manual addresses the questions most often asked about the subject matter
contained in this publication. Since requirements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is
recommended that the local building official or appropriate licensing board be contacted with
specific questions.

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 PURPOSE

The purpose of this manual is to provide building officials, design and construction
professionals, and the general public with a summary and guide to key elements of the
statutes, regulations, and policies governing the construction industry in the state of
Nevada.

The regulatory bodies responsible for assembling this manual protect the public by
assuring their registrants and licensees are qualified to competently provide professional
design or construction services in their respective disciplines. The primary purpose and
principal focus of regulatory bodies is the protection and benefit of the public. As
mandated by the Nevada State Legislature, the regulatory bodies protect the public by
setting and assessing minimum educational, examination, and experience requirements
for initial entry into a profession. The regulatory bodies also enforce laws and regulations
to rid the professions of incompetent and unethical practitioners.

The regulatory bodies have a further responsibility to halt unlicensed activity. The
regulatory bodies possess the authority to investigate alleged violations of their respective
statutes and regulations, and to either discipline or prosecute violators accordingly.

Building officials protect the public by enforcing building code requirements. Through the
plans examination and inspection process, building officials ensure compliance with
building codes, local codes and ordinances. Building officials have the authority to reject
documents as submitted and to withhold permits.

Building officials rely on the state regulatory bodies to assure their registrants and
licensees are competent to practice. In turn, the regulatory bodies rely on building officials
to assure only properly registered professionals and licensed contractors engage in
practice, exempt individuals limit work to that specifically allowed by statute, and
unregistered or unlicensed individuals or businesses are not engaging in illegal practices
or contracting activities.

Registrants and licensees protect the public by having the responsibility to only perform
work that they are competent to do and within their area of expertise. The work performed
must be done under their responsible charge and within the discipline for which they are
properly licensed.

All registrants and licensees are expected to know the laws and rules governing their
professions and only perform work that they are qualified and competent to do within the
discipline for which they are properly licensed.

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 DEFINITIONS

The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) define the practices of architecture, registered interior
design, residential design, professional engineering, professional land surveyor, landscape
architecture, contractors and building officials as follows:

NRS 623: ARCHITECTURE

623.023 “Practice of architecture” defined.

The “practice of architecture” consists of holding out to the public and rendering or offering to
render, services embracing the scientific, esthetic and orderly coordination of processes which
enter into the production of a completed structure which has as its principal purpose human
habitation or occupancy, or the utilization of space within and surrounding the structure,
performed through the medium of plans, specifications, administration of construction, preliminary
studies, consultations, evaluations, investigations, contract documents and advice and direction.

NRS 623: REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN

623.0225 “Practice as a registered interior designer” defined.

The “practice as a registered interior designer” means the rendering, by a person registered
pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 623.180, of services to enhance the quality and function of an
interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy. The term includes:

1. An analysis of:

a. A client’s needs and goals for an interior area of a structure designed for human
habitation or occupancy; and

b. The requirements for safety relating to that area;

2. The formulation of preliminary designs for an interior area designed for human habitation or
occupancy that are appropriate, functional and esthetic;

3. The development and presentation of final designs that are appropriate for the alteration or
construction of an interior area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy;

4. The preparation of contract documents for the alteration or construction of an interior area
of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy, including specifications for
partitions, materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment;

5. The collaboration in the completion of a project for the alteration or construction of an interior
area of a structure designed for human habitation or occupancy with professional engineers
or architects registered pursuant to the provisions of Title 54 of NRS;

6. The preparation and administration of bids or contracts as the agent of a client; and

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7. The review and evaluation of problems relating to the design of a project for the alteration
or construction of an area designed for human habitation or occupancy during the alteration
or construction and upon completion of the alteration or construction.

NRS 623: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

623.025 “Practice of residential design” defined.

The “practice of residential design” consists of rendering services embracing the scientific,
esthetic or orderly coordination of processes which enter into the production of a completed
single-family dwelling unit; or multifamily dwelling structure that does not exceed two stories in
height and is composed of not more than four units in that structure; and the use of space within
and surrounding the unit or structure, performed through the medium of plans, specifications,
administration of construction, preliminary studies, consultations, evaluations, investigations,
contract documents and advice and direction.

NRS 623A: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

623A.060 “Practice of landscape architecture” defined.

The “practice of landscape architecture” means to provide or hold professional services out to the
public, including, without limitation, services for consultation, investigation, reconnaissance,
research, planning, design, preparation of drawings and specifications, and supervision, if the
dominant purpose of the services is for the:

1. Preservation, enhancement or determination of proper land uses, natural land features,

ground cover and planting, naturalistic and esthetic values, natural drainage and the settings
and approaches to buildings, structures, facilities and other improvements; and

2. Consideration and determination of issues of the land relating to erosion, wear and tear,
lighting characteristics, and design of landscape irrigation, lighting and grading.

The term includes the location and arrangement of such tangible objects, structures and features
as are incidental and necessary to that dominant purpose, but does not include the design of
structures or facilities with separate and self-contained purpose for habitation or industry whose
design is normally included in the practice of architecture or professional engineering.

NRS 624: CONTRACTORS

624.020 “Contractor” synonymous with "builder"; "contractor" defined.

1. "Contractor" is synonymous with "builder."

2. A contractor is any person, except a registered architect or a licensed professional engineer,

acting solely in his professional capacity, who in any capacity other than as the employee
of another with wages as the sole compensation, undertakes to, offers to undertake to,
purports to have the capacity to undertake to, or submits a bid to, or does himself or by or
through others, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck or
demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, excavation or other structure, project,
development or improvement, or to do any part thereof, including the erection of scaffolding
or other structures or works in connection therewith. Evidence of the securing of any permit
from a governmental agency or the employment of any person on a construction project
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 must be accepted by the board or any court of this state as prima facie evidence that the
person securing that permit or employing any person on a construction project is acting in
the capacity of a contractor pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

3. A contractor includes a subcontractor or specialty contractor, but does not include anyone
who merely furnishes materials or supplies without fabricating them into, or consuming them
in the performance of, the work of a contractor.

4. A contractor includes a construction manager who performs management and counseling

services on a construction project for a professional fee.

5. A contractor does not include an owner of a planned unit development who enters into one
or more oral or written agreements with one or more general building contractors or general
engineering contractors to construct a work of improvement in the planned unit development
if the general building contractors or general engineering contractors are licensed pursuant
to NRS 624 and contract with the owner of the planned unit development to construct the
entire work of improvement.

NRS 625: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING

625.050 “Practice of professional engineering” defined.

1. The “practice of professional engineering” includes, but is not limited to:

a. Any professional service which involves the application of engineering principles and
data, such as surveying, consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design,
or responsible supervision of construction or operation in connection with any public
or private utility, structure, building, machine, equipment, process, work or project,
wherein the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health or property is concerned
or involved.

b. Such other services as are necessary to the planning, progress and completion of any
engineering project or to the performance of any engineering service.

NRS 625: PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR

625.040 “Practice of land surveying” defined.

1. A person who, in a private or public capacity, does or offers to do any one or more of the
following practices land surveying:

a. Locates, relocates, establishes, re-establishes or retraces any property line or

boundary of any tract of land or any road, right of way, easement, alignment or
elevation of any of the fixed works embraced within the practice of professional
engineering as described in NRS 625.050.

b. Makes any survey for the subdivision or re-subdivision of any tract of land.

c. Determines, by the use of the principles of land surveying, the position for any
monument or reference point which marks a property line, boundary or corner, or sets,
resets or replaces any such monument or reference point.

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 d. Determines the configuration or contour of the earth’s surface or the position of fixed
objects thereon by measuring lines and angles and applying the principles of
trigonometry.

e. Geodetic or cadastral surveying.

f. Municipal and topographic surveying.

g. Determines the information shown or to be shown on any map or document prepared

or furnished in connection with any one or more of the functions described in
paragraphs (a) to (f), inclusive, in this subsection.

NRS 278: BUILDING OFFICIALS

278.0115 “Building official” defined.

"Building official" means a person employed by a city, county, state or school district who is
charged with the administration and enforcement of building codes. The term includes a person
appointed to fill the position of building official pursuant to NRS 278.570 and an administrative
official of the city, county, state or school district who is authorized by the city, county, state or
school district to assume the functions of the position of building official pursuant to NRS 278.570.

NRS 40: DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

40.623 “Design professional” defined.

“Design professional means a person who holds a professional license or certificate issued
pursuant to chapter 623, 623A or 625 of NRS.

NAC 623: PUBLIC AUTHORITY

As used in this manual only, “Public Authority” means any agency that is funded in whole or in
part by federal, state, county, city or other public money, including, without limitation, a planning
department, building department, zoning department or the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

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 PRINCIPAL DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

A principal design professional may be required for any multi-disciplinary project submitted to the
building official or any public authority (e.g.: architectural, landscape architectural, civil, structural,
mechanical, electrical, etc.). The building official or the public authority may accept an alternate
point of contact, depending upon the size and complexity of the project. The principal design
professional is charged with the responsibility of coordinating each and every aspect of the design
package. The principal design professional must be a Nevada registered architect, licensed
engineer, registered landscape architect, registered interior designer or registered residential
designer, and must have the authority to coordinate all required design disciplines. In addition,
the principal design professional must perform his or her role in strict accordance with the statutory
provision governing his or her discipline. The principal design professional’s role includes the
following:

1. Acts as point of contact for the project team during the design phase to ensure dialogue
among all participants, such as owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects,
registered interior designers, residential designers, landscape architects, government
bodies and building officials.

2. Ensures that all elements of the submittal to the building official or public authority are
compatible, coordinated and provide a logical and comprehensive document. The principal
design professional must coordinate all drawings, including those from specialty designers,
whether or not they have a direct contract with the consultant.

3. Verifies that all elements of the design submitted are complete, and that all requirements for
calculations and specifications are complete and accurately delineated on plans and related
documents.

4. Acts as point of contact with the building official during the governmental review process,
and may be responsible for filing proper applications for plans and permit approval. Provides
for timely response to questions, corrections or requests for additional information on any
element of the design package.

5. Acts as point of contact for the design team following permit issuance and responds to any
changes, clarifications or additional information that may be required from members of the
design team to owners, developers, contractors or building officials.

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 ROLES OF DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

The following descriptions of roles are not exclusive, nor are they intended to unduly restrict the
practice of the professional who is properly registered or licensed in the state of Nevada and is
practicing within the laws and regulations governing his or her profession or industry.

The Nevada Revised Statutes recognize that certain areas of expertise are common to registrants
or licensees of more than one of the boards that participated in the drafting of this manual. That
recognition takes the form of the following specific exemptions:

1. Architects registered under the laws of the state of Nevada are exempt from the provisions
of NRS 623A (Landscape Architects) and NRS 625 (Professional Engineers and Land
Surveyors). Refer to NRS 623A.070(1)(b) and 625.500.

2. Contractors licensed under the laws of the state of Nevada are exempt from certain
provisions of NRS 623 (Architects, Registered Interior Designers and Residential
Designers) and NRS 623A (Landscape Architects), if they provide their own drawings for
their own construction activities and meet the requirements set forth by the building official.
Refer to NRS 623.035(1)(d) and 623A.070(1)(c).

