North Las Vegas website offers Q-and-A section for building

Check with the North Las Vegas building division before going through with any home improvement projects this summer.

It could save you thousands of dollars.

Building permits are required for residential and commercial improvement, maintenance or new construction projects.

These common projects include decks or patio covers, garages, block walls, pools or spas, water heaters, enclosing walls to a porch or carport or converting areas to livable space.

City officials warn that building projects that do not comply with city code could bring down already-low home values or affect a homeowner's insurance policy, which also could affect whether the property can be sold.

The list of home improvement projects on the city's website links visitors to specific information about what types of permits are needed for certain projects. For instance, a plumbing permit is required for the installation of a new water heater. Building permits are required for all pool construction. Spas and Jacuzzis of certain sizes can be installed without a building permit; however, the electrical systems for the spa or Jacuzzi might require an electrical permit.

It's those details that Councilwoman Anita Wood wanted to get out to residents.

Wood has been instrumental in getting permit information posted to the city's website. In an effort to save money, some city services were shut down over the holidays from Christmas to New Year's. It was during this time, Wood said, that some of her constituents had questions about home improvement projects but couldn't find any information.

"In these economic times, people have a tendency to do more home improvement projects themselves," Wood said. "My husband has been laid off for a year, and he's doing more projects at home."

The worst part is telling people they have to chop off part of their fence or tear down a front wall, she added.

"Waiting until after (they're done) is a little bit late," Wood said. "It creates tremendous problems. It's so much easier giving information up front to people. We added an area where people can go get a basic, plain English explanation of what the rules are for things we typically do at home."

Those who don't follow the rules can find themselves tearing up concrete only to pour again in a different area. It's expensive and time-consuming, she added.

The city's website now offers an easy-to-navigate question-and-answer section regarding permits and home improvement projects. For instance, a permit isn't needed to build a shed that is unattached and less than 120 square feet in roof area.

To find out if a home or business site improvement project requires a permit, call 633-1550 or 633-1536 or visit the division offices at 2240 Civic Center Drive. For more information about the permit process, visit tinyurl.com/3ulbm8v .

Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@viewnews.com or 383-0492.