Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in North Las Vegas?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The City Council adopted Ordinance 3127 in June 2022, which authorizes the operation of short-term rentals within city limits. However, this approval is contingent upon obtaining proper permits and meeting strict regulatory requirements. The city operates under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) system, meaning short-term rentals require prior approval from the Planning Department before operating legally.

It's crucial to understand that North Las Vegas maintains some of the most restrictive short-term rental regulations in the Las Vegas Valley, with significant separation requirements, multifamily building limitations, and comprehensive operational standards designed to balance economic opportunities with neighborhood preservation.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in North Las Vegas

Launching a short-term rental in North Las Vegas requires a systematic approach to navigate the city's regulatory framework effectively. The process involves multiple steps, each with specific requirements and deadlines that must be meticulously followed.

Phase 1: Pre-Application Research and Property Verification

Before committing to a property, investors must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure the location complies with North Las Vegas's restrictive zoning and separation requirements. This includes verifying the property's zoning classification, confirming separation distances from other short-term rentals and resort hotels, and understanding any homeowner association restrictions that might affect short-term rental operations.

The property must meet several key location criteria: maintaining at least 660 feet of separation from any existing or proposed short-term rental, maintaining 2,500 feet of separation from resort hotels, and complying with multifamily building limitations where applicable. These distance requirements can significantly limit available properties in certain areas of the city.

Phase 2: Conditional Use Permit Application

The first formal step involves submitting a Conditional Use Permit application through the city's online portal at eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home. This application process typically takes up to 30 days for review and approval. The Conditional Use Permit serves as the foundational authorization required before any business licensing can proceed.

During this phase, applicants must gather comprehensive documentation including proof of ownership, detailed site plans showing noise monitoring equipment installation locations, floor plans (particularly important if proposing individual room rentals), and assessor parcel maps. The application must also include a notarized letter from any relevant homeowners association authorizing the short-term rental operation.

Phase 3: Business License Application

Only after receiving Conditional Use Permit approval can operators proceed with the business license application. This stage involves completing the city's business licensing process, which includes submitting a self-inspection checklist, providing proof of noise monitoring equipment installation, demonstrating compliance with neighbor notification requirements within 200 feet of the rental property, and presenting certificate of insurance documentation.

The business license must be renewed annually, with the $900 fee payable at the time of application and each renewal period.

Phase 4: Operational Setup and Compliance

With permits in hand, operators must complete their operational setup by installing required noise monitoring equipment, establishing tax collection systems for the 13% transient lodging tax, and ensuring ongoing compliance with all operational requirements including occupancy limits, parking restrictions, and neighborhood compatibility standards.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Operating a legal short-term rental in North Las Vegas requires maintaining a comprehensive documentation package that addresses both initial permitting and ongoing operational compliance.

Essential Permits and Licenses

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) - The primary authorization required before any short-term rental operation can commence. This permit validates that the proposed rental meets all zoning, separation, and operational requirements established by Ordinance 3127.

Business License - Required annually with a $900 fee, this license must be obtained following Conditional Use Permit approval and remains valid for one year from the date of issuance.

State Business License - All operators must obtain a Nevada state business license from the Secretary of State, establishing baseline compliance with statewide short-term rental requirements under Assembly Bill 363.

Critical Documentation Requirements

Proof of Ownership Documentation - Including property deed or tax records establishing legal ownership of the dwelling unit proposed for short-term rental operation.

Site Plans and Floor Plans - Detailed drawings showing the property layout, location of noise monitoring equipment installation, and floor plans particularly required for properties proposing individual room rentals.

Noise Monitoring Equipment Certification - Documentation proving installation of outdoor noise monitoring equipment that complies with city standards and requirements.

Neighbor Notification Affidavit - A notarized statement confirming compliance with notification requirements for properties within 200 feet of the proposed rental location.

Insurance Documentation - Certificate of insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements for liability protection during short-term rental operations.

HOA Authorization Letter - A notarized letter on official letterhead from any relevant homeowners association explicitly authorizing short-term rental operation at the property.

Security Plan - A comprehensive plan detailing security measures for short-term rental operations, including emergency procedures and property protection protocols.

Assessor Parcel Map - Official parcel documentation from the Clark County Assessor's office showing the exact property boundaries and lot configuration.

Operational Guidelines and Standards

Transient Lodging Tax Registration - Registration with the city for collection and remittance of the 13% transient lodging tax imposed on all short-term rental operations.

Good Neighbor Guidelines - Adherence to city-established standards for property maintenance, noise management, parking compliance, and neighborhood compatibility.

Safety Standards Compliance - Meeting all building safety requirements including functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit planning.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas maintains some of the most comprehensive and restrictive short-term rental regulations in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, designed to balance economic opportunities with neighborhood preservation and community standards.