3. Professional engineers licensed under the laws of the state of Nevada are exempt from the
provisions of NRS 623 (Architects, Registered Interior Designers and Residential
Designers) if they are licensed to design buildings under the provisions of NRS 625. Nevada
licensed civil engineers are exempt from the provisions of NRS 623A (Landscape
Architects). Refer to NRS 623.035(1)(c) and 623A.070(1)(d).

Licensees and registered individuals practicing pursuant to any of the above exemptions must
provide professional services at the same level of competence as a professional specifically
licensed to practice in that area of expertise. Additionally, drawings and contract documents must
meet prescribed standards, as determined by the building official or public authority.

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ARCHITECTS

Architects must be concerned with the basic concepts of the full spectrum of design
considerations when developing both the building and site associated with a project. Architects
provide comprehensive services related to project programming and the preparation of design
and contract documents, taking all aspects of the project into account and coordinating various
elements prepared by other design team members. Architects:

1. Perform site layout services (e.g.: parking, zoning setbacks, landscaping, building layout,
site evaluation, layout and development, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, streets, grading, utilities,
access layouts, traffic and parking plans, etc.).

2. Perform entitlement services, including, but not limited to, rezoning, variances, site plan
review, special use permits and feasibility studies.

3. Are concerned with esthetics and comprehensive building design. They may prepare
drawings for structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems as long as the
plans meet minimum industry standards, are qualified and competent to perform the work,
are for habitable spaces, and fall within the scope of the architect’s practice pursuant to NRS
Chapter 623.

4. Determine building classification (e.g.: code analysis, occupancy, type of construction, etc.).

5. Are concerned with building exiting and life safety considerations (e.g.: stairways, exit width,
travel distances, corridors, requirements for sprinklers, fire ratings, fire walls, separations,
fire alarms, smoke control, etc.).

6. Perform programming, interior space planning and design.

7. Select finish materials, both interior and exterior (e.g.: durability, colors, fire ratings,
esthetics, etc.).

8. Provide overall project design coordination, including, but not limited to, cost estimating,
value engineering, construction administration and construction management.

9. Analyze environmental impacts (e.g.: sound attenuation, quality of living, impact on natural
surroundings, pedestrian and vehicular circulations, etc.).

10. Perform barrier-free design in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

11. May perform construction management services on any project if their contract so provides
and only when acting within the scope of their professional license. Construction
management services determined to be outside the scope of the architect’s professional
license may require a contractor’s license (NRS 623.023; NRS 624.020; AGO 2002-37).

REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS

The role of the registered interior designer is to evaluate interior space utilization needs, prepare
conceptual drawings and construction documents for interior spaces (provided such drawings
exclude load bearing partitions and fire rated walls) and specify finishes, furniture, fixtures and

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equipment all of which may be regulated by building, fire and other codes. Registered interior
designers:

1. Perform programming, interior space planning and design.

2. Select interior finish materials (e.g.: durability, colors, flame spread, esthetics, etc.)

3. Analyze needs and safety requirements, formulate preliminary designs, develop

presentations of final designs, and prepare contract documents (including specifications for
partitions, materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment) for alteration or construction
of an interior area of a structure.

4. Collaborate in the completion of alterations or construction of an interior area with

professional engineers or architects. A registered interior designer shall not collaborate on
a project with persons from more than two professional disciplines, unless a registered
architect coordinates the project. If there is an architect that is coordinating the project, then
the architect is the design professional of record and should hold the contracts with the other
disciplines (excluding the registered interior designer).

5. Prepare and administer bids or contracts as the agent of a client.

6. Review and evaluate problems relating to the design for alteration or construction during or
upon completion of alteration or construction for interior areas.

7. Provide overall project design coordination, including, but not limited to, construction
administration.

8. Perform barrier-free design in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGNERS

The role of the residential designer focuses on residential projects, consisting of single-family
dwellings, or multifamily dwelling structures that do not exceed two stories in height nor more than
four units in each structure, as well as the space within and surrounding the unit or structure.
Residential designers must be concerned with the basic concepts of the full spectrum of design
considerations when developing both the building and site associated with a project.

Residential designers provide comprehensive services related to residential project programming

and the preparation of design and contract documents, taking all aspects of the project into
account and coordinating various elements prepared by themselves and/or by other design team
members. Residential designers:

1. Perform site layout services (e.g.: parking, zoning setbacks, landscaping, building layout,
site evaluation, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, streets, grading, utilities, access layouts, etc.).

2. Are concerned with esthetics, and residential building design, including code analysis, civil,
structural, mechanical, and electrical, coordination of fire protection systems, and energy
conservation.

3. Are concerned with building exiting and life safety considerations (e.g.: stairways, glazing,
fire walls, fire ratings, fire rated doors, smoke alarms).
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4. Perform programming, interior space planning and design.

5. Select finish materials, both interior and exterior (e.g.: durability, colors, flame spread,
esthetics, etc.).

6. Provide overall project design coordination, including, but not limited to administration of
construction.

7. Analyze environmental impacts (e.g.: sound attenuation, quality of living, impact on natural
surroundings, pedestrian and vehicular circulations, etc.).

8. Perform barrier-free design in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS – NAC 623A.070 Practice of landscape architecture:

Interpretation of statutory definition. (NRS 623A.060, 623A.130)

Landscape architects must be concerned with all aspects of site design when planning and
developing a project site. Landscape architects:

1. Perform site planning and design (e.g.: pedestrian and automobile circulation, site access,
zoning setbacks, parking lot layout, requirements for zoning and landscaping, building
placement on a project site, site analysis and evaluation, site layout for the placement of
curbs, gutters, sidewalks, streets; prepare site plans, grading plans, landscape plans,
irrigation plans, etc.).

2. Review and develop criteria for project esthetics and visual analysis of project sites.

3. Prepare environmental impact analysis and reports (e.g.: EIR, EIS and EIA).

4. Perform soil sampling and analysis (e.g.: soil fertility, soil composition, pH levels, etc.) and
provide recommendations for soil amendments.

5. Prepare plans for the historic preservation of gardens, land forms and natural environments.

6. Perform site design and the use of environmental sciences to promote the health, safety
and the general welfare of the public.

7. Design civil improvements related to landscaping (e.g.: site evaluation, site layout and
development, water detention facilities, sidewalks, curb and gutter, grading plans, parking
lot layout, site access, etc.).

8. The term “grading” to mean the manipulation of the surface contours of the land to:
a. Control and direct the flow of water.

b. Create aesthetic values associated with topographic landforms.

c. Establish elevations and degrees of inclination on slopes for:

(1) Setting and locating buildings, structures, facilities and other
improvements; or
(2) Locating corridors for the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
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9. Prepare erosion control, native revegetation and wetland mitigation plans.

10. Prepare construction documents in compliance with local building codes and that are
incidental and necessary to the project’s dominant purpose (e.g.: lighting plans, landscape
and irrigation plans, retaining walls, grading plans, outdoor fountains, site amenities, and
outdoor structures such as trellises, gazebos and decks).

11. Perform evaluation for landscape construction work (e.g.: cost estimates, value engineering,
contract administration, site inspections, etc.).

12. Perform project coordination work (e.g.: coordination of project consultants, preparation of
contract documents, bidding, award, etc.).

13. Evaluate environmental impacts and open space areas (e.g.: quality of living and integration
of streets and buildings into project site, etc.).

14. Perform barrier-free site design in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

15. Perform construction administration when the landscape architect is the lead design
professional and uses other registrants as consultants to the overall benefit of the project.

CONTRACTORS

The role of the contractor involves the building or improvement of structures, roads, utilities and
other works. Absent a statutory exception, every private and public works construction project
requires a contractors’ license. Check with your local jurisdiction for information regarding
applying for and obtaining building permits.

Nevada law provides certain exceptions concerning contractor license requirements which are
set forth in NRS 624.031. These exceptions may not alleviate the requirement to comply with laws
concerning building permits, submittals of calculations, or designs prepared by an appropriately
licensed or registered engineer, contractor or design professional, pursuant to NRS 623, 624 or
625.

Contractor License Classifications

The three primary categories of licenses issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board are
general engineering, general building and specialty contracting.

A general engineering contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in

connection with fixed works requiring specialized knowledge and skill.

A general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in

connection with a building or structure. A general building contractor shall not perform specialty
contracting in plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and air conditioning, or fire protection without a
specialty license.

A specialty contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is the performance

of construction work requiring special skill and the use of specialized building trades or crafts.

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Contractor Responsibilities

1. A licensed contractor is responsible to ensure that the work they are contracted to perform
falls within the scope of their license classification and monetary limit established by the
Board.

2. A contractor is responsible for his or her construction operations, including the work
performed by his or her subcontractors, and supplies or materials furnished by material
suppliers. The work must be performed by appropriately licensed contractors or
subcontractors within the specified monetary limits established by the Board.

3. May prepare his or her own drawings for his or her own construction activities, provided the
work falls within the classification for which the license is issued, and complies with any
applicable building codes or other requirements adopted by the local jurisdiction or state.

4. Obtains building permits for the work to be performed.

5. Is responsible for the proper supervision and inspection of the work performed pursuant to
the scope of the permit(s) as required by the building official or public authority.

6. Is responsible for payment, in a timely manner, to subcontractors and material suppliers.

7. Constructs the work within project plans, specifications, building codes and recognized
industry standards, and is responsible for the quality of the work.

8. Directs all job-site safety programs, methods of construction and the orderly coordination of
subcontractors and suppliers.

9. May perform or supervise those parts of a project within the classification for which the
license is issued. A general building contractor may not perform plumbing, electrical,
refrigeration and air conditioning, or fire protection without a license for the specialty.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

The role of the engineer is to develop solutions to complex problems and implement them.
Engineers can serve as planners, designers, and operators of the built environment.

Depending on the complexity of the project, the engineer’s role can include:
• Planning studies
• Site work – geotechnical, grading, drainage, curb, gutter, sidewalk, parking,
roadways
• Design of the facilities/structures and appurtenances
• Design of building systems – structure, mechanical, electrical, and fire protections
• Construction management including materials testing and construction observation
• Operators of built systems

1. Perform entitlement services such as rezoning, variances, special use permits and feasibility
studies.

2. Building design and site layout including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
2020 BLUE BOOK 13
3. Perform structural systems design (e.g.: framing systems, foundations systems, lateral
design, etc.).

4. Perform electrical systems design (e.g.: power distribution servicing, sizing and design,
standby power system, audio/visual communication system, facility security/fire alarm
system, smoke detection, indoor/ outdoor illumination system, etc.).

5. Perform plumbing and mechanical systems design (e.g.: drain, waste and venting, water
distribution systems, HVAC, smoke removal, boilers, process equipment, energy analysis,
control systems, fire protection systems, etc.).

6. Design fire protection systems and perform analysis (e.g.: water supply, building systems,
building exit analysis, suppression, detection and alarms, municipal protection, fire
protection management, hazard and risk analysis, etc.).

7. Perform geotechnical services (e.g.: soils reports, foundation systems recommendations,

soil stabilization, etc.).

8. Design civil works improvements (e.g.: site evaluation, layout and development, curbs,
gutters, sidewalks, storm drainage, streets, grading plans, utilities, access layouts, traffic
and parking plans, etc.).

