Las Vegas recommending committee adopts code updates and two annexations, defers pet-shop measures

The Las Vegas recommending committee on June 30, 2025, approved several ordinance updates and two voluntary annexations and deferred two pet-shop measures for 30 days, the panel said.

The committee voted to readopt the city code provision that incorporates state misdemeanors into city misdemeanors, approved amendments to tiny-house park standards that expand allowable zones and reduce parking requirements, and advanced two voluntary annexations; both pet-shop-related bills were placed in abeyance and will return to the recommending committee on Aug. 4, 2025.

Why it matters: readopting state misdemeanors in city code keeps the municipal code aligned with changes at the state level and avoids legal challenge to the city's incorporating ordinance. Changes to the tiny-house-park rules alter where tiny-house parks may locate within the city and reduce parking requirements, which could affect development patterns in medium- and high-density neighborhoods. The annexations are small, voluntary parcels the city says could facilitate future development in nearby areas.

Minutes and procedural votes The committee opened the meeting and closed the public-comment period for action items with no speakers. The panel approved the recommended committee minutes from May 19, 2025, by motion and vote (item 4). The motion to approve the May 19, 2025, minutes was moved and carried; no public speakers addressed the minutes.

State misdemeanors readoption (Bill 2025-11) The committee heard Bill 2025-11, described as “readopt LVMC 10.02.010 to make state misdemeanors city misdemeanors.” City Attorney Jeff Dorcak presented the bill and said the city brings this update every two years after the state legislative session. “This is a bill that our office brings forward every 2 years after the legislature is done,” Dorcak said, explaining the purpose is to incorporate new state misdemeanor offenses into city law and avoid procedural challenges to the city's incorporating ordinance. The committee approved the bill; staff said it will be scheduled for the City Council meeting on July 2, 2025.

Tiny-house park code amendments (Bill 2025-12) Bill 2025-12 proposes amendments to LVMC Title 19 to update standards for residential tiny-house parks. The item was described in the agenda as proposed by Seth T. Floyd, director of community development; Peter Lowenstein spoke on the item. Lowenstein summarized the changes: “This bill is proposing to amend the residential tiny house park segment of the code ... It will now expand residential tiny house parks into the R3 and R4, which is medium density and high density zoning districts, and has associated conditions and revises the parking requirements from 2 spaces to 1 space requirement.” The recommending committee approved the bill and staff said it will be heard by the City Council on July 16, 2025.

Pet-shop regulation and penalties (Bills 2025-13 and 2025-14) Two related bills affecting LVMC Title VII were on the agenda. Bill 2025-13 would amend provisions related to regulation of pet shops, including animal enclosures, disease control and quarantine, and warranties for sale of dogs under 12 weeks; the agenda listed Councilwoman Victoria Seaman as sponsor. Bill 2025-14 would amend penalties under LVMC Title VII and prohibit newly licensed pet shops from selling dogs, cats, rabbits or pot-bellied pigs; the agenda listed Councilman Nancy Bruni and Mayor Shelley Berkley as sponsors.

Both pet-shop items were placed in abeyance for 30 days and will return to the recommending committee on Aug. 4, 2025. The committee member who moved abeyance stated the delay as a motion; the motion passed by voice vote in committee.

Annexations (Bills 2025-15 and 2025-16) Two voluntary annexation requests advanced. Bill 2025-15 (annexation 20Five-one18ANX1), petitioned by Rohany Family Trust, covers approximately 0.71 acres north of Rocky Avenue and west of U.S. 95; the agenda listed the parcel as zoned H2. Peter Lowenstein said, “this is a voluntary annexation ... this and the next item are in very close proximity and will facilitate development up in that area in the future.” The committee approved the annexation; staff will present it to City Council on July 16, 2025.

Bill 2025-16 (annexation 20Five-one48ANX1), petitioned by New Era Global Investments, covers approximately 2.41 acres southeast of the intersection of Trails Avenue and McKinister Road, zoned H2. Staff described that item as a voluntary annexation and said all paperwork was in order. The committee approved the annexation; it will be heard at the July 16, 2025 City Council meeting.

Citizen remarks and retirements During the citizen-participation portion, committee members noted retirements. The meeting included brief remarks recognizing Mr. Valesteed’s 44 years of service and noting this as Mr. Ford’s final recommending committee meeting. Mr. Valesteed said, “I've seen enough.”

What happens next Approved items will move to the full Las Vegas City Council on the dates listed above for final consideration; the two pet-shop measures will return to the recommending committee on Aug. 4 for further consideration.