How does the City of Las Vegas handle casitas?
Under the city's older code, a casita with a full kitchen was a Class I accessory structure that usually needed a special use permit, a minimum lot size and owner occupancy if rented. In June 2026 the city introduced an ordinance to align with AB 396, including dropping the minimum lot size and allowing a second kitchen without a special use permit.
Was that ordinance adopted?
We could not confirm the final adoption date from published sources as of October 2026. If the city had no consistent ordinance in place by July 1, 2026, AB 396 authorizes ADUs on residential-zoned parcels without restriction. Either way, we check the city's current code for your address before design.
What about unincorporated Clark County?
Much of the valley, including Spring Valley, Paradise, Enterprise and the part of Summerlin south of Charleston Boulevard, is unincorporated county land governed by Clark County's Title 30. County code changes effective March 5, 2026 removed various lot-size limits for accessory living quarters. Read City of Las Vegas or Clark County.
Which code edition applies to the building?
In the City of Las Vegas, projects first submitted on or after January 5, 2026 must be designed to the 2024 international codes the city adopted with local amendments. Other jurisdictions follow their own adoption schedules.