Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $500–$1,500 Total includes building base fee plus required electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits.
Fee Method Project-based
Apply Online Apply at City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety →

What's Required in Las Vegas

  • Building permit required for any structural changes, wall removal, or layout reconfigurations
  • Electrical permit required for new appliance circuits, lighting, and GFCI outlets
  • Plumbing permit required for moving sinks, gas lines, or dishwashers
  • Mechanical permit required for range hood exhaust systems
  • Plans must show existing vs. proposed floor layouts and utility locations
  • Interior cosmetic work like paint and tile is exempt; cabinet swaps without utility moves may be exempt

Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Kitchen in Las Vegas?

It depends on what you're changing, not on the word “remodel.” Las Vegas lists kitchen remodels as permit-required work, and in practice the permit attaches to the plumbing, electrical, and structural scope — not to cosmetic swaps. Permit fees typically run $500–$1,500 (project-based), issued by the City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety. A remodel that moves the sink, adds circuits, relocates the range, or opens a wall is firmly in permit territory — and often means separate trade permits rather than one ticket.

Kitchen Work That Usually Doesn't Need a Permit

The cosmetic layer is generally yours to change freely: swapping cabinets in the same footprint, new countertops, flooring, backsplash, paint, and replacing appliances that use existing hookups. The moment the project touches what's behind the finishes — supply lines, drains, gas, new circuits, walls, or venting — it stops being cosmetic in the city's eyes. If your remodel straddles the line, describe the full scope to the City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety up front; retrofitting a permit onto half-finished work is the expensive path.

How to Get a Kitchen Remodel Permit in Las Vegas

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Step 1: Plan Drafting

Create a floor plan showing the location of all fixtures and walls.

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Step 2: Dashboard Submission

Submit a 'Residential Remodel' permit application online.

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Step 3: Trade Permits

Registered trade contractors must pull separate electrical and plumbing permits online.

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Step 4: Rough-In Inspections

Schedule electrical and plumbing inspections before closing the walls.

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Step 5: Final Review

Schedule final trade and building inspections for permit sign-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if moving plumbing, electrical, or walls. Cosmetic-only changes are exempt.
Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 total including building and trade permits.
Yes, as an owner-builder for your primary home, but utility work must meet code.
Not usually — like-for-like cabinet and countertop replacement without moving plumbing or wiring is cosmetic work. Add or move fixtures and the permit requirement kicks in.