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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Unincorporated Clark County, Nevada

Required for construction of a new accessory dwelling unit on a residential property in unincorporated Clark County. In Clark County's Unified Development Code (Title 30, adopted 8/2/2023; latest amendment adopted June 17, 2026, effective July 2, 2026), the ADU is called an 'Accessory Living Quarters' (ALQ) — a subordinate dwelling unit designed for one family, used for residential purposes (may include cooking areas), including rental for occupancy by others, that is not counted as an additional dwelling unit when calculating density (Title 30 §30.07 Definitions). ALQs are an allowed accessory use across the residential zoning districts. Clark County (pop. 100,000+) is also subject to NRS 278.257 (in force since July 1, 2026), which requires the County to authorize the development and use of an ADU on single-family residential property and bars its ordinance from prohibiting the owner from using the ADU as rental housing (transient lodging may still be prohibited). ALQs must meet 2024 IRC requirements and follow the standard residential permit process.

Verified 2026-07-16 · Source

When you need this permit

  • An Accessory Living Quarters (ALQ) must be in conjunction with a single-family residence, and no more than one ALQ is allowed per lot or parcel (Title 30 §30.03, Accessory Living Quarters use-specific standards)
  • ALQ may not be located within a manufactured or tiny home park or on a lot smaller than 4,000 sq ft (Title 30 §30.03 as amended eff. 07/02/2026 — the former condition tying ALQ eligibility to the zoning district's minimum lot area was removed in that amendment)
  • Size cap: on a lot under 10,000 sq ft, the ALQ may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the habitable area of the primary dwelling — this standard may not be waived or varied; on a lot 10,000 sq ft or larger (or in the Nonurban Area), the ALQ may not exceed the gross floor area of the primary dwelling
  • ALQ must have a similar roof line and complementary colors and building materials to the primary dwelling; a recreational vehicle may not be used as an ALQ
  • Detached ALQs require a new residential building permit; attached or internal (garage) conversions follow the addition/remodel permit process
  • Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are required
  • Plans must comply with 2024 IRC and 2024 IECC
  • The former separate 'Casita' category (an accessory residential structure without a kitchen) was removed from Title 30 by the amendment effective July 2, 2026 — accessory units used for living are now regulated under the ALQ definition (verified against the official Title 30 PDF, 2026-07-16)
  • Per NRS 278.257 (in force since July 1, 2026), the County's ADU ordinance may not, as a condition of approval: prohibit separate kitchen facilities, require more than one additional parking space, impose side/rear setbacks more restrictive than the primary residence's, require public street improvements (except for repair of streets disturbed by construction or for public health/safety), or prohibit the owner from using the ADU as rental housing (transient lodging may still be prohibited)

Required documents

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Fee schedule

Building Permit Fee — valuation-based per Table 3-ASame Table 3-A valuation-based schedule as new construction. Trade sub-permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are additional fees. Example: $150,000 detached ADU total estimated permit + plan review = $1,619.65 (all trades combined, per fee calculator).
Varies — valuation-based (see Table 3-A)
Re-inspection FeeTable 3-I, Clark County Code §22.02.430
$110.00 each

Review timeline

Plan reviewTypical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Clark County building department
~14–21 business days

How long did your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit permit actually take in Unincorporated Clark County?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Foundation

    Footings and foundation before concrete pour

  2. 2

    Framing

    Structural framing, egress, and fire separation

  3. 3

    MEP Rough-In

    Mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-ins before walls closed

  4. 4

    Final

    All work complete, smoke/CO detectors installed, address posted

See the full Unincorporated Clark County inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • Clark County's Unified Development Code (Title 30) calls an ADU an 'Accessory Living Quarters' (ALQ). The size cap is tied to the primary dwelling: 75% of the primary's habitable floor area on lots under 10,000 sq ft, or up to the full floor area of the primary on lots 10,000 sq ft and larger.
  • An ALQ may not be built on a lot smaller than 4,000 sq ft, and only one ALQ is allowed per lot; the 75% size cap on lots under 10,000 sq ft may not be waived or varied (Title 30 §30.03, as amended eff. 07/02/2026).
  • Title 30's former 'Casita' (no-kitchen accessory structure) category was removed by the amendment effective July 2, 2026; note that NRS 278.257 now bars the County from prohibiting separate kitchen facilities in an ADU.
  • Verify ADU/ALQ zoning eligibility with Clark County Comprehensive Planning at (702) 455-4314 before submitting a permit application.
  • Garage conversions require that all existing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical be brought up to current 2024 code.