9. Perform construction administration services (e.g.: cost estimates, value engineering

studies, contract administration, construction observation, special inspections, etc.).

10. Prepare studies and reports such as Traffic Studies and Environmental Impact Analysis.

PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS

The role of a land surveyor includes measuring and mapping land to establish property lines, and
horizontal and vertical control. Land surveyors:

1. Perform boundary surveys and prepare subdivision plats, parcel maps and boundary line
adjustment maps.

2. Perform topographic surveys of existing ground, structures, drainage ways, etc., used as a
basis for engineering design.

3. Perform alignment surveys and prepare right of way maps, such as those for road and
drainage facility projects.

4. Establish layout of locations, lines and grades for construction of roadways, utilities,
buildings and any of the fixed works embraced within the practice of engineering.

5. Perform final monumentation of streets and property lines.

6. Perform geodetic surveys.

7. Prepare grading and drainage plans for residential subdivisions containing four lots or less
(parcel maps).
2020 BLUE BOOK 14
8. Provide legal descriptions of property boundaries, easements, rights of way, grants, etc.

BUILDING OFFICIALS or PUBLIC AUTHORITY

A building official, which includes staff of the State Public Works Division, School Districts and the
State Fire Marshal Division, is authorized and directed to enforce provisions of adopted codes
and ordinances by regulating and controlling the design, construction, use, location, energy
conservation, and maintenance of all buildings, structures and other improvements within his or
her jurisdiction. The state and each city and county adopt various technical construction codes
and ordinances to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare. In this role, the building
official provides a balance between the necessities of the owner-designer-builder team, as
creators of buildings, and the protection of the public, as users of the buildings. A building official:

1. Renders interpretations of the codes and adopts and enforces procedures and
supplemental regulations, in order to clarify the application of code provisions.

2. Provides a general review of proposed projects at a conceptual stage and makes

recommendations to assist in design development that complies with the current codes and
regulations.

3. Reviews plans, specifications, calculations and other related documents for compliance with
the provisions of technical codes and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Also
determines the type and extent of information required to determine compliance.

4. Reviews alternate materials, methods of construction or modifications for approval which

comply with the intent of the technical building codes. Maintains an objective perspective to
ensure the designs and building meet the intent of codes, while providing safe facilities for
the users or occupants of the structures. A building official cannot grant a “variance” to any
of the adopted codes or waive any code requirement. However, an alternative that is
equivalent to the fire-protection requirements, structural integrity and other provisions of the
code may be considered for approval.

5. Ensures those documents which are not exempt from being prepared by a registered
professional have the appropriate Nevada seal, signature and date affixed thereto.
Submittals under the owner/builder or contractor exemption shall be attested to accordingly
on the drawings or in the permit application.

6. In the role of protecting the public, advises the appropriate state board of suspected
improper or illegal conduct of a registered or licensed professional, or of a non-registrant or
unlicensed professional performing professional services. The building official also reports
apparent professional incompetence manifested by excessive errors in submitted
documents, and is required to notify the appropriate state board of incomplete plan
submittals or plans which have been rejected by the building department or public body at
least three times (per NRS Chapters 278, 338, 341 and 477).

7. Issues permits for construction based upon approval of construction documents and/or other
data. May confirm the valuation of the work to be performed provided as the basis for fees
to be charged. The issuance of a permit shall not prevent the building official from requiring
the correction of errors in the construction documents and/or other data. The building official

2020 BLUE BOOK 15

 is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where building code violations
exist.

8. Performs, or causes to be performed, inspections of construction or work for which a permit

is required. For the work to proceed, each portion of such work shall remain accessible and
exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the building official.

9. Requires special inspections and/or structural observations for certain elements of a project,
in addition to standard construction inspections, and for work which is deemed to involve
unusual hazards or conditions.

10. Issues notices of violation which require correction of work being done contrary to the
provisions of the codes, or being done without a valid permit. If the circumstances warrant,
the building official may order work to be stopped by written notice.

11. Authorizes use and occupancy for buildings or structures which have been inspected and
found to have no violations of the codes or other laws that are enforced by the public
authority. This includes new or remodeled buildings or structures, additions and existing
buildings that have changed occupancy, use or risk category classification.

12. Orders discontinuance of the use of any building or structure that is being used contrary to
the provisions of the codes, or which is structurally unsafe or otherwise deemed a hazard.
May initiate abatement proceedings to cause unsafe structures to be repaired, rehabilitated,
demolished or otherwise removed.

NEVADA STATE FIRE MARSHAL DIVISION

The Nevada State Fire Marshal Division provides non-structural fire and life safety plan review
and inspections for a variety of projects throughout the state, including state-owned and occupied
buildings, hospitals and other health care facilities, licensed childcare facilities, certain public and
private schools, and colleges and universities. The Nevada State Fire Marshal Division’s duties
and responsibilities are outlined in NRS 477.030.

Except for private dwellings, the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division functions as the fire
prevention authority over multi-family, commercial and industrial projects within the fourteen rural
Nevada counties. In addition to any plan submittal to the local building department, an application
may be required by the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division. Prior to beginning design work,
please contact the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division for requirements specific to your project.

The Nevada State Fire Marshal Division, in an effort to provide quality state-wide service, has
partnered with various local agencies through an interlocal agreement process, as allowed by
NRS 477.030(10) and NAC 477.288. Under an interlocal agreement, the Nevada State Fire
Marshal retains its statutory authority established by NRS 477; however, with oversight from the
Nevada State Fire Marshal Division, authority is transferred to the local agency. Through the
interlocal agreement process, the local agency enforces the regulations of the Nevada State Fire
Marshal Division, which includes those codes and standards adopted through NAC 477.281. The
interlocal agreement allows the local agency to charge additional fees to cover their expenses for
services provided on behalf of the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division.

Prior to beginning any design work for a project on State of Nevada owned property, please
contact the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division for requirements specific to your project.
2020 BLUE BOOK 16
The State Fire Marshal is responsible for establishing the minimum fire code for the state. Local
jurisdictions may amend codes to be more stringent, but they shall never be less stringent than
the state minimum code. State fire code consists of the International Building and Fire Code with
specific amendments contained in NAC 477. The State Fire Marshal also provides interpretations
of adopted codes and regulations for local and state agencies.

The State Fire Marshal Division also issues permits for the storage and use of hazardous
materials at businesses and facilities in accordance with NRS 459 and 477. Other duties and
responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The testing, certifying and licensing of individuals and businesses who perform fire
protection industry work and services for fire sprinklers, standpipe, hydrants, fire detection
and alarm, other extinguishing systems, and fire extinguishers.

2. Conducts fire origin and cause investigations, arson and fraud investigation, investigation
and enforcement of regulatory violations.

3. Performs fire and life safety inspections of state-owned and occupied buildings and certain
other occupancies.

4. Provides public information and education related to fire prevention.

5. Coordinates and/or conducts fire and hazardous materials training to firefighters and other
public safety personnel.

6. Reviews applications and issues licenses and certificates of registration for interior design
which allow non-registrants to specify FF&E (not including finishes or space planning) in a
regulated setting and expire annually on April 30.

NEVADA STATE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

The Deputy Administrator for Compliance and Code Enforcement serves as the building official
for all buildings and structures on state property or held in trust for any division of the state
government (NRS 341.100.9).

The Legislature has mandated that the State Public Works Division must supervise all
construction of public buildings on state property (NRS 341.141-148). The Board of Regents of
the Nevada System of Higher Education and all other departments, boards or commissions must
also use these services, unless delegation of authority (NRS 341.119) has been requested from,
and granted by, the State Public Works Division. The plan examination and inspection process
cannot be delegated.

A building permit issued by the State Public Works Division is required for all new construction,
additions, alterations, remodels, tenant improvements, repairs, and/or the change of use and/or
occupancy of any state-owned building, structure or facility.

Local codes do not apply on state land with this exception: Design criteria for wind, snow, frost
line and seismic loads shall be in accordance with the ordinances adopted by the local jurisdiction.

2020 BLUE BOOK 17

 STAMPING AND SIGNING OF PLANS

Documents submitted to building officials or any public authority for review are required to be
stamped or sealed and signed, pursuant to the legal requirements for that design professional, in
order to certify that the registrant or licensee has satisfied his or her responsibility. It is the design
professional’s responsibility to prepare complete construction documents that comply with all
applicable laws governing the construction of the intended improvement. Registrants and
licensees shall not submit incomplete plans to a building department or other public authority in
order to hold a place in line. Architects, registered interior designers, residential designers,
engineers, landscape architects and contractors are responsible for limiting their design services
to their specific area of registration or licensure.

Interim documents submitted to building officials or public authorities must delineate the limited
purpose for which they are submitted and must be stamped or sealed, and signed. Interim
documents are all surveying maps and records, and all plans, specifications, reports or other
documents, which are not for the specific purpose of obtaining permits for construction, or issued
as a formal or final document to clients, public authorities or third parties. An interim document
must be clearly marked in substantially the following manner to show the intended purpose of the
document:

a. “For review only”

b. “Not for construction” or

c. “Preliminary”

Architects, registered interior designers and residential designers are prohibited by law from
stamping any work that has not been prepared under their responsible control. Landscape
architects are prohibited by law from signing or sealing instruments of service that were not
prepared under their direct supervision. It is unlawful for a professional engineer to sign or stamp
any plans, specifications or reports that were not prepared by him or her or for which he or she
did not have responsible charge of the work.

All surveying maps and records, and all engineering plans, specifications, reports or other
documents that are submitted to obtain permits, are released for construction, or are issued as a
formal or final document to clients, public authorities or third parties must bear:

a. The signature of the licensee

b. The stamp or seal of the licensee

c. The date of signing

d. The expiration date of the license of the licensee

The following policy is presented as the minimum acceptable standard for the sealing, signing
and submittal of plans and other technical documents.

2020 BLUE BOOK 18

1. Plans:

a. Architects, registered interior designers and residential designers: Each sheet of

every set of plans submitted to a building official or public authority must contain an original
stamp or electronic seal and an original or electronic date and signature of the registrant
who provided the responsible control under which the work indicated on the sheet was
performed.

b. Engineers and land surveyors: Each sheet of every set of plans submitted to a building
official or public authority must contain an ink stamp or electronic seal with an ink signature
or an electronic seal with a digitally encrypted signature. The expiration date of the license
of the licensee and the date signed must appear with the stamp/seal/signature. The sheets
associated with each engineering discipline must be stamped/sealed/signed by the
licensee in responsible control of the work indicated on that sheet.

c. Landscape architects: The front sheet of each separate element or professional

disciplines (e.g.: landscape architectural in accordance with NAC 623A.440; the registrant
must add a notation which clearly denotes the sheets that he or she prepared, structural,
mechanical, electrical, etc.) of every set of plans submitted must contain an original
impression seal, wet stamp or electronic seal, with an original or electronic signature
across the face of the seal or stamp. The expiration date of the license of the licensee and
the date signed must appear below the seal or stamp.

