1. How do I find out if my property is located in unincorporated Clark County or in a city? Why is that important?
2. How is my property zoned? What is the zoning used for?
3. Why does my business license application have to be signed off by Current Planning?
4. How can I find out the rules for developing or making use of my property?
5. I want to build a (pool, garage, patio cover, carport, shed) on my property. Do I need zoning approval? Why?
6. My neighbor built a carport next to my fence without a building permit. Who do I report this to?
7. What is the Master Plan? What is it used for?
8. What is a Town Board, and why do I have to submit my application to them?
9. What is the difference between the Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission?
10. Can I appeal a decision made by the Planning Commission?
11. When do I need a building permit?
12. How do I find out the location of water, gas, power, TV and sewer lines in relation to my property?
13. How do I find out the right-of-way width for a particular street?
14. What are the appropriate standards and specifications for off-site improvements within unincorporated Clark County?
15. Is my property in a flood zone?
16. How can I obtain a copy of the staff report for my application?
17. How can I reach individual Comprehensive Planning staff members by telephone?
18. What is the planned land use designation for my property?
19. How can I obtain written confirmation of the zoning of my property?

1. How do I find out if my property is located in unincorporated Clark County or in a city? Why is that important?

Clark County and the various incorporated cities (Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Mesquite) have different rules for developing property, establishing a business license, etc. Therefore, it is very important to determine in which jurisdiction your property is located. To obtain information on-line, use OpenWeb Info Mapper; visit the Current Planning Division located in the Government Center; or call Current Planning at (702) 455-4314.

2. How is my property zoned? What is the zoning used for?

OpenWeb Info Mapper has a "zoning view" for Clark County. Locate the property by address, cross streets or parcel number and select view type selector, or simply click on the parcel. Property zoning determines what a property can be used for and the applicable development standards such as setbacks, height restrictions, etc. Current Planning staff can discuss the zoning rules and specific requirements for developing a parcel.

3. Why does my business license application have to be signed off by Current Planning?

Current Planning verifies that the proposed business use is appropriate for the zoning of your property.

4. How can I find out the rules for developing or making use of my property?

Property development in unincorporated Clark County is governed by the Unified Development Code, Title 30. This code governs all property development and land uses. You can also speak with a Planner to ask specific questions to ensure that your project will comply with the Development Code.

5. I want to build a (pool, garage, patio cover, carport, shed) on my property. Do I need zoning approval? Why?

Demonstrating compliance with the Development Code is a required step for all building permits. This ensures that any use you make of your property will not have a negative impact on neighboring properties or property values. Even when a building permit is not required, all structures must meet Title 30 requirements.

6. My neighbor built a carport next to my fence without a building permit. Who do I report this to?

The Public Response Office, a division of the Parks and Community Services Department, is responsible for code enforcement. You can view their services on-line, visit their offices in the Government Center, or call them at (702) 455-4191.

7. What is aLand Use Plan? What is it used for?

A Land Use Plan is an overall development guide for specific areas of Clark County. It provides the appropriate mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses in a logically transitioned pattern. It is used to decide if proposed development is in conformance with the plan. Land use applications which are non-conforming to a Land Use Plan require additional notification of neighbors, public hearings and fees.

8. What is a Town Board, and why do I have to submit my application to them?

The Board of County Commissioners appoints local town advisory boards or citizens' advisory councils for every township or rural community in Clark County. The Commissioners rely on these local entities for recommendations on all zoning requests to make sure the local viewpoint is considered.

9. What is the difference between the Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission?

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) are elected officials who are responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance of unincorporated Clark County, including land development.  The BCC, who are elected from seven (7) electoral districts, each appoint a Planning Commissioner to represent their district on the Planning Commission (PC). The PC is empowered by the BCC to make final development decisions on many land use applications, and make recommendations on nonconforming zone change requests. The BCC is the final authority on all zoning issues, including appealed decisions from the PC.

10. Can I appeal a decision made by the Planning Commission?

Any decision made by the Planning Commission (PC) can be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Appeals must be filed in writing with the Current Planning Division within five (5) business days from the PC meeting and are scheduled to be heard by the BCC one month later.

11. When do I need a building permit?

Appropriate building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool and/or other permits are required for all new construction, alteration, repair, moving, improving, removing, conversion or demolition of buildings, structures, signs, amusement and transportation systems, or building service equipment as outlined in the Clark County Building Administrative Code. Permit exemptions are identified in Chapters 22.02.190 through .210 of the Clark County Building Administrative Code.

12. How do I find out the location of water, gas, power, TV and sewer lines in relation to my property?

You can find this information by contacting the utility company who has jurisdiction in the area for which the property is located.

13. How do I find out the right-of-way width for a particular street?

A good place to start looking for this information is the Assessor's Office. You can use Assessor's maps to determine street widths. Also, a good rule of thumb to use:

• Section line streets are 100 feet wide
• Township/Range line streets are 120 feet wide
• Center section line (quarter dividers) are 80 feet wide
• All others are approximately 60 feet wide

14. What are the appropriate standards and specifications for off-site improvements within unincorporated Clark County?

According to Clark County Code, Chapter 30.52.050, the following manuals are to be used when constructing off-site improvements:

• "Uniform Standard Drawings for Public Works Construction, Clark County Area, Nevada" obtained from the Regional Transportation Commission.
• "Uniform Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction Off-Site Improvements, Clark County Area, Nevada" obtained from the Regional Transportation Commission.
• "Clark County Supplement to Uniform Standard Drawings and Specifications" obtained at the Civil Engineering Division for $10 per copy plus the actual cost of mailing or handling when required.
• "Minimum Road Design Standards for Non-Urban Roadways" obtained at the Civil Engineering Division for $10 per copy plus the actual cost of mailing or handling when required.
• "Uniform Regulations for the Control of Drainage" obtained from the Regional Flood Control District.
• Any modifications, appendices, supplements referred to in Title 30 of Clark County Code, Chapter 30.32.080.

15. Is my property in a flood zone?

You may obtain flood zone information from Clark County by mailing in a request for a Flood Determination Letter to Civil Engineering Division, Plan Room, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, P. O. Box 551842, Las Vegas, NV 89155-1842. There is a $20.00 charge for this letter, and it is accepted by most insurance companies for flood insurance purposes. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required along with the address of the property and the $20.00 fee. You may also visit our offices at the Clark County Government Center. Information only regarding flood zones is free. You may also obtain the letter in person for the same fee. If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please call the Plan Room at (702) 455-4600. Please be advised that this information cannot be given by phone, fax or email.

In addition, the Regional Flood Control District has recently set up a website that you can use to locate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated flood zones at www.ccrfcd.org/floodzoneapp.htm.

16. How can I obtain a copy of the staff report for my application?

On the Friday before your PC or BCC date, this information is available on the internet. From the Clark County home page ( www.accessclarkcounty.com), click on "Agendas". Select the PC or BCC agenda on which your item is scheduled, and then click on your application.

17. How can I reach individual Comprehensive Planning staff members by telephone?

The telephone number for all Comprehensive Planning staff is (702) 455-4314. When the automated service picks up, press 2, then when the next menu of options begins, press 9. A live operator will then assist you.

18. What is the planned land use designation for my property?

From Comprehensive Planning's main page, click on "Land Use Plans". From there, you can identify your parcel and obtain the planned land use designation.

19. How can I obtain written confirmation of the zoning of my property?

From Comprehensive Planning's main page, click on "Current Planning". Under "Records and Research Information", select "Zoning Research and Forms". Follow the instructions for returning the form and payment to the Current Planning offices.