ADU Laws in Nevada (2026)
Nevada state ADU law details, key provisions, preemption status, and recent legislative changes for accessory dwelling units.
Law Name
Effective Date
2021-10-01
Preempts Local Ordinances
Yes — state law overrides local restrictions
Has State Law
Yes
Statewide Preemption Status Unconfirmed
No statewide preemption statute was confirmed for this jurisdiction — regulation is local. Local governments retain full authority to set their own rules.
Key Provisions
Nevada AB 383 requires Nevada cities with populations over 25,000 to allow ADUs by right in single-family residential zones · Source
ADUs must receive ministerial approval — no discretionary review, variance, or special use permit required · Source
Municipalities may not require owner-occupancy of either the primary or accessory dwelling as a condition of ADU approval · Source
Local regulations may set reasonable design and dimensional standards (setbacks, height, size) but cannot effectively prohibit ADUs · Source
Parking requirements for ADUs may not exceed one additional space per ADU · Source
ADU permitting must be processed within 45 days of complete application submittal · Source
Nevada's rapid population growth in Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan areas drove the housing reform legislation · Source
Legislative History
Official Sources
What Does Preemption Mean for Local Cities?
Because Nevada law preempts local ordinances, individual cities cannot impose restrictions stricter than the state standard. A city may still have additional administrative requirements, but cannot deny ADU applications that comply with state minimums.
Learn about Nevadazoning preemption →Source: Nevada AB 383 (2021) — Relating to Land Use. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source