Comprehensive Planning Department FAQ

General Planning (Zoning)

How do I find out if my property is located in unincorporated Clark County or in a city?  Why is that important?
Clark County and the various incorporated cities (Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Mesquite) have different rules for developing property, establishing a business license, etc.  Therefore, it is very important to determine which jurisdiction your property is located in.  To get information:

  • Visit OpenWeb Info Mapper
  • Stop at the Current Planning Division located in the Clark County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Call Current Planning at (702) 455-4314
How is my property zoned? What is the zoning used for?

OpenWeb Info Mapper has a "zoning view" for Clark County.  Locate the property by address, cross streets or parcel number and select view type selector, or simply click on the parcel.  Property zoning determines what a property can be used for and the applicable development standards such as setbacks, height restrictions, etc.  Current Planning staff can discuss the zoning rules and specific requirements for developing a parcel.

Why does my business license application have to be signed off by Current Planning?

Current Planning verifies that the proposed business use is appropriate for the zoning of your property.

How can I find out the rules for developing or making use of my property?
Zoning regulations for property development in unincorporated Clark County is governed by the Unified Development Code, Title 30.  There are also Building Division codes, Air Quality standards, Health District standards, Public Works regulations, and Fire Department codes you may need to comply with.  Please note that other departments and agencies may also need to be contacted for development of a property.

You can also speak with a Planner to ask specific questions about your project:

  • Stop at the Current Planning Division located in the Clark County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Call Current Planning at (702) 455-4314 - use Option 2, then Option 1
I want to build a (pool, garage, patio cover, carport, shed) on my property. Do I need zoning approval?  Why?
Demonstrating compliance with the Unified Development Code, Title 30 is one of many required steps for all building permits.  Even when a building permit is not required, all structures must meet Title 30 requirements.

To determine if a building permit is required, please contact the Building Division of Development Services at (702) 455-8983.  There are also Building Division codes, Air Quality standards, Health District standards, Public Works regulations, and Fire Department codes you may need to comply with.  Please note that other departments and agencies may also need to be contacted for development of a property.
My neighbor built a carport next to my fence without a building permit. Who do I report this to?
The Public Response Office, a division of Clark County Administrative Services, is responsible for code enforcement.  You can:

What is a Land Use Plan?  What is it used for?

A Land Use Plan is an overall development guide for specific areas of Clark County.  It provides the appropriate mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses in a logically transitioned pattern.  It is used to decide if proposed development is in conformance with the plan.  Land use applications which are non-conforming to a Land Use Plan require additional notification of neighbors, public hearings and fees.

What is a Town Board, and why do I have to submit my application to them?

The Clark County Commission appoints local town advisory boards or citizens' advisory councils for most unincorporated towns or rural communities in Clark County.  The Commissioners rely on these local entities for recommendations on all zoning requests to make sure the local viewpoint is considered.

What is the difference between the Clark County Commission and the Planning Commission?

The Clark County Commission is comprised of elected officials who are responsible for all County government including land development in unincorporated areas.  The County Commissioners, who are elected from seven electoral districts, each appoint a Planning Commissioner to the Planning Commission (PC).  The PC is empowered by the County Commission to make final development decisions on many land use applications and make recommendations on nonconforming zone change requests.  The County Commission is the final authority on all zoning issues, including appealed decisions from the PC.

Can I appeal a decision made by the Planning Commission?

Any decision made by the Planning Commission (PC) can be appealed to the Clark County Commission.  Appeals must be filed with the Comprehensive Planning Department using the Appeal Form within five business days from the PC meeting (instructions are included on the form), and may be faxed or delivered.  Appeals are scheduled to be heard by the County Commission one month later.  Comprehensive Planning is located at the Clark County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada.

When do I need a building permit?

To determine if a building permit is required, please contact the Building Division of Development Services at (702) 455-8983.  There are also Building Division codes, Air Quality standards, Health District standards, Public Works regulations, and Fire Department codes you may need to comply with.  Please note that other departments and agencies may also need to be contacted for development of a property.

How do I find out the location of water, gas, power, TV and sewer lines in relation to my property?

You can find this information by contacting the utility company who has jurisdiction over the area in which the property is located.

