Clark County, NV Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Clark County, NV, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Governing standard
- Regional Flood Control District's Uniform Regulations
- County citation
- UDC Sec. 30.01.09(D)(6)
- Program administrator
- Director of Public Works
- FEMA program
- Community Rating System (CRS)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Clark County only
Summary
Development within a floodplain in unincorporated Clark County must follow the Regional Flood Control District's Uniform Regulations for the Control of Drainage, and the county Public Works Director sets local floodplain management standards and runs the FEMA Community Rating System.
When within a floodplain, refer to the Regional Flood Control District's Uniform Regulations for the Control of Drainage.
E. Legal Nonconforming Lots
1. Single-Family Dwellings on Nonconforming Lots
In any district in which single-family dwellings are permissible, a single-family dwelling and customary accessory buildings may be erected on a legally established lot, even if such lot does not conform with lot requirements of this Title, if otherwise in conformance with the specified zoning district setbacks.
2. Right-of-Way Dedication
i. Anexistinglegallotreducedbyaright-of-waydedicationrequirementshallbeconsideredlegalnonconforming.
ii. An existing legal nonconforming lot reduced by right-of-way dedication requirements shall maintain its legal nonconforming status.
3. Establishment of Nonconforming Lots
i. Standalone Lots Nonconforming lots include any substandard lot legally established prior to May 5, 1970; or any substandard lot subject to a contract of sale in full force and effect prior to June 20, 1962.
ii. Subdivision Lots Lots created without a subdivision map prior to July 1, 1973, or created by a court order, shall be considered legally created. A contract for the sale of land after June 20, 1962, or a legal description
Full Breakdown
Clark County's Unified Development Code doesn't carry its own flood-zone building standards; instead it defers to the Regional Flood Control District's Uniform Regulations for the Control of Drainage, incorporated by reference at UDC Sec. 30.01.09(D)(6) for any nonconforming lot or structure within a floodplain. The county's own Director of Public Works separately sets floodplain management standards and administers the FEMA Community Rating System under Sec. 30.06.10(D)(3), and parcel map applicants must show a lot sits outside the 100-year floodplain before an administrative exception is granted. Violations of the UDC are misdemeanors under NRS 193.150. This applies only in unincorporated areas, including the Strip in Paradise and Winchester -- Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas run separate floodplain rules.
Violations & Fines
Building or using property in violation of Title 30's floodplain-related standards is a misdemeanor under NRS 193.150, and each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense; the county can also deny permits or revoke approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clark County have its own floodplain zoning district?
Do these rules apply to the Las Vegas Strip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Nevada environmental rules overview
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