Lyon County, NV Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Lyon County Code section 6.01.02(C) declares it unlawful for weeds, grasses, brush, leaves, thistles, debris, refuse, rubbish, glass or metal containers, trash, filth, garbage, offal, rags, cesspools, or scrapped materials such as bricks, cement, concrete, glass, plaster, wood or wire to accumulate on any yard, lot, parcel or premises when the accumulation is within view of a neighboring residence, public road, street, alley or thoroughfare. Because the provision applies to any lot or parcel regardless of whether it carries a structure, county code enforcement uses it as the primary tool against unmaintained vacant lots.

The office of the district attorney, a code enforcement officer, or any officer designated by the Board of County Commissioners determines whether a nuisance exists under 6.01.03 and may issue a criminal misdemeanor citation. Before abatement, the owner or occupant must receive notice under 6.01.05, delivered at the residence, mailed to the last known address, or posted on the property if no owner or occupant can be found; the notice under 6.01.06 must state the nature and location of the nuisance and the time allowed to abate it.

Section 6.01.07 gives the owner or occupant 30 days from that notice to clear the lot before the Board of County Commissioners can order removal itself under 6.01.08, with the cost recoverable as a special assessment lien on the parcel under 6.01.09, including through a forced sale by the county clerk/treasurer if unpaid. A civil action for costs remains available as an alternative remedy, and nothing bars concurrent criminal prosecution under 6.01.10.