Overview: Short-Term Rental Legality in Las Vegas

Yes, short-term rentals are legally permitted in Las Vegas, Nevada, but they operate under strict regulatory frameworks that vary by jurisdiction within the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The legal landscape is governed by local municipal ordinances, state legislation (particularly Assembly Bill 363), and specific licensing requirements that property owners must fulfill to operate legally.

Short-term rentals are defined as residential dwelling units rented for periods of 31 consecutive days or fewer. However, the specific requirements, restrictions, and approval processes differ significantly between the City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and unincorporated Clark County areas.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Las Vegas

City of Las Vegas Requirements

To establish a short-term rental business in the City of Las Vegas, you must navigate a multi-step process that includes both conditional use verification and business licensing:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Your property must be owner-occupied
• Limited to three bedrooms or fewer
• Must maintain at least 660 feet distance from other short-term rentals
• Cannot be within 2,500 feet of resort hotels

Step 2: Obtain Conditional Use Verification (CUV) Complete and submit the Conditional Use Verification form, which can be obtained from the City of Las Vegas Planning Division. This step must be completed before applying for a business license.

Step 3: Apply for Business License Submit your short-term rental business license application through the city's online system, including all required documentation and fees.

Step 4: Schedule Home Inspection A Code Enforcement officer will conduct a mandatory home inspection to ensure compliance with safety and health standards.

North Las Vegas Process

North Las Vegas requires property owners to obtain a Conditional Use Permit before applying for a business license. The process includes:

• Submit application through the online EnerGov system
• Provide comprehensive documentation including site plans, floor plans, and security plans
• Demonstrate compliance with distance requirements (660 feet from other STRs, 2,500 feet from resort hotels)
• Obtain HOA authorization if applicable
• Pay associated fees and attend public hearings if required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation for Las Vegas STR Operation

Business License Requirements:

• Completed short-term rental business license application
• Proof of property ownership
• Conditional Use Verification (for City of Las Vegas)
• Home inspection certificate from Code Enforcement
• Liability insurance documentation
• Short-Term Rental Affidavit (notarized)

North Las Vegas Specific Documents:

• Conditional Use Permit application
• Letter of intent for the permit
• Site plan showing noise monitoring equipment locations
• Assessor's Parcel Map
• Floor plan (if proposing individual room rentals)
• Documentation proving 660-foot separation from other STRs
• Notarized HOA authorization letter (if applicable)
• Comprehensive security plan

Safety and Inspection Requirements:

• Working smoke alarms throughout the property
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Secure means of egress
• Up-to-code electrical and plumbing systems
• Functional appliances and safety systems

Insurance and Liability Coverage

All jurisdictions require property owners to maintain adequate liability insurance coverage. The minimum coverage amounts are predetermined by local authorities and must be proven during the permitting process. This insurance protects both property owners and guests in case of accidents or injuries.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Las Vegas Regulations

Operational Restrictions:

• Owner-occupancy requirement (owner must live on-site)
• Maximum of three bedrooms
• Minimum 660-foot separation between short-term rentals
• No weddings, parties, or special events permitted
• Strict noise ordinances (no outside music or excessive noise audible from 50 feet)
• All vehicles must park in driveways (no street parking for STR guests)
• Proper trash management and disposal required

Licensing Fees:

• Annual licensing fee of $500
• Additional inspection and processing fees apply

Enforcement and Violations: The city maintains a 24-hour complaint hotline and actively enforces violations related to:

• Noise disturbances
• Excessive occupancy
• Improper parking
• Inadequate trash management
• Operating without proper licenses

North Las Vegas Regulations

North Las Vegas follows Ordinance 3127 (adopted June 2022), which allows short-term rentals only with approved Conditional Use Permits. Key requirements include:

Distance and Separation Requirements:

• Minimum 660 feet from other existing or proposed short-term rentals
• Minimum 2,500 feet from resort hotels

Occupancy and Safety Standards:

• Occupancy limits tied to bedroom count (typically two persons per bedroom plus two additional)
• Mandatory noise monitoring equipment
• Comprehensive security plans required

Clark County (Unincorporated Areas)

Important Note: Unincorporated Clark County areas currently prohibit short-term rentals entirely. This complete ban reflects the county's priority on residential stability and prevention of potential rent increases for long-term residents.

Clark County has established a regulatory framework under Assembly Bill 363 requirements, but the current ordinance maintains the prohibition on short-term rental operations in unincorporated areas.

State-Level Regulations (Assembly Bill 363)

Nevada's Assembly Bill 363, passed in 2021, established statewide requirements for short-term rental regulation, including:

Mandatory Local Regulation:

• All counties must adopt ordinances regulating short-term rentals
• Accommodation facilitators (Airbnb, VRBO) must comply with local licensing requirements

Baseline Requirements:

• Distance requirements between properties
• Registration and licensing fees
• Penalty structures for violations
• Data sharing between platforms and local authorities

Tax Obligations and Financial Responsibilities

Local Tax Collection

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Property owners must collect and remit local transient occupancy taxes from guests. This typically includes:

• City-specific transient lodging taxes
• County-level accommodation taxes
• State tourism taxes where applicable

Collection and Remittance Schedule:

• Monthly or quarterly remittance required
• Detailed record-keeping mandatory
• Penalties for late or missed payments

Business License Fees

City of Las Vegas: $500 annual fee plus inspection and processing costs North Las Vegas: Conditional Use Permit fees plus annual business license costs (contact city for current rates)

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Las Vegas

Department: Planning & Zoning / Code Enforcement
Address: 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 229-3500 (24-hour STR complaint hotline)
Business License Questions: (702) 229-6281
Website: www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Planning-Zoning/Code-Enforcement/Short-Term-Rentals
Online Application: www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Business-License/ApplyForBusLic

North Las Vegas

Department: Planning and Zoning
Address: 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Phone: (702) 633-1537
Website: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/business/short-term-rentals
Online Application: eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home

Clark County (Unincorporated Areas)

Email: STRComment@clarkcountynv.gov
Website: www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/administrative_services/intergovernmental_relations/short_term_rentals.php
Note: Currently prohibits short-term rentals in unincorporated areas

Source Links and Additional Resources

• City of Las Vegas STR Information: www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Planning-Zoning/Code-Enforcement/Short-Term-Rentals
• Las Vegas STR FAQ Blog: www.lasvegasnevada.gov/News/Blog/Detail/short-term-rentals-faq
• North Las Vegas STR Regulations: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/business/short-term-rentals
• Clark County STR Information: www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/administrative_services/intergovernmental_relations/short_term_rentals.php
• Las Vegas STR Ordinance (PDF): files.lasvegasnevada.gov/planning/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance.pdf
• Las Vegas STR License Map: lasvegas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=1b15b2b28b78488994a7d3d761bd5e0c

This comprehensive regulatory landscape requires careful navigation and strict compliance. Property owners should consult directly with the appropriate municipal authorities and consider professional legal or consulting services to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations before beginning short-term rental operations in the Las Vegas area.