2. Specifications:

a. Architects, registered interior designers and residential designers: When required

and submitted, the cover sheet of each document must contain an original stamp or
electronic seal, the date signed and an original or electronic signature across the face of
the seal or stamp.

b. Engineers and land surveyors: When required and submitted, each document must
contain an original impression seal, wet stamp or electronic seal, with an original or
digitally encrypted signature and date across the face of the seal or stamp. The expiration
date of the license of the licensee must appear below the seal or stamp.

c. Landscape architects: When required and submitted, each document must contain an
original impression seal, wet stamp or electronic seal, with an original or electronic
signature and date across the face of the seal or stamp. The expiration date of the license
of the licensee must appear below the seal or stamp; NRS 623A.195.2.

3. Calculations: Only the front page of each set of calculations submitted must contain the
following:

a. Architects, registered interior designers and residential designers: An original stamp

or electronic seal, the date signed and an original or electronic signature across the face
of the stamp or seal.

b. Engineers and land surveyors: An original impression seal, wet ink stamp or electronic
seal with an ink signature or an electronic seal with a digitally encrypted signature. The
expiration date of the license of the licensee and the date signed must appear with the
stamp/seal/signature.

2020 BLUE BOOK 19

 c. Landscape architects: An original impression seal, wet stamp, or electronic seal, with an
original or electronic signature and date across the face of the stamp or seal. The
expiration date of the license of the licensee and the date signed must appear below the
seal or stamp.

4. Other required reports or analyses:

a. Architects and residential designers: An original stamp or electronic seal, with an

original or electronic signature and date, must be placed on the front page or within the
body of the report.

b. Engineers and land surveyors: An original impression seal, ink stamp or electronic seal
with an ink signature or an electronic seal with a digitally encrypted signature. The
expiration date of the license of the licensee must appear with the stamp/seal/signature.

c. Landscape architects: An original impression seal, wet stamp or electronic seal with an
original or electronic signature and date, must be placed on the front page or within the
body of the report. The expiration date of the license of the licensee must appear below
the seal or stamp.

5. Professional documents that contain the product of more than one professional: Each design
professional must seal, sign and date the document, pursuant to the legal requirements for
that design professional, and add a notation clearly specifying what his or her seal denotes.
For engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects, the expiration date of the license of
the licensee must appear below the seal or stamp.

6. Technical reports: Technical reports shall be sealed, signed, digitally encrypted and dated
pursuant to the legal requirements for that design professional, by a registrant or licensee.

7. Drawings or plans provided by a properly licensed contractor for his or her own construction
activities: In a prominent location on the front sheet of each set of plans, the contractor’s name,
license number, license classification, license limit and name of the person who prepared the
drawings or plans must be listed. The original signature of the responsible contractor shall
accompany this information. In the case of electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and air
conditioning or fire protection work, the signature must be of the Master or Qualified
Employee.

8. For plans prepared by a homeowner: The name of the owner who prepared the plans must
be listed in a prominent location on the front sheet of each set of plans. The original signature
of the owner/builder and the form required under NRS 278 and NRS 624 must accompany
this information.

9. Electronic media:

a. Details, shop drawings, product descriptions and other product information prepared by
manufacturers, suppliers or installers of a specific product or system may be integrated
into documents prepared and sealed by registered design professionals. Architects may
do so provided they are incidental in relationship to the overall scope of the project and do
not, in themselves, describe spaces, elements or systems directly affecting public health,
safety and welfare. Engineers are not limited to an incidental relationship or by spaces,
elements, etc. However, in all cases, the design professional must accept full responsibility
for all information contained which becomes a part of the design documents.
2020 BLUE BOOK 20
b. Architects, registered interior designers, and residential designers may use
computer-generated stamps, signatures and dates. Computer generated signatures and
dates may be permitted if all conditions of NAC 623.766 have been met. Drawings that
are transmitted electronically for official use to a regulatory agency should have a
computer-generated stamp included in the document. It is the responsibility of each
registrant to secure their electronic seal to ensure it is not affixed to documents not
prepared by him or her or under his or her responsible control. It is suggested that a
different or contrasting color be used for the stamp and signature to prevent duplication
efforts by unauthorized individuals. It is also recommended before submitting plans with
an electronic seal and signature that you check with the jurisdictional building department
to see what their requirements are for accepting plans.

c. Engineers and land surveyors may use computer-generated stamps, signatures, and
dates. Computer-generated signatures may be accepted if application conforms with NAC
625.610. Documents that are transmitted electronically for official use to a regulatory
agency should have a computer-generated stamp and signature, and include an
encrypted digital signature. It is the responsibility of each registrant to secure their
electronic seal to ensure it is not affixed to documents not prepared by him or her or under
his or her responsible control.

d. Landscape architects may use computer-generated stamps on final original drawings

provided a handwritten or electronic signature is placed across the stamp. The expiration
date of the license of the licensee and the date signed must be written below the stamp.
Please refer to “Item 1” of this section for requirements concerning submittal sets.
Drawings that are transmitted electronically to a client or regulatory agency should have
the computer-generated stamp removed from the original file. It is recommended that a
different or contrasting color be used for the stamp and handwritten signature to prevent
duplication efforts by unauthorized individuals.

2020 BLUE BOOK 21

 STANDARDS FOR BUILDING PLANS

Each construction project approved by a building official must be represented by complete

construction documents and other data that show all components necessary to comply with code
requirements and/or protect the public health and safety. The “approved” permit set of
construction documents serves as official evidence that the state, county, city, or school district
responsible for protecting public safety has reviewed for code compliance the construction
documents prior to initiation of construction activities.

Construction documents submitted to the building official shall be drawn upon suitable material,
including electronic media, and must be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and
extent of the work performed, and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the
applicable building codes and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by
the building official. These documents need to show the project in its entirety with emphasis on
the following: must be of sufficient nature to show the project in its entirety with emphasis on the
following:

• Structural integrity
• Life safety assurance
• Architectural barriers
• Building codes compliance
• Definition of scope of work
• Zoning compliance

Details provided in this section of The Blue Book are the minimum recommended standards
required before the building official shall begin the plans examination. Not all of the requirements
listed below will apply to every project. Additionally, requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

Additions and applicable projects submitted by registered interior designers may not require all of
the components listed in this section for plan submittal and review for permit.

DRAWINGS

The minimum required drawings will depend greatly upon the size, nature and complexity of the
project. Each sheet shall have a title block with the firm name, address and phone number listed
(with a space for the design professional seal, contractor data or exemption statement).

COVER SHEET

The cover sheet for each profession shall contain as appropriate:

1. Project identification, address and location map.

2. Identification of all design professionals, including the principal design professional (that is
the professional who is responsible for project coordination). All communications shall be
directed through this individual.

2020 BLUE BOOK 22

3. Deferred submittals, if accepted by the jurisdiction, should be noted on the cover sheet of
the affected discipline.

4. Design criteria list:

a. Occupancy group
b. Type construction
c. Risk Category
d. Location of property
e. Seismic design category
f. Square footage/allowable area
g. Fire sprinklers (if required)
h. Fire alarm systems (if required)
i. Height and number of stories
j. Occupant load
k. Land use zone
l. Code editions used
m. Wind loads
n. Snow loads
o. Special inspection program

SITE PLAN

The site plan shall:

1. Show proposed new structures, any existing buildings or structures, all property lines with
dimensions, all streets, easements and setbacks.

2. Show all water, sewer and electrical points of connection, proposed service routes and
existing utilities on the site.

3. Show all required parking, drainage and grading information (with reference to finish floor
and adjacent streets).

4. Indicate drainage inflow and outflow locations and specify areas required to be maintained
for drainage purposes.

5. Show north arrow.

FOUNDATION PLAN

The foundation plan shall:

1. Show all foundations and footings.

2. Indicate size, locations, thicknesses, materials, strengths and reinforcing.

3. Show all imbedded anchoring such as anchor bolts, hold-downs, post bases, etc.

4. Reference soils report for the proposed structure at that site as required.

2020 BLUE BOOK 23

FLOOR PLAN

The floor plan shall show:

1. All floors, including basements.

2. All rooms, with their use, overall dimensions and locations of all structural elements and
openings.

3. All doors and windows and provide door and window schedules, or other required
information.

4. All fire assemblies, draft stops and area and occupancy separations.

FRAMING AND ROOFING PLANS

Framing and roofing plans shall show:

1. All structural members.

2. The size of the structural members.

3. The methods of attachment.

4. The location and materials for floors and roofs.

EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

The exterior elevations shall show:

1. All views.

2. All openings.

3. All vertical dimensions and heights and identify all materials.

BUILDING AND WALL SECTIONS

Building and wall sections shall show:

1. All dimensions.

2. Materials of construction.

3. Non-rated and fire-rated assemblies and fire-rated penetrations.

MECHANICAL SYSTEM

The entire mechanical system must be shown. It shall:

1. Include all units, their sizes, mounting details, all ductwork and duct sizes.

2020 BLUE BOOK 24

2. Indicate all fire dampers where required.

3. Provide equipment schedules.

4. Include energy conservation calculations per state of Nevada requirements.

PLUMBING SYSTEM

The plumbing system shall show:

1. Points of connection to utilities.

2. Septic tanks.

3. Pretreatment sewer systems and water wells.

4. All fixtures.

5. Piping.

6. Slopes.

7. Materials and sizes.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system shall show:

1. Points of connection to utilities.

2. All electrical fixtures (interior, exterior and site).

3. Wiring sizes and circuiting.

4. Grounding.

5. Panel schedules.

6. Single line diagrams.

7. Load calculations.

8. Fixture schedules.

LANDSCAPING PLAN

Landscaping plans shall show locations and quantities of all landscape material required for
construction of the project (e.g.: plant species, mulch types, boulders, turf and planter areas, earth
contouring, detention facilities, fencing, hardscape, edging, etc.). For commercial and industrial
projects, local governmental entities require a maintenance plan to be submitted. Before a
Certificate of Occupancy is awarded or a final inspection conducted, local entities require a letter

2020 BLUE BOOK 25

of compliance that the landscape and irrigation was installed per the approved plans. This letter
is to be stamped and signed by the landscape architect.

IRRIGATION PLAN

Irrigation plans shall show:

1. Locations and provide product type of backflow prevention device, pumps and associated
components, controllers, cluster control units, control and communication wiring,
gate/isolation valves, control valves, quick coupler valves, sleeving, main line, lateral lines,
drip lateral lines and irrigation head layout for overhead and drip irrigation zones.

2. The point of connection, pipe sizes, size of valves and g.p.m./g.p.h. for each valve for
overhead and drip irrigation zones required for construction of the project.

FIRE ALARM/SPRINKLER SYSTEM PLAN

Per NAC 477.300(10), the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division has specific requirements for those
preparing plans for fire alarm or sprinkler systems. The designer, at a minimum, must be
employed by a Nevada licensed contractor and possess Level II certification or higher from the
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET); or have an equivalent
certification; or be licensed as a professional fire protection engineer pursuant to NRS 625.

The plan submittal shall comply with the applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
design standard, which outlines the requirements for system design plans, and the Nevada State
Fire Marshal Division application process.

NON-STRUCTURAL FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY SUBMITTAL

The Nevada State Fire Marshal Division only performs a Non-Structural Fire and Life Safety
review based on the adopted model codes and standards. This review basically covers
architectural and fire code prescriptive requirements. Structural plans and details are not required
for this submittal. However, plans may include those portions of the electrical system that relate
directly to egress or those portions of the mechanical system, which act to protect the occupants
from the spread of smoke.

