Executive Overview: STR Legality in Las Vegas

Short-term rentals are permitted in Las Vegas, Nevada, but under strict regulatory conditions. The City of Las Vegas allows short-term rentals for owner-occupied residential properties with three bedrooms or less, subject to specific distance requirements, licensing, and compliance with municipal ordinances.

Key Distinction: Las Vegas city limits have significantly more permissive regulations compared to unincorporated Clark County, where STRs face substantially more restrictive requirements and limited availability.

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

Phase 1: Initial Assessment and Compliance Verification

Before investing in Las Vegas STR properties, conduct thorough due diligence:

1. Property Qualification Review

   • Confirm owner-occupancy capability (must reside on property)
   • Verify bedroom count (maximum 3 bedrooms allowed)
   • Measure 660-foot separation from existing STRs
   • Review HOA restrictions (notarized authorization required)

2. Market Research

   • Utilize the city's STR license map to assess competition
   • Analyze neighborhood STR density
   • Review local demand patterns and seasonal trends

Phase 2: Licensing and Permit Acquisition

1. City of Las Vegas Process:

   • Submit Conditional Use Verification (CUV) application
   • Complete business license application
   • Schedule and pass home inspection by Code Enforcement
   • Pay applicable fees ($500 annual fee as of recent updates)

2. North Las Vegas Process:

   • Obtain approved Conditional Use Permit before business license application
   • Submit required documentation online through EnerGov system
   • Meet separation requirements (660 feet from other STRs, 2,500 feet from resort hotels)

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Essential Documentation Package

Core Requirements:

• Proof of property ownership
• Completed STR business license application
• Conditional Use Verification approval
• Home inspection certificate from Code Enforcement
• Property insurance documentation
• Fire safety compliance certificate

Additional Documentation:

• Notarized HOA authorization letter (if applicable)
• Site plan showing noise monitoring equipment location
• Assessor's Parcel Map
• Floor plans (for individual room rental proposals)
• Security plan for STR operation
• Transient Lodging Tax registration

Permit and License Types

1. Business License - Required annually through city licensing division
2. Conditional Use Verification - Zoning compliance verification
3. Home Inspection Certificate - Safety and code compliance
4. Transient Lodging Tax Certificate - Tax collection authorization

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Las Vegas Regulations

Permitted Operations:

• Owner-occupied single-family homes only
• Maximum 3 bedrooms per unit
• Minimum 660-foot separation between STRs
• No commercial events (weddings, parties, bachelor/bachelorette gatherings)

Operational Requirements:

• Compliance with noise ordinances (no sound audible beyond 50 feet)
• Parking restricted to driveway only
• Proper trash management (Chapter 9.08 compliance)
• Maximum occupancy per city occupancy standards

Prohibited Activities:

• Special events and large gatherings
• Commercial operations in residential zones
• Non-owner-occupied properties

Clark County (Unincorporated) Regulations

Severely Restrictive Environment:

• Only 208 licenses issued as of recent reporting
• 2,500-foot separation from resort hotels required
• 1,000-foot separation from other licensed STRs
• Single license per owner limitation
• Annual cap of approximately 3,000 licenses

Cost Structure:

• First-year fees: $945-$1,695 (based on property size)
• Annual renewal requirements
• Potential fines: $1,000-$10,000 per day for violations

State-Level Regulations (AB363)

Nevada Assembly Bill 363 establishes the framework for STR regulation:

• Provides legal basis for local ordinances
• Requires licensing and compliance with local rules
• Mandates owner-occupancy requirements
• Establishes liability insurance minimums
• Authorizes local enforcement mechanisms

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Las Vegas

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 702-229-6281 (STR-specific inquiries)
• Phone: 702-229-3500 (24-hour complaint hotline)
• Address: 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
• Hours: 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Online Resources:

• Business License Application: Apply for Short-Term Rental License
• STR Ordinance: Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Interactive Map: STR License Map

North Las Vegas

Planning and Zoning Contact:

• Phone: 702-633-1537
• Address: 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Online Resources:

• Application Portal: EnerGov Self-Service
• Transient Lodging Tax: Tax Information

Clark County (Unincorporated Areas)

Regulated Business Division:

• Phone: Contact through Clark County website
• Website: Clark County STR Information

Source Links and References

Primary Government Sources:

1. City of Las Vegas - Short-Term Rentals
2. Las Vegas STR FAQ
3. City of North Las Vegas - Short-Term Rentals
4. Clark County STR Regulations

Document Resources:

1. Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Las Vegas)
2. Conditional Use Verification Form
3. STR Application Instructions
4. North Las Vegas Ordinance 3127

Analysis and Industry Sources:

1. Nevada Independent - STR Implementation Analysis
2. Steadily - Las Vegas STR Laws Overview
3. Inside Airbnb - Clark County Data

Strategic Investment Considerations

For Las Vegas City Properties: The relatively accessible licensing process and clear regulatory framework make city properties more viable for STR investment, though competition is increasing and strict owner-occupancy requirements limit scaling opportunities.

For North Las Vegas Properties: The conditional use permit requirement adds complexity but provides a pathway to legitimate operation with appropriate planning and documentation.

For Clark County Unincorporated Areas: Extremely limited availability and costly, complex regulations make these properties unsuitable for most individual investors. The legal challenge pending against Clark County's implementation suggests potential regulatory changes.

Recommended Action: Focus investment efforts on properties within Las Vegas city limits or North Las Vegas, ensuring thorough pre-purchase verification of compliance requirements and realistic assessment of operating costs versus potential returns.