LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A new Nevada state law aims to help more homeowners build “casitas” on their property to ease challenges from the housing and affordability crisis.
Though many homeowners and locals have different terms for them — casitas, in-law suites, or granny flats — jurisdictions across Nevada dub them “Accessory Dwelling Units,” or ADUs: a structure that sits on the property of a primary residence or is an addition to a primary residence, and has its own kitchen and bathroom.
In 2024, Arizona passed a similar law to ease the housing crisis.
“Nevada, like much of the country, is experiencing an affordability crisis driven by a shortage of available housing. Home ownership and rental prices have skyrocketed, putting financial strains on families, young professionals, and retirees,” said Assembly Bill 396 author Assemblymember Shea Backus. The law aimed to clear some hurdles for homeowners: some jurisdictions prevented homeowners from having separate kitchens, and mandated much larger lot sizes to qualify for an ADU.
Cities and counties must make code changes by July 1.
Across the Las Vegas valley, various jurisdictions already have ADU laws on the books or have made changes to comply with the law’s language.
North Las Vegas: city staff tells FOX5 that the current code already complies with state law.
City of Las Vegas: An ordinance was introduced on Wednesday clarifying setbacks, ADU size, lot sizes and noting that only one ADU is allowed on the property.
City of Henderson: staff tells FOX5, the city made sweeping changes to expand ADU options in 2022 under recommendations from the American Planning Association; minor changes were passed last fall to fully comply with AB 396.
Clark County: according to county staff, on March 5, code changes passed by Commissioners went into effect, removing various limitations on lot size for “accessory living quarters”; a special use permit is needed for lots less than 4,000 square feet or within mobile or tiny home parks.
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