ADU rules in Las Vegas, NV — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
The City of Las Vegas regulates accessory dwelling units (locally called Class I accessory structures, casitas, or guest houses) under Title 19 (Unified Development Code), with Chapter 19.04 covering permissible uses and Chapter 19.08 covering development standards. Class I accessory structures with full kitchens require a Special Use Permit and are limited to lots of at least 6,500 sq ft in the R-E, R-D, R-1, R-PD, R-CL, and R-MH zones; rental of the structure is prohibited unless the primary dwelling is owner-occupied.
Under Title 19 (most recently amended in 2024), Las Vegas treats a casita with cooking facilities as a Class I accessory structure subject to a Special Use Permit through the Planning Commission. The minimum lot size is 6,500 sq ft, and the unit must comply with the underlying zone's setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits (typically 15 to 35 feet depending on zone). The unit may not be rented or offered for occupancy unless the primary single-family dwelling is owner-occupied, and short-term rentals (under 31 days) are separately regulated under LVMC Title 6 and generally prohibited in detached units. Note that Nevada does not have a state ADU mandate equivalent to California's, so the city retains broad discretion. The city adopted the 2021 International Building and Fire Codes in September 2022, which govern construction standards, fire separation, egress, and habitability for any conversion to living space.
Operating a Class I accessory structure as a rental without owner-occupancy of the primary dwelling, or constructing one without a Special Use Permit, is a violation of Title 19 enforced by City of Las Vegas Code Enforcement with stop-work orders, citations under LVMC §1.08 (up to $1,000 per offense), and required after-the-fact permitting or removal. Short-term rental violations carry additional penalties under LVMC Title 6 (up to $1,000 per day).
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