For requirements specific to your project, it is advisable to consult directly with the Nevada State
Fire Marshal Division while in the design stage.

OTHER SUBMITTALS

Structural Calculations
Structural calculations for the entire structural system of the project shall be submitted in
conformance with local jurisdiction requirements.

IECC Energy Ratings

An Energy Rater that produces a report by inputting data obtained from a design professional’s
plans into software does not constitute the practice of engineering and therefore does not need
to be stamped by a design professional for submittal to the building official. An Energy Rater must
be properly licensed or certified by an appropriate State agency or recognized certification body
and provide their license number on testing and energy reports.

2020 BLUE BOOK 26

Specifications
Either on the drawings or in booklet form, construction components covering materials and
methods of construction, wall finishes, and all pertinent equipment, must be further defined.
Schedules may be incorporated in the project manual in lieu of drawings.

Addenda and Changes

It shall be the responsibility of the individual identified on the cover sheet as the principal design
professional to notify the building official of any and all changes throughout the project and provide
revised plans, calculations or other appropriate documents prior to actual construction.

Revisions
For clarity, all revisions shall be identified with a Delta symbol, date of change and the name or
initials of the person making the change. Revisions of the same date shall have the same Delta
symbol, letter or number. The revised areas shall be clouded on the drawings and tagged with
the corresponding Delta symbol. Otherwise, revisions shall be resubmitted as a new project.

Deferred Submittals
A deferred submittal is any portion of the design of a building or structure that is not submitted at
the time of the permit application and will be submitted to the building official at a later time.
Acceptance of a deferred submittal is at the sole discretion of the building official. The deferred
submittal items shall not be installed until the building official has approved the design and
submittal documents. Requirements for deferred submittals may vary in each jurisdiction.

DEFICIENT SUBMITTAL

It is the responsibility of the principal design professional to verify the work is complete, consistent
and competent. If the plans do not meet these criteria, the building official may take any of the
following actions:

1. Provide a list of deficiencies.

2. Increase the plan check fee for additional plan review time required due to deficiencies.

3. Return plans unchecked.

4. Refer the principal design professional to the appropriate state board for possible
disciplinary action.

It is the responsibility of the owner/builder to verify the work is complete, consistent and
competent. If the plans do not meet these criteria, the building official may take any of the following
actions:

1. Provide a list of deficiencies.

2. Increase the plan check fee for additional plan review time required due to deficiencies.

3. Return plans unchecked.

4. Request that the owner/builder engage the services of a design professional.

2020 BLUE BOOK 27

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARCHITECTS

Architect, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registered architect, per NRS
623, unless noted otherwise.

A-1. Does a set of plans stamped and signed by an architect registered in a state other
than Nevada meet the requirements for submittal in Nevada?

No. Only design professionals currently registered or licensed in Nevada may submit plans
to a building department or public authority.

A-2. May an architect overstamp documents prepared and stamped by an out-of-state

architect for submittal in Nevada?

No. An architect may only stamp design documents prepared by him or her or under his
or her responsible control.

A-3. May an owner or contractor make changes to plans prepared by an architect?

No. Changes or modifications to technical documents prepared by a registered architect

may only be made by that professional.

A-4. May an architect make changes to plans prepared by another Nevada registered or
licensed professional?

No. An architect may only make changes or modifications to plans prepared by another
Nevada registrant or licensee under the following conditions:

a. The architect obtains the written permission from the original design professional to
make changes or modifications to the plans.

b. The work must be within the scope of the architect’s practice.

c. The architect initiating changes to the plans assumes full responsibility for those
changes and their effects upon the remainder of the project.

d. The changes to the plans must be a separate submittal on the architect’s own title
block, with his own stamp and signature.

e. Changes to the plans must comply with applicable state and local laws.

If the architect does not obtain permission to make changes or modifications to the plans,
he or she must redesign the project. The architect should be aware of possible copyright
issues and may want to contact an attorney for legal advice.

2020 BLUE BOOK 28

A-5. May a building official or public authority make changes to plans prepared by an
architect?

A building official or public authority may only make minor changes or modifications to
technical documents prepared by an architect if that architect consents and authorizes the
changes.

A-6. Do shop drawings have to be stamped by an architect and submitted to the building
official for approval?

No. However, there are some instances where shop drawings could be used as a part of
the construction documents, therefore requiring a design professional’s stamp. For
example, a truss or space frame dimensionally shown on the construction document,
specified by performance, must be submitted to the building department bearing the stamp
of a Nevada registrant or licensee.

A-7. May an architect stamp site grading and drainage plans as part of a submittal for a
permit?

Yes, if acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, such plans may be prepared or
stamped by architects, landscape architects, residential designers or civil engineers. Land
surveyors may prepare or stamp site grading and drainage plans as long as they are for
residential subdivisions containing four lots or less.

A-8. May an architect serve as the principal design professional on a multi-disciplined

project?

Yes. Architects, registered interior designers, landscape architects, residential designers

and engineers may serve as the principal design professional as long as they are providing
services in conformance with their practice as defined in NRS. This role is described in
the “Principal Design Professional” section of this manual.

A-9. May an architect stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in the state of
Nevada?

Yes. Landscape architects, architects, residential designers and civil engineers may
stamp landscaping and irrigation plans in Nevada.

A-10. May architects stamp and sign documents prepared by his or her unlicensed
consultants?

Yes, architects can stamp drawings prepared by his or her unlicensed consultants
provided that the documents were prepared under the architect’s responsible control.

2020 BLUE BOOK 29

A-11. May a drafting firm or other unregistered person prepare plans to be submitted for
a building permit?

No, unless they are preparing the plans under the responsible control of a licensed or
registered design professional, per NRS 623 or 625, and the licensed professional
seals/stamps/signs the plans.

A-12. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his or her
representative, to perform the services of an architect for work on that building
without being registered under NRS 623?

No.

A-13. Is an architect, who is an employee of a licensed general contractor, required to

stamp plans he or she has prepared for his or her employer when the plans are
being submitted to the building department under the contractors’ exemption?

No, as long as the architect receives a W-2, and not a 1099, from his or her employer.

A-14. Is an architect, who contracts on a 1099 basis with a licensed general contractor,
required to stamp plans he or she has prepared when the plans are being submitted
to the building department under the contractors’ exemption?

Yes.

A-15. Is an architect, who is hired directly by the owner to design a single-family

residence, required to stamp the plans if the owner is pulling the permit?

Yes.

A-16. Must each sheet of an architect’s set of plans have an original or electronic seal
and signature?

Yes.

A-17. May architects seal his or her drawings with an electronic stamp, signature and
date?

Yes. Architects may seal their documents either electronically or manually. They may also
sign and date by hand, electronically or any combination thereof. The date must be the
day the drawings were issued for printing.

A-18. Are architects required to seal bid documents?

No. Per NAC 623.763, only plans, specifications, reports and other documents issued by
a registrant for official use must be signed, sealed and dated. Bid documents are not
considered to be for official use.

2020 BLUE BOOK 30

A-19. Is it acceptable for original plans to be in microfiche or electronic format?

Yes.

A-20. May an architect withdraw as the architect of record?

The architect may withdraw as the architect of record if he or she becomes aware of a
decision made by his or her employer or client, against the architect's advice, which
violates applicable federal, state or municipal building laws and regulations and which will,
in the architect's judgment, materially or adversely affect the safety of the public, or may
withdraw upon Board approval.

A-21. Do drawings prepared by a design professional (architect, registered interior

designer or residential designer) belong to the design professional?

Yes. Drawings prepared by a design professional have copyright protection under federal
law and belong to the design professional or firm, unless the design professional or firm
releases the copyright/ intellectual property to the client.

A-22. May architects release modifiable CADD drawings to a client?

Yes.

A-23. May architects provide construction management services on a project for which
he or she is not the architect of record?

A registered architect may perform construction management services only when acting
within the scope of his or her professional license. Construction management services
determined to be outside the scope of the architect’s professional license may require a
contractor’s license (NRS 623.023; NRS 624.020; AGO 2002-37).

A-24. May unlicensed individuals call themselves architects or provide services that fall
under the definition of the practice of architecture?

No. Only individuals who hold a certificate of registration are authorized to use the title
“architect” and provide the services that fall under the definition pursuant to NRS 623.

2020 BLUE BOOK 31

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Registered interior designer, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registered
interior designer, per NRS 623, unless noted otherwise.

ID-1. May an unregistered or unlicensed individual (interior designer, space planner,

kitchen equipment designer, etc.) prepare plans for a building permit?

No. Unregistered or unlicensed individuals are prohibited by law from engaging in

professional practice, unless specifically exempt by law pursuant to NRS 623.035.

ID-2. When can an unregistered individual provide design services for the selection of
interior furnishings, fixtures and equipment?

A non-registrant can provide design services when the furnishings, fixtures and equipment
selected are not regulated by any building codes or other law, ordinance, rule or regulation
governing the alteration or construction of a building. Additionally, an individual or firm who
has a certificate issued by the Nevada State Fire Marshal may specify furnishings, fixtures
and equipment (not including finishes) that are regulated typically in a commercial setting.

ID-3. Can someone who has been issued a certificate by the Nevada State Fire Marshal
(a certified interior designer) provide space planning?

No. Only a registered interior designer pursuant to NRS 623 may provide space planning.
Space planning is regulated because it involves access into (ingress) and from (egress)
the space; access and use of the space for people with disabilities; and occupancy loads.

ID-4. Can an unregistered individual or someone who has a fire marshal certificate
specify systems (modular) furniture?

If they are simply replacing existing systems furniture without making any layout changes,
then they are allowed to do that as that is simply an existing furniture or equipment layout.
However, if they are starting with an open space or redesigning an existing layout, and it
affects the egress and ingress or if it’s over 69”, then that constitutes space planning and
they must be registered pursuant to NRS 623 in order to provide those services.

ID-5. Does a set of plans stamped and signed by an interior designer registered in a state
other than Nevada meet the requirements for submittal in Nevada?

No. Only design professionals currently registered or licensed in Nevada may submit plans
to a building department or public authority.

2020 BLUE BOOK 32

ID-6. May registered interior designers overstamp documents prepared and stamped by
an out-of-state interior designer for submittal in Nevada?

No. Registered interior designers may only stamp design documents prepared by him or
her or under his or her responsible control.

ID-7. May an owner or contractor make changes to plans prepared by a registered interior
designer?

No. Changes or modifications to documents prepared by a registered interior designer

may only be made by that professional.

ID-8. May registered interior designers make changes to plans prepared by another
Nevada registrant?

A registered interior designer may only make changes or modifications to plans prepared
by another Nevada registrant under the following conditions:

a. The registered interior designer obtains the written permission from the original design
professional to make changes or modifications to the plans.

b. The work must be within the scope of the registered interior designer’s practice.

c. The registered interior designer initiating changes to the plans assumes full
responsibility for those changes and their effects upon the remainder of the project.

d. The changes to the plans must be a separate submittal on the registered interior
designer's own title block, with his own stamp and signature.

e. Changes to the plans must comply with applicable state and local laws.

If the registered interior designer does not obtain permission to make changes or
modifications to the plans, they must redesign the project. The registered interior designer
should be aware of possible copyright issues and may want to contact an attorney for legal
advice.