Frequently asked questions

Unincorporated Clark County requires an accessory dwelling unit (adu) permit for: An Accessory Living Quarters (ALQ) must be in conjunction with a single-family residence, and no more than one ALQ is allowed per lot or parcel (Title 30 §30.03, Accessory Living Quarters use-specific standards); ALQ may not be located within a manufactured or tiny home park or on a lot smaller than 4,000 sq ft (Title 30 §30.03 as amended eff. 07/02/2026 — the former condition tying ALQ eligibility to the zoning district's minimum lot area was removed in that amendment); Size cap: on a lot under 10,000 sq ft, the ALQ may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the habitable area of the primary dwelling — this standard may not be waived or varied; on a lot 10,000 sq ft or larger (or in the Nonurban Area), the ALQ may not exceed the gross floor area of the primary dwelling; ALQ must have a similar roof line and complementary colors and building materials to the primary dwelling; a recreational vehicle may not be used as an ALQ; Detached ALQs require a new residential building permit; attached or internal (garage) conversions follow the addition/remodel permit process; Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are required; Plans must comply with 2024 IRC and 2024 IECC; The former separate 'Casita' category (an accessory residential structure without a kitchen) was removed from Title 30 by the amendment effective July 2, 2026 — accessory units used for living are now regulated under the ALQ definition (verified against the official Title 30 PDF, 2026-07-16); Per NRS 278.257 (in force since July 1, 2026), the County's ADU ordinance may not, as a condition of approval: prohibit separate kitchen facilities, require more than one additional parking space, impose side/rear setbacks more restrictive than the primary residence's, require public street improvements (except for repair of streets disturbed by construction or for public health/safety), or prohibit the owner from using the ADU as rental housing (transient lodging may still be prohibited). If your project isn't listed, confirm with Clark County Building & Fire Prevention Department at (702) 455-3000 before starting work.

In Unincorporated Clark County, the published Building Permit Fee — valuation-based per Table 3-A is: Varies — valuation-based (see Table 3-A). Additional published fees: Re-inspection Fee — $110.00 each. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Plan review for an accessory dwelling unit (adu) permit in Unincorporated Clark County typically runs 14–21 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with Clark County Building & Fire Prevention Department at (702) 455-3000.

You'll need: Building Permit Application; Construction Drawings; Site Plan. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Unincorporated Clark County requires 4 inspection(s) for an accessory dwelling unit (adu) permit, in order: Foundation, Framing, MEP Rough-In, Final. Schedule each through Clark County Building & Fire Prevention Department ((702) 455-3000).

Apply through Clark County Building & Fire Prevention Department at 4701 West Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Phone: (702) 455-3000, email: pacenter@ClarkCountyNV.gov. Office hours: Mon–Thu 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Fri, Sat, Sun). Official information: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/building___fire_prevention/.

Unincorporated Clark County, Nevada has adopted: 2024 International Building Code (IBC) — effective January 11, 2026 (Clark County Building Department Notice to Industry); 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) — effective January 11, 2026; 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — effective January 11, 2026; 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — effective January 11, 2026 (NRS 701.220 statewide floor; Clark County ≥100k pop., NRS 278.581 applies); 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — effective January 11, 2026; 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) — effective January 11, 2026; Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — 2024 edition (SNBO jurisdictions use UPC, not IPC); Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) — 2024 edition (SNBO jurisdictions use UMC, not IMC); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC); 2009 ICC A117.1 — Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Local amendments apply — see the Unincorporated Clark County overview page for the full list.

Yes. Clark County's Unified Development Code (Title 30) allows an 'Accessory Living Quarters' (ALQ) — its term for an ADU — as an accessory use in residential zoning districts. The ALQ must accompany a single-family residence, only one is allowed per lot, the lot must be at least 4,000 sq ft, and the ALQ is capped at 75% of the primary dwelling's habitable floor area on lots under 10,000 sq ft (or up to the full primary floor area on larger lots). Separately, NRS 278.257 (in force since July 1, 2026) requires the County to authorize ADUs on single-family residential property and bars it from prohibiting separate ADU kitchens or from preventing the owner from renting the ADU out (transient lodging may still be prohibited). Confirm zoning with Clark County Comprehensive Planning at (702) 455-4314.

Other permits in Unincorporated Clark County

Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Addition / Remodel PermitElectrical PermitPlumbing PermitMechanical / HVAC PermitRe-Roofing PermitSolar Photovoltaic (PV) PermitEV Charger / EVSE PermitDemolition PermitCommercial Tenant Improvement PermitSwimming Pool / Spa PermitBlock Wall / Screen Wall PermitSign Permit (Sign Design Review)Fire Sprinkler System Permit (NFPA 13 / NFPA 13R)Fire Alarm System Permit (NFPA 72)Change of Use / Certificate of Occupancy Permit

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in other cities

Carson City, NevadaDouglas County, NevadaHenderson, NevadaLas Vegas, NevadaMesquite, NevadaNorth Las Vegas, NevadaReno, NevadaSparks, Nevada

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