Are you planning to upgrade your property for commercial or multi-family use? Do you have proper zoning for that land use? Your property is not always correctly zoned for various types of improvements. Will you need to rezone your property or do you need a special use permit? Consultation with an architect or civil engineer who is experienced in the land use application process is strongly recommended.

The Zoning Boundary Amendment is often triggered when a property is converted from a residential to a commercial use, or when a property is converted from a single-family residential use to a multi-family residential use. Depending on various factors, the process can be quite easy or almost impossible.

In Nevada, Clark County has established a process for property owners to change the current use of the land on their property to a higher density use or to a different use entirely. This process is known as a Zone Boundary Amendment or Zone Change; conversion from one existing zoning district to another. There are two types of Zone Changes; conforming and not conforming. If the requested zoning complies with the county’s Land Use Map, then the request is a Compliant Zoning Change. If the request does not, then it is a Non-Conforming Zone Change. Below is a summary of the process for a compliant zone change.

• Pre-presentation Appointment: Some zone changes require a pre-presentation meeting. What will trigger this meeting? The main reasons are uses involving hazardous chemicals, explosives, materials or waste in amounts regulated by the State of Nevada, Planned Unit Developments, Mixed Use Developments, Neighborhood Casinos, High Impact Projects and Resort Hotels. Call (702) 455-4972 to schedule the meeting.
• Please schedule your application submission appointment 2-3 weeks before your desired submission deadline date. Call (702) 455-4972 for an appointment.
• application package
• Title 30 Land Use Application (signed by property owner and notarized)
• Disclosure Form (Signed by Property Owner)
• Fire Permit Survey Form (signed by owner)
• Site Plan: 5 copies, if conceptual, design review may be required.
• Floor Plans – 2 copies, if conceptual, design review may be required
• Elevations: 2 copies, if conceptual, design review may be required
• Landscape Plan: 2 copies, if conceptual, design review may be required
• Advisor’s Map – 2 copies, full size, 11″ x 17″
• Zoning and Legal Boundary Map – Only required if multiple boundaries or a portion of the site will be rezoned – 2 copies.
• Deed – 2 copies, most recent
• Legal description – 2 copies
• Parking Analysis: 1 copy showing proper parking, perhaps shown on site plan
• Justification letter: 3 copies, must comply with the county outline.
• County Filing Fees: $900 plus $500 for a pre-filing fee, if applicable
• Clark County Comprehensive Planning Kickoff Meeting
• Town Board or Citizens Advisory Council (TB/CAC) meeting: around 4 weeks after applying
• Board of County Commissioners: About 2 weeks after the TB/CAC meeting.

This is a simplified land use application process. Each project is different and may require additional steps. It is best to consult with an architect or civil engineer who is well versed in the process from the start. They can save you time and money, and help you avoid many of the pitfalls.