Reference - Forms Explained

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Use the glossary/index below to find definitions of forms used in the City of Henderson permit process. 

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Acknowledgement of Owners Responsibility (Form) 
Legal document that contains information regarding compliance with current pool safety codes.  It must be signed by the property owner.

By signing below, I certify that: 

  • I am the owner of the property indicated above and I am building a pool on this property.
  • All information provided on this document is accurate and complete. 
  • I shall upgrade the existing walls, gates, and doors to comply with the accessibility and safety requirements of the amended Section 305 of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; or I shall construct new walls, gates, and doors to comply with the accessibility and safety requirements of the amended Section 305 of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. 
  • I understand that separate permits may be required to upgrade or construct the above items and that this letter constitutes an understanding that it is my responsibility and not the responsibility of the contractor who is building the pool to obtain these permits. 
  • I further understand that the completion of these accessibility and safety requirements will be required prior to pre plastering inspection of the pool and failure to do so shall result in delays in construction, the inability to final the pool permit and may result in additional fines and fees.

Architectural Documents (Document) 
Any medium that refers to or depicts architectural works, structures, parts of structures, or designs, whether built or unbuilt. Included are textual documents such as specifications and letters; graphic documents such as drawings, prints, and photographs; models; and any other visual media that concern any portion of the built or unbuilt environment. Subjects may include not only architectural works, but also related subjects such as furniture, engineering designs, naval architecture, textiles, architectural ornaments, paper architecture, studies, landscape designs, and stage designs.

Architectural Drawing (Document)
A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the building.  A drawing which shows the plan view and/or elevations of the finished building for the purpose of showing the general appearance of the building, indicating all accessory locations.

As-Built Drawing (Document)
A drawing or print marked by the Contractor to show actual conditions of a project as constructed after construction. 

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B

Blue Print(s) (Document)
A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings.  Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction.

Building Construction Code (Document)
A series of ordinances enacted by a state or local governmental entity, establishing minimum requirements that must be met in the construction and maintenance of buildings. Building codes are Community ordinances governing the way in which a building may be constructed or modified.

Building Code (Document)
The legal requirements set up by the prevailing various governing agencies covering the minimum acceptable requirements for all types of construction.

Building Permit Application (Form)
A legal document that contains information regarding the application for a permit to perform specific construction, installation, or changes to equipment, mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical components or the demolition of structures on site. 

If you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure or a portion within the structure, you may be required to obtain permits.  Depending on the extent of your work, you may be required to obtain one or more of the following permits, or others:

  • building
  • electrical
  • mechanical (heating/air conditioning)
  • plumbing (gas, water, or sewer)
  • remodel

Specific requirements and applicable codes vary by type of work to be performed.

Building Permit (Document)
A written document issued by the appropriate governmental authority permitting construction to begin on a specific project in accordance with drawings and specifications approved by the governmental authority.  Building permits are a type of authorization that must be granted by a government or other regulatory body before the construction of a new or existing building can legally occur.

Building Plans (Document)
A complete set of plans that details all the work to be performed as listed on the building permit application.  Plans must be “wet-sealed” or stamped by the licensed professional that prepared the drawings.  If the plans are drawn by the homeowner each page must be signed by the homeowner.

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C

Certificate of Occupancy (Document)
A certificate of occupancy, also known as the use-and-occupancy certificate, is a legal document issued by a local zoning or building agency certifying that a real estate property complies with applicable building codes and is thereby suitable for occupancy.

Clark County Desert Conservation Program Land Disturbance Mitigation Fee (Form)
A legal form that must be completed and submitted with a grading or stockpile permit application.   The form and fees are passed through from the City of Henderson to Clark County. 

Codes or Building Codes (Document)
Prevailing regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements set forth by governmental agencies associated with building construction practices and owner occupancy, adopted, and administered for the protection of public health, life safety and welfare.

Construction Documents – also known as plans or blueprints (Document)
All drawings, specifications and addenda associated with a specific construction project.  A term used to represent all drawings, specifications, addenda, other pertinent construction information associated with the construction of a specific project.

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D

Deed (Document)
Also known as a property deed is a legal document that transfers the ownership of real estate from a seller to a buyer. For a deed to be legal it must state the name of the buyer and the seller, describe the property that is being transferred, and include the signature of the party that is transferring the property.

Drawings also known as construction documents, plans or blueprints (Document)
1. A term used to represent that portion of the contract documents that graphically illustrates the design, location and dimensions of the components and elements contained in a specific project
2. A line drawing.

Drainage Compliance Report (Form)
A Drainage Compliance Report must be completed by the developer, contractor/permit holder (or Owner/Builder) and submitted to and approved by the Building Inspection Department prior to scheduling the final building inspection.

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E

Electrical Load Calculations (Form) 
The electrical load is the calculation of how much power is required to run everything that consumes electricity in your home. When making significant electrical additions to a home, everything that will use electricity to run is calculated to find the electrical load.

Energy Code Worksheet (Form)
This is a form to be completed by the building permit applicant for a single-family residential home.  This is done through ResCheck© and it is an energy assessment report worksheet of the structure.

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F

Final Energy Report (Document)
This is done through ResCheck© and it is an energy assessment print out of the report of the structure.

Final Grading Report (Document)
This is the report that shows the grading has been done to the soils report standards and comes from the soils report engineer.

Finish Floor Elevation Certificate (Document)
This document is to be completed by a Nevada-registered Land Surveyor or Civil Engineer after the slab is poured and before any additional inspections.  Full elevation required (i.e., 2045.8 not 45.8).  Note: The City of Henderson (COH) Bench Mark and Datum shown on the approved plans should be used for the actual elevation.

