Do you need a permit to replace a water heater here?
Yes. Water heater replacement needs a permit across the valley, including a like-for-like swap. Which office issues it depends on whether you live in a city or in unincorporated Clark County.
Which office issues your permit
| If you live in | Permit comes from |
|---|---|
| City of Las Vegas (including most of Summerlin) | City of Las Vegas Building and Safety |
| Henderson | City of Henderson Building and Fire Safety |
| North Las Vegas | City of North Las Vegas Building Safety |
| Unincorporated areas (Spring Valley, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Whitney, Summerlin South and others) | Clark County Building and Fire Prevention |
Not sure which you are in? A "Las Vegas" mailing address does not mean you are in the City of Las Vegas. Look up your address on the Clark County assessor site; it shows the jurisdiction.
What the inspector looks at
- Seismic straps in the upper third and lower third of the tank, fastened to the framing.
- An expansion tank on the cold water line, sized for the heater, because most homes here are on a closed system.
- The temperature and pressure relief valve and its discharge pipe.
- Venting for gas units, and the gas connection.
Who pulls the permit
A licensed plumbing contractor normally pulls the permit as part of the job. Homeowners can often pull one themselves, but then they are responsible for the work meeting code. Ask any plumber you hire whether the permit is in the price.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Clark County?
Yes. Clark County requires a permit for water heater replacement, including tank to tankless changes.
What does a water heater inspection check?
Seismic strapping in the upper and lower third of the tank, a properly sized expansion tank, the relief valve and its discharge pipe, and venting and gas connections for gas units.
Sources: Clark County Building and Fire Prevention · City of Las Vegas: residential water heater installation requirements (PDF) · City of Henderson: plumbing information