Clark County staff outline ADU rules, fees and permit steps at public learning lab

Clark County Community Development permit technicians held a public learning lab to explain new and existing rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including differences between urban and rural ADUs, impact-fee incentives, permit intake and utility requirements.

County staff said rural ADUs must be attached to the primary residence, while urban ADUs may be detached or attached. County presenters said square-footage limits differ by zone: most urban ADUs are capped at 1,000 square feet, but a single ADU may be up to 1,500 square feet on lots of at least 20,000 square feet; where two ADUs are allowed the combined maximum is 2,000 square feet. Staff also said manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, may qualify as ADUs if they meet state standards and permitting requirements.

The county emphasized that every ADU requires utility connections and approvals from water and sewer purveyors. Owners on septic must obtain approval from the Clark County Health Department; county staff warned that properties within about 300 feet of a public sewer line may be required to extend the sewer to the property’s furthest lot line at the owner’s expense. County staff also explained that Clark County assesses reduced impact fees for ADUs: 25% of standard road, parks and school impact fees for qualifying ADUs; guest houses and temporary hardship placements pay no impact fees.

Why this matters: ADU rules affect…