ID-9. May a building official make changes to plans prepared by a registered interior
designer?

A building official may only make minor changes or modifications to documents prepared
by a registered interior designer if that registered interior designer consents and authorizes
the changes.

ID-10. May a registered interior designer serve as the principal design professional on a
multi-disciplined project?

Yes. Architects, registered interior designers, landscape architects, residential designers

and engineers may serve as the principal design professional, as long as they are
providing services in conformance with their practice as defined in NRS. This role is
described in the “Principal Design Professional” section of this manual.

2020 BLUE BOOK 33

ID-11. If a registered interior designer and an architect are both employed on a project,
must the architect have control of the entire project?

No. The provisions of NRS 623 allow for a registered interior designer to contract directly
with a client as long as the contemplated work does not require the services of more than
two additional professional disciplines (structural engineer, mechanical engineer,
electrical engineer, architectural, etc.).

ID-12. May a registered interior designer undertake a project that requires more than two
additional professional disciplines? (i.e., architect, structural engineer, mechanical
engineer, electrical engineer, etc.?

No. An architect who is qualified to offer all design services to the public must be hired by
the owner to provide and coordinate all disciplines other than the registered interior design.

ID-13. When a registered interior designer contracts with an owner to perform interior
design services and no more than two other professional disciplines of architecture
and engineering are involved in the design of the work, with whom do these
additional professional disciplines contract?

The professional disciplines may contract directly with the owner or with the registered
interior designer.

ID-14. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his or her
representative, to perform the services of a registered interior designer for work on
that building without being registered under NRS 623?

No.

ID-15. Is a registered interior designer, who is an employee of a licensed general

contractor, required to stamp plans he or she has prepared for his or her employer
when the plans are being submitted to the building department under the
contractors’ exemption?

No, as long as the registered interior designer receives a W-2, and not a 1099, from his
or her employer.

ID-16. Is a registered interior designer, who contracts on a 1099 basis with a licensed
contractor, required to stamp plans he or she has prepared when the plans are
being submitted to the building department under the contractors’ exemption?

Yes.

ID-17. Must each sheet of a registered interior designer’s set of plans have an original or
electronic seal, signature and date?

Yes.

2020 BLUE BOOK 34

ID-18. May registered interior designers seal his or her drawings with an electronic stamp,
signature and date?

Yes. Registered interior designers may seal their documents either electronically or
manually. They may also sign and date by hand, electronically or any combination thereof.
The date must be the day the drawings were issued for printing.

ID-19. Are registered interior designers required to seal bid documents?

No. Per NAC 623.763, only plans, specifications, reports and other documents issued by
a registrant for official use must be signed, sealed and dated. Bid documents are not
considered to be for official use.

ID-20. Is it acceptable for original plans to be in a microfiche or electronic format?

Yes.

ID-21. May registered interior designers undertake a project that requires two or more
contractors?

Yes. There is no limitation to the number of contractors a registered interior designer may
work with on a project; however, registered interior designers must contract directly with
the owner and the contractors must contract directly with the owner.

ID-22. May registered interior designers withdraw as the design professional of record?

Registered interior designers may withdraw as the design professional of record if he or

she become aware of a decision made by his or her employer or client, against the
registered interior designer’s advice, which violates applicable federal, state or municipal
building laws and regulations and which will, in the registered interior designer’s judgment,
materially or adversely affect the safety of the public, or may withdraw upon Board
approval.

ID-23. May a registered interior designer design and/or specify fire rated assemblies,
including, but not limited to smoke barriers, partitions and walls?

No.

ID-24. May a registered interior designer specify rated doors and door frames?

Registered interior designers are limited to doors and door frames for which the required
fire-protection rating does not exceed 20 minutes.

ID-25. May registered interior designers design and/or specify elevators and/or stairs on
their drawings?

No. Registered interior designers may only show the location of an elevator and/or stairs
on their drawings for "reference" purposes.

2020 BLUE BOOK 35

ID-26. May registered interior designers determine the location of electrical outlets and
light fixtures?

Yes.

ID-27. May a registered interior designer prepare permit drawings for an outdoor
kitchen/BBQ area?

No. Only architects, landscape architects, residential designers, engineers and

contractors may prepare permit drawings for outdoor kitchen/BBQ areas.

ID-28. Do drawings prepared by a design professional (architect, registered interior

designer or residential designer) belong to the design professional?

Yes. Drawings prepared by a design professional have copyright protection under federal
law and belong to the design professional or firm, unless the design professional or firm
releases the copyright/ intellectual property to the client.

ID-29. May a registered interior designer release modifiable CADD drawings to a client?

Yes.

ID-30. May unlicensed individuals call themselves registered interior designers or provide
services that fall under the definition of the practice of registered interior design?

No. Only individuals who hold a certificate of registration are authorized to use the title of
registered interior designer and provide the services that fall under the definition of the
practice of registered interior design pursuant to NRS 623.

2020 BLUE BOOK 36

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

RESIDENTIAL DESIGNERS

Residential designer, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registered residential
designer, per NRS 623, unless noted otherwise.

RD-1. May residential designers overstamp documents prepared and stamped by an out-
of-state architect, interior designer or landscape architect for submittal in Nevada?

No. Residential designers may only stamp design documents prepared by him or her or
under his or her responsible control.

RD-2. May an owner or contractor make changes to plans prepared by a residential

designer?

No. Changes or modifications to documents prepared by a registered residential designer

may only be made by that professional, a professional meeting the criteria set forth in
question RD-3, or a building official under criteria set forth in question RD-4.

RD-3. May residential designers make changes to plans prepared by another Nevada
registered or licensed professional?

No. Residential designers may only make changes or modifications to plans prepared by
another Nevada registrant or licensee under the following conditions:

a. The residential designer obtains written permission from the original design
professional to make changes or modifications to the plans.

b. The work must be within the scope of the residential designer’s practice.

c. The residential designer initiating changes to the plans assumes full responsibility for
those changes and their effects upon the remainder of the project.

d. The changes to the plans must be a separate submittal on the residential designers’
own title block, with his or her own stamp and signature.

e. Changes to the plans must comply with applicable state and local laws.

If the residential designers do not obtain permission to make changes or modifications to

the plans, he or she must redesign the project. The residential designer should be aware
of possible copyright issues and may want to contact an attorney for legal advice.

2020 BLUE BOOK 37

RD-4 May a building official make changes to plans prepared by a residential designer?

A building official may only make minor changes or modifications to documents prepared
by a residential designer if that residential designer consents and authorizes the changes.

RD-5. May a residential designer prepare and stamp site grading and drainage plans that
are incidental to their residential design project as part of the submittal for a permit?

Yes, if acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and such plans fall within the scope
of the registration.

RD-6. May a residential designer serve as the principal design professional on a multi-
disciplined project?

Yes. Architects, registered interior designers, landscape architects, residential designers

and engineers may serve as the principal design professional, as long as they are
providing services in conformance with their practice as defined in NRS. This role is
described in the “Principal Design Professional” section of this manual.

RD-7. May residential designers stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in the state
of Nevada?

Yes. Landscape architects, architects, residential designers and civil engineers may
stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in Nevada.

RD-8. May a drafting firm or other unregistered person prepare plans to be submitted to a
building official or public authority?

No. A drafting firm or other unregistered person may only prepare plans to be submitted
to a building official or public authority if they are working under the responsible control of
a licensed or registered design professional, per NRS 623 or 625, and that licensee or
registered design professional stamps/signs the plans to be submitted for a building
permit.

RD-9. May a residential designer design a single-family residence that is more than two
stories in height?

Typically, structures that are over three stories in height require a structural engineer to
design. A residential designer may design if they are qualified and competent to do within
the discipline for which they are properly licensed.

RD-10. May a residential designer perform work on a residence that is being converted into
solely a commercial property?

No.

2020 BLUE BOOK 38

RD-11. Is a residential designer, who is an employee of a licensed general contractor,
required to stamp plans he or she has prepared for his or her employer when the
plans are being submitted to the building department under the contractors’
exemption?

No, as long as the residential designer receives a W-2, and not a 1099, from his or her
employer.

RD-12. Is a residential designer, who contracts on a 1099 basis with a licensed contractor,
required to stamp plans he has prepared when the plans are being submitted to the
building department under the contractors’ exemption?

Yes.

RD-13. Is a residential designer, who is hired directly by the owner to design a set of plans
for a single-family residence, required to stamp the plans if the owner is pulling the
permit?

Yes.

RD-14. Must each sheet of a residential designer’s set of plans have an original or
electronic seal, signature and date?

Yes.

RD-15. May a residential designer seal his or her drawings with an electronic stamp,
signature and date?

Yes. Residential designers may seal their documents either electronically or manually.
They may also sign and date by hand, electronically or any combination thereof. The date
must be the day the drawings were issued.

RD-16. Are residential designers required to seal bid documents?

No. Per NAC 623.763, only plans, specifications, reports and other documents issued by
a registrant for official use must be signed, sealed and dated. Bid documents are not
considered to be for official use.

RD-17. Is it acceptable for original plans to be in microfiche or electronic format?

Yes.

RD-18. May residential designers withdraw as the design professional of record?

Residential designers may withdraw as the design professional of record if he or she

become aware of a decision made by his or her employer or client, against the residential
designer’s advice, which violates applicable federal, state or municipal building laws and
regulations and which will, in the residential designer’s judgment, materially or adversely
affect the safety of the public.

2020 BLUE BOOK 39

RD-19. Do drawings prepared by a design professional (architect, registered interior
designer or residential designer) belong to the design professional?

Yes. Drawings prepared by a design professional have copyright protection under federal
law and belong to the design professional or firm, unless the design professional or firm
releases the copyright/intellectual property to the client.

RD-20. May a residential designer release modifiable CADD drawings to a client?

Yes.

RD-21. May unlicensed individuals call themselves residential designers or provide

services that fall under the definition of the practice of residential design?

No. Only individuals who hold a certificate of registration are authorized to use the title of
residential designer and provide services that fall under the definition of the practice of
residential design pursuant to NRS 623.

2020 BLUE BOOK 40

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Landscape architect, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registered landscape
architect, per NRS 623A, unless noted otherwise.

LA-1. Does a set of plans stamped and signed by a landscape architect registered in a
state other than Nevada meet the requirements for submittal in Nevada?

No. Only design professionals currently registered or licensed in Nevada may submit plans
to a building department.

LA-2. May a landscape architect overstamp documents prepared and stamped by an out-
of-state architect or landscape architect for submittal in Nevada?

No. A landscape architect may only stamp design documents prepared by him or under
his direct supervision.

LA-3. May an owner, contractor or building official make changes to plans prepared by a
landscape architect?

No. Changes or modifications to technical documents prepared by a registered landscape

architect may only be made by that professional or a professional meeting the criteria set
forth in question LA-4.

LA-4. May a landscape architect make changes to plans prepared by another Nevada
registered or licensed professional?

Yes, in certain instances. A landscape architect may revise or change plans prepared by
another Nevada registrant or licensee under the following conditions:

a. Every reasonable effort must be taken to notify and obtain concurrence from the
original design professional with respect to changes to the original plans.

b. The work must be within the scope of the landscape architect’s practice.

c. The landscape architect initiating changes to the plans assumes full responsibility for
those changes and their effects upon the remainder of the project.

d. Changes to the plans must comply with applicable state and local laws.

