Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Mandates Local Zoning Districts for Tiny Houses

Light RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: NRS 278.253
Enacted by: Senate Bill 150 (2021)
Large county/city: Must zone all three uses
Definition: IRC Appendix Q (max 400 sq ft)
Non-foundation unit: Certificate tied to parcel

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Nevada law forces larger counties and cities to zone for tiny houses. NRS 278.253 requires every county over 100,000 and city over 150,000 to designate zoning districts allowing tiny houses as accessory dwelling units, single-family homes, and in tiny house parks.

1. A governing body of a county whose population is 100,000 or more or a governing body of a city whose population is 150,000 or more shall adopt an ordinance for the zoning of tiny houses that: (a) Designates at least one zoning district in which a tiny house may be located and classified as an accessory dwelling unit; (b) Designates at least one zoning district in which a tiny house may be located and classified as a single-family residential unit; and (c) Designates at least one zoning district in which a tiny house may be located in a tiny house park.

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Full Breakdown

Enacted by Senate Bill 150 in 2021, NRS 278.253 makes tiny houses legal statewide by directing local governments. A county of 100,000-plus or city of 150,000-plus must designate zoning districts for all three uses: accessory dwelling unit, single-family unit, and tiny house park. Smaller jurisdictions must allow at least one of those. Subsection 6 pins the definition of "tiny house" to the International Residential Code (Appendix Q, a maximum of 400 square feet). A tiny house not built on a permanent foundation gets a certificate of occupancy tied to its specific parcel; move it, and the owner must obtain a new certificate.

Violations & Penalties

A tiny house lacking a valid certificate of occupancy for its parcel is unpermitted; moving a non-foundation tiny house voids that certificate, and the owner must obtain a new one before occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tiny houses legal statewide in Nevada?

Yes. NRS 278.253 requires counties and cities to designate zoning districts where a tiny house may be placed as an accessory dwelling unit, a single-family residence, or within a tiny house park.

How does Nevada define a tiny house?

NRS 278.253(6) requires local ordinances to define "tiny house" per the International Residential Code adopted by the International Code Council, whose Appendix Q caps floor area at 400 square feet.

Can I move a tiny house to a new parcel?

A tiny house not on a permanent foundation has a certificate of occupancy tied to its parcel. If it is moved, the owner must obtain a new certificate of occupancy before occupying it.

Sources

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