Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Boulder City?

No. Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and VRBO) are explicitly prohibited in Boulder City, Nevada. On March 26, 2024, the City Council approved an ordinance that clarifies the prohibition and establishes fines. STRs are defined as any permanent residential dwelling unit—or any portion of such a unit—rented for occupancy for less than 30 consecutive calendar days (in February, fewer than 28 consecutive days). Homeowners operating an STR in Boulder City face fines up to $500 per day.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Given Boulder City’s prohibition, there is no legal pathway to operate a short-term rental within city limits. For investors and operators considering the broader Nevada market:

• Focus on compliant jurisdictions within Nevada (and adjacent counties/cities) that allow STRs.
• Confirm local ordinances before acquiring or leasing property; Boulder City is not STR-compliant.
• If you own property in Boulder City, consider long-term rentals (30+ days) or explore alternative uses that do not violate city code.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Because STRs are prohibited in Boulder City, there are no city-issued permits, licenses, or registration processes for STRs. Any claim of city STR registration in Boulder City is inaccurate.

Guidance for operating STRs in other Nevada jurisdictions (for comparison):

• Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) and room tax: Nevada counties levy a transient lodging tax on STR stays. For example, Clark County’s combined rate for lodging and other taxes (as administered by the Nevada Department of Taxation) is commonly cited around 13%. Hosts typically must collect and remit this tax through county/state processes.
• State and local business licensing: Depending on county rules and your business structure, you may need a state business license and county/local business licenses or registrations.
• Insurance: Maintain appropriate liability and property coverage for lodging operations (coverage specifics vary by market).
• Safety and occupancy: Comply with all applicable state and local fire, building, health, and occupancy standards.

None of the above applies to operating in Boulder City, where STRs are prohibited.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

• City of Boulder City (Municipal Code, Title 11):

  • STRs are prohibited in residential zoning districts. The definition covers renting any dwelling unit or portion thereof for less than 30 consecutive days (28 in February).
  • STRs are included as a prohibited use in residential areas alongside other nonresidential activities (e.g., auto repair, “adult” businesses).
  • Enforcement and public nuisance: Violations of Title 11 are treated as civil public nuisances; each day of prohibited use constitutes a separate offense. Nevada law limits abatement to abandoned or chronic nuisances, so the city cannot use standard abatement for all STR cases.
  • Penalties: Up to $500 per day for homeowners running an STR. The city council is responsible for enacting the fine structure via resolution (as of the latest public materials, a fine schedule was pending adoption).

• Clark County and State of Nevada:

  • Transient lodging taxes (e.g., Clark County) apply to short-term lodging statewide through the Nevada Department of Taxation’s Room Tax Program. Hosts should register, collect, and remit applicable taxes through county channels. Rates and administrative processes vary by county.
  • State business licensing and local approvals may be required depending on your county/city.

Investor note: Because Boulder City prohibits STRs, county/state tax and licensing requirements are moot within city limits.

Enforcement, Complaints, and Reporting

• Fines: Up to $500 per day for operating an STR in Boulder City.
• Complaint reporting: Use the city’s See Click Fix portal to report suspected STR violations.
• Enforcement basis: STR violations are treated as civil public nuisances; enforcement proceeds under city code provisions.

Contact Information (Local Authority for STRs)

Boulder City Community Development Department

• Physical and Mailing Address: 401 California Avenue, Boulder City, NV 89005
• Phone: 702-293-9282
• Fax: 702-293-9392
• Email: commdev@bcnv.org
• See Click Fix (violation reporting): www.bcnv.org/concerns

Additional helpful links:

• Municipal Code (Municode): library.municode.com/nv/boulder_city/codes/code_of_ordinances
• City of Boulder City STR policy page: www.bcnv.org/1076/Short-Term-Rentals-Prohibited

Source Links

• Boulder City STR prohibition and fines: www.bcnv.org/1076/Short-Term-Rentals-Prohibited
• Background coverage on defining/prohibiting STRs (Boulder City Review): bouldercityreview.com/news/city-moves-to-define-prohibit-short-term-rentals-78045/
• Nevada Division of Taxation: Transient Lodging Tax (Room Tax) Program: tax.nv.gov

Investor bottom line: Boulder City is not a viable market for STRs. Any attempt to list or operate an STR in the city risks immediate enforcement and daily fines. If you are evaluating Nevada for STR investments, focus on neighboring jurisdictions that explicitly allow and regulate short-term rentals.