2020 BLUE BOOK 41

LA-5. May individuals calling themselves landscape architect interns or landscape
designers prepare and sell landscape and irrigation plans?

No. It is illegal to prepare and sell landscape documents if one is not registered or licensed
to practice landscape architecture, architecture or engineering in Nevada.

LA-6. May a landscape architect prepare and stamp site grading and drainage plans as
part of a submittal for a permit?

Yes, such plans may be prepared or stamped by architects, landscape architects,

residential designers or civil engineers. Land surveyors may prepare or stamp site grading
and drainage plans as long as they are for residential subdivisions containing four lots or
less.

LA-7. May a landscape architect perform planning services?

Yes, a landscape architect may prepare site design and master plan documents, along
with zoning applications, special use permit applications and other land use approval
documents.

LA-8. May a landscape architect prepare and stamp site plans that incorporate a variety
of site amenities and features?

Yes, a landscape architect may prepare and stamp plans or details that include: garden
pools, outdoor fountains, waterfalls, retaining walls, decorative walls, raised planters,
fences, handicapped ramps, outdoor stairs/steps, play structures, pedestrian bridges,
decks, gazebos, picnic shelters, trellises, patio covers and other similar non-dwelling
structures that are incidental and necessary to a project’s dominant purpose.

LA-9. May a landscape architect serve as the principal design professional on a multi-
disciplined project?

Yes. Architects, registered interior designers, landscape architects, residential designers

and engineers may serve as the principal design professional, as long as they are
providing services in conformance with their practice as defined in NRS. This role is
described in the “Principal Design Professional” section of this manual.

LA-10. May a landscape architect design 12-volt (low voltage) outdoor lighting systems
and small-scale outdoor 120-volt electrical systems?

Yes. A landscape architect may prepare and stamp outdoor electrical lighting system
plans, as long as the plans are incidental and necessary to a project’s dominant purpose.

LA-11. May a landscape architect plan for and develop a conceptual site plan which locates
the buildings on a project site?

Yes. A landscape architect can plan for and establish the relationship between the site
and its structures, including proposing elevations, grading and positioning, for an overall
site and landscape theme.

2020 BLUE BOOK 42

LA-12. Who can stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in the state of Nevada?

Landscape architects, architects, residential designers and civil engineers may stamp
landscaping plans and irrigation plans in Nevada.

LA-13. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his representative, to
perform the services of a landscape architect for work on that building without
being registered under NRS 623A?

No.

LA-14. May a landscape architect prepare and stamp erosion control/native revegetation
plans and wetland mitigation plans?

Yes.

LA-15. Is a person who designs, manufactures or sells irrigation equipment and provides
instructions pertaining to the mechanical erection and installation of the equipment
but does not install the equipment required to hold a Landscape Architect license?

No, as per NRS623A.070.1(3)

2020 BLUE BOOK 43

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONTRACTORS

Contractor, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada licensed contractor, per NRS
624, unless noted otherwise.

C-1. May a contractor prepare and submit his or her own plans to a building department
without engaging a design professional?

A contractor may prepare and submit plans to a building department for work that falls
within their license classification, and is for work on their own construction projects.

C-2. May a contractor or homeowner submit mail order plans or plans prepared by
others and comply with Nevada law?

No.

C-3. If a contractor’s license is suspended for any reason, may he or she finish a job that
is in progress or a contract that was signed previous to the suspension?

No. A contractor whose license is suspended may not finish any work in progress. Nor
can they submit bids or proposals, sign a new contract, or enter into a contractual
agreement during the suspension.

C-4. May a general building contractor perform all parts of a project?

A general building contractor shall not perform specialty contracting in plumbing, electrical,
refrigeration and air conditioning, or fire protection without a license for the specialty
classification.

C-5. If a contractor wants to bid a multi-phase project that exceeds his or her license
limit, may he or she bid each phase individually?

No. The limit is the maximum contract a licensed contractor may undertake on one or
more construction contracts on a single construction site or subdivision site for a single
client. A contractor is prohibited from bidding or contracting in excess of the monetary
license limit established by the State Contractors Board.

C-6. If a homeowner obtains a building permit under the owner/builder exemption, can
he or she then hire a contractor to perform the construction activity?

Yes, if the contractor is properly licensed in Nevada to perform the work specified in the
contract.

2020 BLUE BOOK 44

C-7. May a contractor prepare plans and then have the owner obtain the building permit
under the owner/builder exemption?

No. The contractor must apply for the permit, thereby attesting that he or she is properly
licensed and responsible for the plans and construction activity. Per NRS 623.035, a
contractor can only prepare plans for his or her own construction activities.

C-8. If a licensed contractor prepares plans under the NRS 623.035 and 623A.070(1)(c)
exemptions, can they then sell those plans to another client for whom he or she is
not the contractor?

No, the contractor may only prepare plans, with certain limitations, for his or her own
construction activities that he or she is properly licensed to perform.

C-9. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his or her
representative, to perform the services of a contractor for work on that building
without being licensed under NRS 624?

No.

C-10. Does a “spec building” require a contractor’s license?

Yes.

C-11. Is a contractor allowed to perform any work if his or her license is in an inactive
status?

No, the contractor shall not engage in any work or activities, bid to contract or contract if
his or her license is inactive. The licensee must first return his or her license to active
status.

C-12. Are local jurisdictions required to verify a contractor’s license prior to issuance of
a permit?

Yes. A building official shall not issue a building permit to a person acting for another
unless the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the building official that they are licensed
as a contractor for that work pursuant to the provisions of chapter 624 of NRS, prior to the
issuance of the permit.

C-13. Are contractors required to include their license number in advertisements?

Yes. A licensed contractor is required to include their license number on any type of
advertising including, but not limited to, letterhead, business cards, directory listings,
contracts, bids, proposals, applications for permits, other documents, and any form of
advertising.

2020 BLUE BOOK 45

C-14. Are contractors or subcontractors who work for a homeowner on a repair,
restoration, improvement, construction or design of residential pools or spas
required to pull permits under their own license number?

Yes. When engaging in the repair, restoration, improvement or construction of residential

pools and spas, contractors and subcontractors must apply for, and obtain, all applicable
permits for the project under their license number (per NRS 624).

C-15. May an unlicensed consultant or advisor assist a homeowner in the building of his
or her pool or spa?

No. A person shall not, directly or indirectly, perform or offer to perform, for a fee, any act
as a consultant, advisor, assistant or aide to the builder or owner, unless the person holds
a contractor license.

C-16. May a contractor use money received for one specific construction project for
another construction project?

No. It is a cause for disciplinary action for a contractor to knowingly divert money for a use
other than that for which it was received. Additionally, the contractor may also be subject
to criminal prosecution.

C-17. Is there any exemption for small jobs or repair or maintenance work?

An exemption is allowed for work to repair or maintain property if the value is less than
$1,000, including labor and materials, is not part of a larger project, and does not require
a building permit. The exemption does not include plumbing, electrical, refrigeration,
heating or air conditioning work of any kind.

C-18. May a contractor enter into a design only agreement with a client to prepare the
drawings for a project?

No. A contractor may only prepare drawings for his or her own construction activities.

C-19. May a licensed contractor have a separate contract for design services?

No. Under the exemption in NRS 623, a contractor licensed pursuant to the provisions of
624 of NRS may only prepare drawings for their own construction activities.

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS

Engineer or land surveyor, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada licensed
engineer or land surveyor, per NRS 625, unless noted otherwise.

E-1. Does a set of plans stamped and signed by an engineer licensed in a state other
than Nevada meet the requirements for submittal in Nevada?

No. Only design professionals currently registered or licensed in Nevada may submit plans
to a building department.

E-2. May an owner, contractor or building official make changes to plans prepared by
an engineer?

No. Changes or modifications to documents prepared by a licensed engineer may only be

made by that professional or a professional meeting the criteria set forth in question E-3.

E-3. May an engineer make changes to plans prepared by another Nevada registered or
licensed professional?

An engineer may modify original plans after obtaining the written consent of the engineer
who prepared the original plans. When written consent cannot be obtained and the
modification (1) does not adversely affect the integrity of the original plans, and (2) can be
clearly shown to be the work of the modifying engineer and not the work of the engineer
who did the original plans, then the plans may be modified if:

a. The engineer requesting to make the revisions to the original plan documents is
employed by the firm responsible for the preparation of the original plan documents.

b. Reasonable effort has been made to notify the original design engineer in writing of
the nature and extent of the proposed revisions to the plan documents.

c. Reasonable attempt has been made to obtain the original design engineer’s consent
to the proposed revision.

d. The work is within the scope of the modifying engineer’s practice.

e. The modifying engineer assumes full responsibility for the revisions and their effects
upon the remainder of the project.

f. The revisions to the plans must comply with applicable state and local laws.

g. The modified plans must include a written statement adjacent to the signature stamp
of the modifying engineer clearly identifying the portion of the plans that were modified
and that the modifying engineer has accepted responsibility for the modification.

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E-4. May a residential owner-builder submit engineering documents, without a Nevada
professional engineer stamp, for a building permit?

No. Only owner-builder designs can be submitted without an engineer stamp. Portions of
the owner-builder design that are engineered, must be stamped by a Nevada professional
engineer who is taking responsibility for those portions of the design. Also, for complex
residential designs, a building official can require an owner-builder to retain an engineer
to design and submit engineered drawings for that portion of the owner-builder design.

E-5. May a mechanical or electrical engineer prepare and stamp documents customarily
prepared by an architect or engineer licensed in a discipline other than their own?

No.

E-6. May a civil engineer structurally design a building more than three stories in height?

No. Only engineers licensed as structural engineers may structurally design a building
more than three stories in height, or more than 45 feet in height from the bottom of the
lowest footing, or a sign or radio tower over 100 feet.

E-7. May a civil engineer structurally design an essential facility as defined by the
International Building Code, i.e. a school or a fire station?

No. Only engineers licensed as structural engineers may design facilities that would be
used for emergency responses, i.e. Risk Category IV facilities, that are designated as
emergency shelters, buildings having critical national defense functions, police stations,
emergency vehicle garages, etc.

E-8. May an engineer’s calculations be used as plans for construction work?

a. Yes, but only when the document provides a clear description of work acceptable to
the building official for the work intended.

b. No, when the document presents only engineering analysis and does not provide a
satisfactory description of the work for construction purposes.

c. No, when amended submittals conflict with the original approved description of work.

E-9. Do shop drawings have to be stamped by an engineer and submitted to the building
official for approval?

No. However, there are some instances where shop drawings could be used as a part of
the construction documents, therefore requiring a professional’s stamp. For example, a
truss or space frame dimensionally shown on the construction document, specified by
performance, must be submitted to the building department bearing the stamp of a Nevada
registered engineer.

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E-10. May a licensed land surveyor prepare and submit plot plans?

Yes, with conditions. Land surveyors may only prepare plot plans which provide
topographical and related measurement data. Plans which include design features for
construction must be prepared and stamped by a registered professional.

E-11. May a civil engineer or land surveyor prepare and stamp site grading and drainage
plans as part of a submittal for a permit?

