Amnesty Programs for Building Code Violations

For owners of property who have made changes which required building permits and inspections but get them, amnesty programs exist which allow retroactive compliance. The cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas offer a year-round amnesty program if you self-report.

When an owner sells a home, it must report any unpermitted work on the Sellers Real Property Disclosure Statement. Failure to report the unpermitted work could result in the buyer bringing suit against the seller for a material non-disclosure which affects the value of the property. These suits carry treble damage penalties along with the ability of a buyer to recover all of their attorney’s fees. It is not a risk worth taking for a seller in the hope that the buyer will not find out about that patio cover or garage conversion the seller built without a permit. Even replacing water heaters or softeners require permits.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Code compliance preserves the integrity of the construction of your home and disclosure when you sell your home is required. Know when you need a permit if you’re making changes and be able to recognize work which requires a permit when you are buying a home.

Drizin Law is providing this information for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion as to any specific facts or circumstances. This information is based on general principles of Nevada law at the time it was created and you should be aware laws frequently change. Moreover, the laws affecting you may differ depending on the circumstances. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your own state or jurisdiction concerning your particular situation. Review of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.