Clark County planning commission reviews biannual code amendments, including ADU, forest-practices and impact-fee changes

On April 17, 2025, the Clark County Planning Commission heard a presentation on proposed biannual amendments to the county development code that would align local rules with state statute and clarify procedures for accessory dwelling units, forest-practices permitting, impact-fee spending timelines, temporary hardship dwellings and rural lighting standards.

The amendments are scheduled for a public hearing May 15 and a Clark County Council hearing on July 1; staff said the package includes SEPA documents and that they filed the 60-day notice of intent with the state Department of Commerce. "What I have for you tonight is, what we call our biannual code updates," said Brent Davis, land use review manager in the Department of Community Development.

Why it matters: the package touches several substantive issues affecting housing, forestry and public infrastructure funding. Several changes are driven by state law and by requests from county departments and external partners, staff said. The commission used the work session to ask substantive questions and request clarifications ahead of the public hearing.

Key proposals and discussion points

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): Staff proposed multiple changes to conform to a state statute that limits local restrictions on ADUs. The draft would: add ADUs to use tables for residential and office-residential zones that allow existing single-family housing; allow up to two…