Committee backs ordinance to allow multifamily and mixed‑use housing in commercial zones

The Las Vegas recommending committee on May 4 voted to recommend approval of ordinance 2026‑16, a code amendment that would authorize multifamily and mixed‑use residential development as a conditional use in several commercial zoning districts.

Peter Lowenstein, who presented the item, said the amendment aligns local land‑use rules with Nevada Assembly Bill 241. “AB 241 requires local governments to adopt an ordinance authorizing multifamily housing development or mixed‑use development that includes a residential component on properties zoned for commercial use,” Lowenstein said, explaining proposed changes to Title 19.12.01 to permit mixed use in POO, CD, C1, C2 and CPB zones and to allow multifamily residential as a conditional use in CP zones.

Committee members asked whether the change represented a major policy shift or simply conformance with state law. Seth Floyd, Executive Director of Community Development, said the sponsor’s intent was to open more land for residential development and the local amendment brings city code in line with that state requirement. “The sponsor originally requested allowing residential in commercial zones as a matter of right; this amendment aligns our code language with the bill while retaining local standards,” Floyd said.

The committee opened a public hearing and, with no members of the public speaking, moved to recommend approval. The committee record shows the motion passed; the item is scheduled for adoption at the City Council meeting on May 20, 2026.

What happens next: City Council will consider the ordinance for adoption on May 20. If adopted, the municipal code definitions and conditional‑use rules cited by staff would be updated to reflect the change.