How do I find out the right-of-way width for a particular street?
A good place to start looking for this information is the Assessor's Office.  You can use Assessor's maps to determine street widths.  A good rule of thumb:

  • Section line streets are 100 feet wide
  • Township/Range line streets are 120 feet wide
  • Center section line (quarter dividers) are 80 feet wide
  • All others are approximately 60 feet wide

Another place to look is the the Clark County Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element.
What are the appropriate standards and specifications for off-site improvements within unincorporated Clark County?
According to Unified Development Code, Chapter 30.52.050, the following manuals are to be used when constructing off-site improvements:

  • "Uniform Standard Drawings for Public Works Construction, Clark County Area, Nevada" obtained from the Regional Transportation Commission
  • "Uniform Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction Off-Site Improvements, Clark County Area, Nevada" obtained from the Regional Transportation Commission
  • "Clark County Supplement to Uniform Standard Drawings and Specifications" obtained from Public Works
  • "Minimum Road Design Standards for Non-Urban Roadways" obtained from Public Works
  • "Uniform Regulations for the Control of Drainage" obtained from the Regional Flood Control District
  • Any modifications, appendices, supplements referred to in Title 30 of Clark County Code, Chapter 30.32.080 
Is my property in a flood zone?
You can:

How can I obtain a copy of the staff report for my application?
Staff reports are posted on Clark County’s online Agenda  at least three days prior to the meeting. Select the meeting agenda, the item you are looking for and click on the write-up attached to the item.  A copy of the staff report is mailed to the correspondent on file, approximately one week prior to the Commission meeting.  Draft staff reports can be found at Town and Liaison Services  by selecting either Urban or Rural Towns and then the appropriate town or advisory board agenda.
How can I reach individual Comprehensive Planning staff members by telephone?

To reach Comprehensive Planning staff members please click here and review the personal contact information for staff email and phone numbers.  To reach the department directly the main phone number is 702-455-4314. An automated service will prompt you, press 2 and then press 9 for a department operator.

What is the planned land use designation for my property?
You can:

How can I obtain written confirmation of the zoning of my property?
Use the Zoning Confirmation Letter Request Form to request a Zoning Letter and pay the fee outlined on the form.  You can:

  • E-mail the completed form to zoning@clarkcountynv.gov
  • Mail these to Clark County Comprehensive Planning, P.O. Box 551744, Las Vegas, NV 89155-1744.  If using an overnight delivery service, please use the street address of 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, First Floor, Comprehensive Planning Department, Las Vegas, NV 89106
  • Drop these off at the Clark County Comprehensive Planning Department located in the County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada

Major Projects

How do I know if my project is a "major project?"

 If you are located within a master planned community, such as Coyote Springs, Hidden Valley, Pinnacle Peaks, Mountains Edge, Southern Highlands, Rhodes Ranch, Southwest Ranch, Summerlin, Quarry (Sunrise Highlands), Riverview or Logandale (Town Square), then you are a major project. To find out if you qualify as a new major project, visit Major Projects Qualifications and Purpose.

How do I find information on current major projects?
How do I find development code requirements for major projects?
How do I find Major Projects Application Forms, Civil Engineering Submittal and Procedure Guides, checklists, and Civil Engineering/Mapping related information?
How do I submit a Major Projects Building Permit Application?
Submit building permit application packages at the Plans Submittal Counter at Clark County Development Services Building Division, 4701 W. Russell Road.  Building permit applications are not accepted at the Government Center.

Drainage and traffic technical studies and offsite improvement plans are submitted at the Development Services Civil Engineering Plans Counter at the Clark County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada.
How do I submit Major Projects Land Use Applications?

Schedule an appointment with a Major Projects Planner by calling (702) 455-4314.

How do I contact Major Projects staff?

Trails Program

Where is the money coming from to build trails?

There are several funding sources including the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA), state grants, approved general funds and other grant programs.

What kind of trails are being built?

Off-street trails: along natural washes, flood control facilities, highways, beltways, utility corridors, and equestrian trails primarily in Rural Neighborhood Preservation areas. On-street facilities: typically including a sidewalk (back of curb or detached) and a bicycle lane or bicycle route located on the street.

Who can use these trails?

The multi-use non-equestrian trails will accommodate walkers, cyclists, joggers, runners, wheelchairs, strollers, skateboards and in-line skates.

Will the trails be paved?

Generally, multi-use trails in the urban area will be paved with asphalt or concrete and equestrian trails will be suitable native soils or acceptable aggregates.

Can off-highway vehicles use the trails in the urban area?

No, these trails are non-motorized. The rural communities within Clark County allow greater opportunities for development of OHV friendly facilities.

Are there trails I can use now?

In addition to trails in the County Wetlands Park, there are a few trail segments along I-215, US-95 and near the Las Vegas wash and the County water reclamation facility. Several additional trails are currently under design and construction and other trails exist in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson.