LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Clark County has started to issue a handful of short-term rental licenses, as hundreds are still waiting for a path to operate legally.
According to county officials, three licenses have been issued across unincorporated Clark County. The county regulates key Las Vegas Valley neighborhoods and corridors like the Las Vegas Strip, Paradise Township, the Southwest Valley and areas of Summerlin. Cities like Las Vegas and Henderson issue licenses and regulate short-term rentals within their jurisdictions.
In March 2023, prospective applicants had their names drawn in a County-run short-term rental lottery, all to determine an order for applications to be reviewed and licenses to be granted. More than 1,300 names were drawn at the time.
In the months since, county officials have accepted applications, extended deadlines, reviewed applications for completion and cleared eligible applications to proceed with the licensing process.
Rachael Gore was drawn in the lottery as “number 10,” and now has a license.
“It’s so bittersweet, because I know there’s so many people still waiting, and they have no idea how long they’re going to be waiting either. I waited a very long time,” Gore said, having waited 17 months for a license since the lottery. The sixth-grade teacher said she is glad for the ability to supplement her income in Las Vegas’ challenging housing market.
Others whose names were drawn much later worry about their wait: Louis Koorndyk’s properties were drawn in the 900s and 1,200s.
“I’m trying to still look towards the future. I understand I don’t have that much time,” Koorndyk said, who is battling cancer.
FOX5 is asking Clark County how many prospective homeowners remain in line for an application review.
The wait for a path to operate legally has taken years. In Summer 2022, Clark County created an ordinance for short-term rentals to operate. The ordinance was spurred by 2021 legislation mandating that cities and counties create a process for licenses and regulations.
FOX5 asked Clark County about the criticism for the duration of the process, and how long it could take to review all the applicants.
“Per Clark County Code 7.100 – Short-Term Rental Units, Clark County Business License is required to ensure that each application has met all requirements for licensure, which requires consideration and due diligence…there are factors that impact the timeliness of this process, such as applicants submitting fees timely and getting their inspections scheduled,” a spokesperson emailed.
Applicants must pay a $150 inspection fee to the Fire Department, schedule and complete the inspection.
County officials said there are 16 homeowners currently awaiting an inspection.
The Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association has called for Clark County to expedite its process, stating that many prospective applicants have dropped out of the process, frustrated by the wait. Others who are struggling financially have resorted to listing illegally to make ends meet, said spokesperson Jackie Flores.
Clark County tells FOX5, 561 citations have been issued in 2024 alone for illegal short-term rentals.
The GLVSTRA issued this statement:
The Greater Las Vegas Short Term Rental Association is pleased that Clark County has started issuing short-term rental business licenses. We hope that this process will be expedited, as many applicants have been waiting for years in their efforts to comply with the law.
We will continue to closely monitor the licensing process to ensure that Las Vegas homeowners are treated fairly. Our commitment remains steadfast in protecting the rights of property owners who wish to supplement their income through short-term rentals like those on Airbnb. We will work diligently to ensure that these opportunities are not unfairly restricted in favor of protecting corporate interests in our State.
We encourage all property owners to stay informed and engaged as we advocate for their rights in this evolving landscape.”
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