Yes. Site grading and drainage plans are typically prepared and stamped by civil
engineers. Land surveyors may prepare or stamp site grading and drainage plans for
residential subdivisions containing four lots or less.

E-12. May an engineer serve as the principal design professional on a multi-disciplined

project?

Yes. Architects, registered interior designers, landscape architects, residential designers

and engineers may serve as the principal design professional, as long as they are
providing services in conformance with their practice as defined in NRS. This role is
described in the “Principal Design Professional” section of this manual.

E-13. May a civil engineer stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in the state of
Nevada?

Yes. Landscape architects, architects, residential designers and civil engineers may
stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in Nevada.

E-14. May a drafting firm or other unregistered person prepare plans to be submitted for
a building permit?

No, unless they are working under the responsible charge of a licensed or registered
design professional, per NRS 623 or 625, and the professional seals/stamps/signs the
plans.

E-15. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his or her
representative, to perform the services of an engineer, for work on that building
without being licensed under NRS 625?

No.

E-16. Is it required by regulation that an engineer or land surveyor have a contract with
each client?

Yes. The contract must include the scope of work, the cost for completion of the work and
the anticipated date for completion of the work.

E-17. Does an engineering or land surveying firm have to register with the state board to
offer or perform services in Nevada?

Yes.

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E-18. Can original submittals be submitted electronically?

Yes. Original engineering or land surveying documents may be submitted electronically

provided the documents have a digitally encrypted signature. A digitally encrypted
signature is an electronic signature that includes embedded meta data that identifies the
signer and encrypts and protects the documents. A digitally encrypted signature is not just
an electronic signature. Receiving agencies determine whether paper or electronic
submittals will be accepted. Check with your building department or public authority to see
if they are capable of accepting file size/type.

E-19. Can original submittals be prepared electronically, digitally signed, and submitted
in paper format?

No. Paper documents, that are submitted as originals, must be hand-signed in ink.

E-20. Is an engineer or land surveyor allowed to perform any work if their license is in an
inactive status?

No. The professional shall not offer or perform professional services with an inactive
license. The licensee must first return their license to active status.

E-21. Can an engineer overstamp documents prepared and stamped by an out-of-state

engineer for submittal in Nevada?

No. An engineer may only stamp design documents prepared by them or prepared under
their direct supervision.

2020 BLUE BOOK 50

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOMEOWNER

Homeowner, as used in these questions and answers, is an owner of property who prepares his
or her own plans, drawings or specifications for a building for his own private residential use, and
who is building or improving a residential structure on the property for his own occupancy that is
not intended for sale or lease. Architect, registered interior designer or residential designer, as
used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registrant, per NRS 623, unless noted
otherwise. Engineer or land surveyor, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada
licensee, per NRS 625, unless noted otherwise. Contractor, as used in these questions and
answers, is a Nevada licensed contractor, per NRS 624, unless noted otherwise. Landscape
architect, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registered landscape architect,
per NRS 623A, unless noted otherwise.

H-1. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his or her
representative, to perform the services of an architect, registered interior designer,
landscape architect, contractor or engineer for work on that building without being
licensed under NRS 623, 623A, 624 or 625?

No.

H-2. If a homeowner obtains a building permit under the owner/builder exemption, can
he then hire a contractor to perform the construction activity?

Yes, if the contractor is properly licensed in Nevada to perform the work. This exemption
only applies to the construction or remodeling of a single-family residential structure
occupied, or to be occupied, by the homeowner.

H-3. May a contractor prepare plans and then have the owner obtain the building permit
under the owner/builder exemption?

No. The contractor must apply for the permit, thereby attesting that he is properly licensed
and responsible for the plans and construction activity. Per NRS 623.035(1)(d), a
contractor can only prepare plans for his or her own construction activities.

H-4. Who is considered an “owner/builder?”

A homeowner who prepares his or her own plans, drawings or specifications for a building
for his or her own private residential use and who is building or improving a residential
structure on the property for his or her own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease
may apply for an exemption from the provisions of NRS 623 and NRS 624.

2020 BLUE BOOK 51

H-5. May a homeowner prepare plans under the NRS 623.035(1)(e) and 623A.070(1)(a)
exemptions for a duplex residential occupancy structure?

No. Homeowners may only prepare plans for a single-family dwelling that they themselves
plan to own and occupy for at least one year. A duplex clearly implies that at least one unit
will be a rental or sales property.

H-6. May a contractor or homeowner submit mail order plans or plans prepared by
others and comply with Nevada law?

No.

H-7. May a homeowner hire a draftsman to draw plans for his or her home?

No. Only architects, residential designers and some professional engineers may design
and draw plans for homes. Licensed general contractors may also design and draw plans
for homes if they will be building the home as well. A homeowner who does not wish to
hire a properly registered or licensed individual must draw the plans for his or her home
themselves.

H-8. May a homeowner design their own home and then hire a draftsperson to put plans
into CADD or another electronic format?

No. A draftsperson may not prepare plans that fall under the practice of architecture or
engineering.

H-9. May a homeowner as an "owner/builder" perform work in the public right-of-way?

No.

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MISCELLANEOUS

Architect, registered interior designer or residential designer, as used in these questions and
answers, is a Nevada registrant, per NRS 623, unless noted otherwise. Engineer or land surveyor,
as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada licensee, per NRS 625, unless noted
otherwise. Contractor, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada licensed contractor,
per NRS 624, unless noted otherwise. Landscape architect, as used in these questions and
answers, is a Nevada registered landscape architect, per NRS 623A, unless noted otherwise.

M-1. Do shop drawings have to be stamped by the design professional and submitted to
the building official or public authority for approval?

Typically, no. However, if shop drawings are submitted to the building official or public
authority for design consideration or clarification, then they must be properly
stamped/signed/dated by the Nevada professional having competency and appropriate
registration/license pursuant to the legal requirements for that design professional.

M-2. What component or supplemental designs are required to be stamped or sealed by

a design professional when submitted to the building official for approval?

Components or supplemental designs such as prefabricated metal building drawings, roof

truss systems (complete systems) drawings, post tension or prestress designs, alternates
to the original submittal, component or system substitutions which substantially change
the scope of work or code application and precast concrete building components must be
submitted to the building official for approval.

M-3. May a land surveyor prepare and submit plot plans?

Yes. Land surveyors may prepare plot plans which provide topographical and related
measurement data. Plans which include design features for construction must be prepared
by a registered professional competent to perform the specific design.

M-4. Who can prepare or stamp site grading and drainage plans as part of a submittal
for a permit?

If acceptable by the authority having jurisdiction, such plans may be prepared or stamped
by architects, landscape architects, residential designers or civil engineers. Land
surveyors may prepare or stamp site grading and drainage plans as long as they are for
residential subdivisions containing four lots or less.

2020 BLUE BOOK 53

M-5. May an unregistered or unlicensed individual (interior designer, space planner,
kitchen equipment designer, etc.) prepare plans for a building permit?

No. Unregistered or unlicensed individuals are prohibited by law from engaging in

professional practice, unless a design professional assumes responsibility.

M-6. May a drafting firm prepare plans to be submitted for a building permit?

A drafting firm may only prepare plans to be submitted for a building permit if that firm is
working under the responsible control of a licensed or registered design professional, per
NRS 623 or 625.

M-7. When can an unregistered individual provide design services for the selection of
interior furnishings, fixtures and equipment?

A non-registrant can provide design services when the furnishings, fixtures and equipment
selected are not regulated by any building code or other law, ordinance rule or regulation
governing the alteration or construction of a structure.

M-8. When can an unregistered individual specify the selection of interior furnishing,
fixtures and equipment which may be regulated?

If the individual or firm has a certificate issued by the Nevada State Fire Marshal, they may
specify furnishing, fixtures and equipment (not including finishes or space planning) that
are regulated typically in a commercial setting.

M-9. May individuals calling themselves landscape architect interns or landscape

designers prepare and sell landscape and irrigation plans?

No. It is illegal to prepare and sell landscape documents if one is not registered or licensed
to practice landscape architecture, architecture or engineering in Nevada.

M-10. Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his or her
representative, to perform the services of an architect, registered interior designer,
engineer, landscape architect or contractor for work on that building without being
registered or licensed under NRS 623, 623A, 624 or 625?

No.

M-11. May a contractor prepare plans and then have the owner obtain the building permit
under the owner/builder exemption?

No. The contractor must apply for the permit, thereby attesting that he or she is properly
licensed and responsible for the plans and construction activity. Per NRS 623.035.1(d), a
contractor can only prepare plans for his or her own construction activities.

2020 BLUE BOOK 54

M-12. May a homeowner prepare plans under the NRS 623.035(1)(e) and 623A.070(1)(a)
exemptions for a duplex residential occupancy structure?

No. Homeowners may only prepare plans for a single-family dwelling that they themselves
plan to own and occupy for at least one year. A duplex clearly implies that at least one unit
will be a rental or sales property.

M-13. May a contractor or homeowner submit mail order plans or plans prepared by
others and comply with Nevada law?

No.

M-14. Other than the building, zoning and public works departments, do any other
agencies need to review plans before a building permit or approval to proceed can
be issued?

It varies on the type of project and the requirements of the jurisdiction where the project is
located. Check with the approving public authority. As an example, the State Fire
Marshal’s Division and State Health Department must review health care facilities. The
local health district may review plans for any food service facility or public swimming pool,
and may need to approve demolition permits due to dust pollution, asbestos abatement,
fuel tanks, etc. Fire protection elements and alarm systems may be reviewed separately
by the Fire Department. Sanitation, sewage and water supply are other factors that may
require review or separate permits.

M-15. Is a building permit for construction activities on state property required?

A building permit from the State Public Works Division is required. For specifics, contact
the State Public Works Division.

M-16. Do local building authorities have jurisdiction on state lands?

No. The State Public Works Division is the building authority.

M-17. Does the State Public Works Division inspect school construction?

No. The State Public Works Division only deals with those schools located on State of
Nevada owned property, however they may do plan review when requested by a school
district. Typically, the local school districts will permit thru the local authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ) unless they are large enough to have their own building department
(NRS 393.110).

M-18. Who reviews and inspects construction activities of privately-owned buildings and
facilities on state land?

The State Public Works Division is the building authority.

2020 BLUE BOOK 55

M-19. What is the definition of a “design-build” contract?

Design-build contract means a contract between an owner or public body and a design-
build team in which the design-build team agrees to design and construct a project. The
Legislature enacted laws to permit public bodies to contract with a design-build team or
specialty contractor for the design and construction of a public work or other project.

M-20. When is a design-build contract used for a public works project?

The use of the design-build approach for public works is regulated pursuant to NRS 338.
In general, design-build may be used only in situations where its use will render significant
cost or time savings, or if the project is highly specialized and technical in nature. In
addition, certain construction cost thresholds for differing types of work are set forth in the
statute. Due to the variety of the specific conditions contained in the law, it is advised that
the language be reviewed in its entirety prior to initiating any public project utilizing the
design-build method of delivery.

M-21. Does a business license or Nevada Secretary of State filing qualify an individual or
firm to provide services that fall under NRS 623, NRS 623A, NRS 624 or NRS 625?

No. It is recommended that the appropriate regulatory board be contacted to verify if the
individual or firm is properly registered/licensed and if they’ve been disciplined before
hiring them.

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-NOTES-

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