Lyon County, NV Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Chapter 115 of title 15 lets the Board of County Commissioners approve density bonus and affordable/attainable housing agreements under authority granted by the Nevada Revised Statutes. Per § 15.115.02(C), a density bonus or affordable/attainable housing agreement may only be requested for development projects of ten or more dwelling units, before any bonus is applied, and any qualified applicant with a legal or equitable interest in the property may file. Section 15.115.02(D) defines the bonus as an increase in residential density above the base density allowed under the zoning, granted in exchange for affordable/attainable housing or development carried out under title 15 chapters 340 through 350, where the increase is tied to a public benefit such as floodplain development limits, public open space or an affordable housing project.

Fractional units are always rounded down when calculating base or bonus density under § 15.115.02(F). Applications go to the Community Development department on the county's form with the required fee, along with a draft agreement that must run with the land, be recorded with the County Recorder before any building or grading permit issues, and give the County or State a continuing right of first refusal on the designated units under § 15.115.03. Before approval, the Board must find the agreement consistent with the master plan, compliant with the Nevada Revised Statutes, consistent with title 15, and not detrimental to adjacent owners or the public under § 15.115.05.

Approved agreements are reviewed by the Board at least every twenty-four months for good-faith compliance under § 15.115.06, and any amendment follows the same procedure as a new application under § 15.115.07.