Zoning and Location Restrictions

Separation Requirements - North Las Vegas imposes stringent separation requirements that significantly impact where short-term rentals can operate. Properties must maintain a minimum of 660 feet of separation from any existing or proposed short-term rental unit, and must be located at least 2,500 feet from any resort hotel. These distance requirements are measured in straight lines from property boundary to property boundary.

Multifamily Building Limitations - In multifamily buildings, short-term rentals are limited to a maximum of 10% of the total units. This restriction is designed to prevent over-concentration of short-term rentals in apartment and condo complexes. Apartment buildings are explicitly prohibited from short-term rental operations, limiting opportunities to properties in single-family residential zones, townhomes, and condos in smaller multifamily developments.

Zoning Compliance - All short-term rentals must comply with local zoning ordinances and may only operate in areas where short-term rentals are explicitly permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process.

Operational Standards

Noise Monitoring Requirements - All short-term rentals must install and maintain outdoor noise monitoring equipment that meets city specifications. This equipment must be capable of detecting and recording noise levels to ensure compliance with city noise ordinances and prevent disturbances to neighboring properties.

HOA Compliance - Properties with homeowners associations must obtain explicit written authorization from the HOA before pursuing short-term rental permits. This requirement adds an additional layer of approval beyond city requirements and may restrict operations in planned communities with specific rental policies.

Parking and Traffic Management - Short-term rental operators must ensure adequate parking for guests and prevent traffic impacts on residential neighborhoods. All guest vehicles must park legally on the property and cannot obstruct neighboring driveways or community mailboxes.

Maximum Occupancy Standards - Properties must comply with occupancy limits established by building codes and safety requirements, typically based on bedroom count and overall property size.

Tax and Financial Obligations

Transient Lodging Tax - North Las Vegas imposes a 13% transient lodging tax on all short-term rental operations. This tax must be collected from guests and remitted to the city on a regular schedule, typically monthly. Properties where guests stay for 30 consecutive days or longer may qualify for tax exemption under the permanent resident exemption.

Business License Fees - Annual business license fees of $900 are required for all short-term rental operations, with renewal required each year before license expiration.

Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring

24-Hour Complaint Hotline - The city maintains a 24-hour complaint hotline for reporting violations of short-term rental regulations. Complaints regarding noise, excessive tenants, large parties, trash, and parking issues can be reported to ensure prompt enforcement action.

Code Enforcement - Properties found in violation of short-term rental regulations may face Code Enforcement action, which can result in fines, permit suspension, or license revocation for serious or repeated violations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

For questions, applications, and compliance support related to short-term rentals in North Las Vegas:

Planning and Zoning Department

Primary Contact for Conditional Use Permits

• Phone: (702) 633-1537
• Email: Contact through city website or in-person at Planning Department
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Responsibilities: Conditional Use Permit applications, zoning compliance questions, separation requirement verification

Business License Division

Primary Contact for Business Licenses

• Phone: (702) 633-1537 (Business License questions)
• Online Application: eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home
• Responsibilities: Business license applications, renewals, fee payments, compliance monitoring

City Hall Main Contact

General Information and Other Departments

• Phone: (702) 633-1000
• Fax: (702) 649-3846
• Address: 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
• TTY/Accessibility: (800) 326-6868 for TDD access, (800) 326-6888 for English services, (800) 877-1219 for Spanish services

Transient Lodging Tax Questions

Tax Collection and Remittance

• Phone: (702) 633-1537
• Email: Contact through city website
• Responsibilities: Tax registration, collection procedures, remittance schedules, exemption questions

Source Pages and Additional Resources

Primary City Resources

• City of North Las Vegas Short-Term Rentals Page: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/business/short-term-rentals
• Ordinance 3127 (Full Text): www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/home/showpublisheddocument/4639/638098237805170000
• Land Development Application Manual: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/home/showpublisheddocument/4643/638098242745130000
• Online Application Portal: eg.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home

Supporting Documentation

• Application Submittal Procedure: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/home/showpublisheddocument/4641/638098242628530000
• Clark County Assessor Parcel Maps: clarkcountygis-ccgismo.hub.arcgis.com/
• Transient Lodging Tax Information: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/business/short-term-rentals/transient-lodging-tax

Industry Resources

• Airbnb North Las Vegas Host Information: www.airbnb.com/help/article/2913
• North Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Airbnb Archive): news.airbnb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/10/North-Las-Vegas-Ordinance.pdf

County-Level Resources (For Reference)

• Clark County Short-Term Rental Information: www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/
• Clark County Code Chapter 7.100: library.municode.com/nv/clark_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT7BURE_CH7.100SHRMREUN

Important Note: This guide focuses specifically on regulations within North Las Vegas city limits. Properties in unincorporated Clark County operate under different regulations and requirements. Always verify the exact jurisdiction of your property and consult with local authorities before proceeding with any short-term rental investment or operation.