ADU Rules in Las Vegas, NV (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Las Vegas, NV. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Las Vegas, NV.
Las Vegas, NV permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Building & Safety Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Las Vegas.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Las Vegas: Detached ADU: up to Not to exceed total gross floor area of primary dwelling unit (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: Not to exceed total gross floor area of primary dwelling unit. Las Vegas Municipal Code Title 19. Detached ADUs limited to 1,200 sqft or 50% of primary dwelling gross floor area, whichever is less. Nevada AB 383 requires that ADU size limits not effectively prohibit ADU development. Las Vegas does not use the JADU concept from California law.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | Not to exceed total gross floor area of primary dwelling unit · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | Not to exceed total gross floor area of primary dwelling unit · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Las Vegas: Plan check fee: $200–$800. Building permit fee: $500–$2,500 based on valuation. Impact fees: $1,500–$5,000 (Clark County Water Reclamation District, traffic impact). School fees: $1,000–$2,500 (Clark County School District development fee applies). Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$800 |
| Building Permit | $500–$2,500 based on valuation |
| Impact Fees | $1,500–$5,000 (Clark County Water Reclamation District, traffic impact) |
| School Fees | $1,000–$2,500 (Clark County School District development fee applies) |
| Total Estimate | None |
Permit Timeline
Las Vegas ADU Permit Timeline: No specific processing deadline in UDO. Special Use Permit processed by Planning Commission per §19.16.110. Pre-application conference required before submittal. Apply through the Las Vegas Building & Safety Division online permit portal. Phone: (702) 229-6251.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Las Vegas: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: One additional parking space must be provided beyond the number of spaces normally required.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must be on same lot as primary single-family residence
- Maximum one ADU per single-family lot (R-E, R-D, R-1, R-2 zones)
- ADU must have separate entrance from primary dwelling
- ADU cannot be subdivided and sold separately from the primary lot
- Swimming pools and other recreational structures must comply with separate setback standards
- Alley-loaded lots may allow detached garage conversion to ADU with reduced setbacks
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Las Vegas: Single-family lots: 1. Multifamily properties: 1 per 4 existing units in R-3/R-4/R-5 zones. Nevada AB 383 targets single-family zones. Las Vegas allows 1 detached ADU per single-family lot. Multifamily allowances follow Las Vegas Municipal Code Title 19 density provisions.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1
- Multifamily Properties
- 1 per 4 existing units in R-3/R-4/R-5 zones
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Nevada.
View Nevada preemption detailsHistoric District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Las Vegas has 3 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Las Vegas has limited historic preservation compared to older cities. Historic districts include Huntridge neighborhood (1940s bungalows), the Las Vegas Boulevard South historic neon sign district, and the McNeil neighborhood. Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission reviews alterations to designated properties. The Neon Museum preserves historic Las Vegas signage. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/Departments-Offices/Planning/Historic-Preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Las Vegas?
Yes. Las Vegas, NV allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1.
How big can an ADU be in Las Vegas?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Las Vegas is Not to exceed total gross floor area of primary dwelling unit square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Las Vegas?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Las Vegas is No specific processing deadline in UDO. Special Use Permit processed by Planning Commission per §19.16.110. Pre-application conference required before submittal..
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas parking rules for ADUs: One additional parking space must be provided beyond the number of spaces normally required.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Las Vegas?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Las Vegas: Unless the principal dwelling is owner-occupied, a Residential, Accessory Dwelling Unit may not be offered or occupied as a rental unit.
Source: Las Vegas Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning); Nevada AB 383 (2021) — NRS Chapter 278C. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source