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G

Grading Permit Application (Form)
A legal document for an application to obtain a grading permit to grade a site in preparation for construction.  A grading permit is required if the total “cut and fill” quantity (cut and fill added together) exceeds 100 cubic yards or if the site exceeds 1.0 acres.

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H

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I

IBC – International Building Codes
This code applies to all buildings except detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories.

IECC – International Energy Conservation Code (Document)
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a model code that regulates minimum energy conservation requirements for new buildings. REScheck is a program that makes it easy for builders, designers, and contractors to determine whether new homes, additions, and alterations meet the requirements of the IECC the Nevada state energy codes. REScheck works by performing a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of a building.

IFC – International Fire Code
The IFC contains regulations to safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards. Topics include general precautions, emergency planning and preparedness, fire department access and water supplies, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, special hazards, and the storage and use of hazardous materials. 

IMC – International Mechanical Code
Establishes minimum regulations for mechanical systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. The IMC was developed with broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials, methods, and design.

IPC – International Plumbing Code
The 2021 IPC® provides minimum regulations for plumbing facilities and provides for the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials, and systems. 

IRC – International Residential Codes
This comprehensive code comprises all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories.

ISPSC – International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
The only comprehensive swimming pool code coordinated with the current requirements in the I-Codes and APSP standards. Developed with the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), to establish minimum regulations for public and residential pools, spas, and hot tubs using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. The ISPSC integrates seamlessly with the family of I-Codes and contains requirements that meet or exceed the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. The ISPSC also contains APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance. 

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J

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K

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L

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M

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N

NEC (National Electrical Code)
A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes—which are backed by law—may differ from the NEC in some ways.

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O

Owner-Builder (O/B)
A term used to describe an Owner who takes on the responsibilities of the general contractor to build a specific project on their primary Nevada residence.

Owner Builder Affidavit of Exemption (Form)
A legal document from the Nevada State Contractors Board that is required per NRS 624.031 for an owner of a property who is building or improving a residential structure on the property for his own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease. 

Owner/Builder Sub-Contractor Voucher (Form)
A legal document that the Owner/Builder completes and signs to state which of the following disciplines of work included in the Subcontractor Voucher they will perform; Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Temporary Power or Other.

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P

Permit (Document)
A governmental municipal authorization to perform a building process as in:
Zoning/Use permit - Authorization to use a property for a specific use e.g., a garage, a single-family residence etc.

  • Demolition permit - Authorization to tear down and remove an existing structure.
  • Grading permit - Authorization to change the contour of the land.
  • Building permit - Authorization to build or modify a structure.
  • Electrical permit - A separate permit required for most electrical work.
  • Mechanical permit – A separate permit required for changes to the HVAC system or duct work.
  • Plumbing permit - A separate permit required for new plumbing and larger modifications of existing plumbing systems.

Plans also known as construction documents, drawings, or blueprints (Document)
A construction plan shows what you intend to build and what it will look like when you complete it. There are a variety of names for construction plans: blueprints, drawings, working drawings, and house plans.

Plot Plan also known as a site plan (Document)
An overhead view plan that shows the location of the home on the lot. Includes all easements, property lines, setbacks, and legal descriptions of the home. 

Property Line Authorization (Form)
A document signed by the owners of adjoining properties granting permission to construct a wall or fence straddling the joint property line. 

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Q

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R

ResCheck© (Document)
Is a software program that is a tool made available through the U.S. Department of Energy, which also supervises the Energy Star® rating program for homes.  REScheck works by performing a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of a building. The UA that would result from a building conforming to the code requirements is compared against the UA for your building.

  • Residential
    • Envelope
      • Document generated through REScheck Software
      • Provides Energy Code used for calculations (i.e., 2018 IECC)
      • Includes Envelope Assemblies List 
      • Includes an Envelope Compliance Statement

Residential Electrical Load Calculation Worksheet (Form)
This is usually done by the electrician but can be done by the homeowner. If needed a plans examiner can explain how to fill this form.

Residential Patio Cover and Deck Application and Site Plan (Form)
A single page document that combines the application and the site plan.  It also contains a reference to preapproved engineering.  A signature is not required on this form since all applications are now submitted electronically through the DSC Online portal.  A separate site plan may be used in lieu of the generic site plan on the for.

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S

Scope of Work (Document)
A written document that details the work to be performed after a loss to a building due to damage caused by fire, water (flood), or impact (vehicle or tree).

Site Plan also known as a plot plan (Document or Form)
A site plan is a legal document that contains information showing existing and proposed buildings, access, landscaping, and setbacks between structures and property lines.

Soils Report (Document)
Also known as a geotechnical soils report is the summary of a geotechnical investigation - an analysis of soil conditions at the site of a proposed building.  Depending on site conditions, a soils report may identify expansive soils, high water tables, shifts in subsurface rock structures, as well as the soil’s response to earthquakes.

Stamp by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) (Document)
All plans that will increase the footprint of a residence must be stamped with the approval by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) prior to submittal of plans for a building permit if there is a septic system located on the property (active or inactive).

Structural Calculations (Document)
They are the math behind your building’s ability to stay upright. Engineers use them to determine the loads that a building must withstand and the properties of members that comprise its structure.

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T

Truss Calculations (Document)
In the simplest of terms, this is the amount of force (temporary or transient) acting on a building. In this example, it is the wind.  A Truss is a triangulated system of members that are structured and connected in a way such that they only incur axial force.

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U

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V

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W

Wet Stamped (Document)
A dated stamp & initials included on every page of drawings or plans prepared by a professional or manually signed and dated by an owner/builder.  A wet signature is any signature affixed to a hard copy with a pen or other writing device. While electronic signatures have become more common and accepted, some governments and private businesses still require parties to physically imprint their mark on a signed document, and some signers prefer it too.

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X

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Y

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Z

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