Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $1,500–$5,000 Governed by the Unified Development Code; fees include building and impact review.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety →

What's Required in Las Vegas

  • Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's area, max 1,200 sq ft
  • Detached ADUs (Casitas) are capped at a maximum of 1,200 square feet
  • Must follow compliance codes related to size, design, and utilities
  • ADUs are not permitted to be sold separately from the primary residence
  • Minimum space allocation required for independent living (kitchen and bathroom)
  • One additional off-street parking space is typically required per ADU unit

How Much Does an ADU Permit Cost in Las Vegas?

Budget $1,500–$5,000 for the Las Vegas permit itself (valuation-based), issued by the City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety — but treat that as the entry fee, not the total. ADUs are full dwelling units, so the permit stack usually includes building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits, plus plan review. One local note: governed by the Unified Development Code; fees include building and impact review. Get an itemized fee estimate from the department before finalizing your budget; the spread between a simple conversion and a new detached build is wide.

ADU Size Limits and Zoning Rules in Las Vegas

Before drawing plans, check the two gates that sink most ADU projects: size and zoning. Size ceilings vary by lot and ADU type (attached, detached, or conversion), so confirm your specific configuration. Other recorded conditions: one additional off-street parking space is typically required per ADU unit. Setbacks, height limits, and utility connections layer on top of those rules. The City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety can confirm what your specific lot allows — worth doing before you pay for architectural drawings rather than after.

How to Get a ADU Permit in Las Vegas

1

Step 1: Zoning Verification

Confirm lot size and setbacks for ADU eligibility via the Planning Division.

2

Step 2: Professional Plans

Secure IRC-compliant architectural and structural plans.

3

Step 3: Portal Submission

Submit a 'Residential New Construction' application via the dashboard.

4

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay building fees and any proportional impact fees (estimated $1,500+) online.

5

Step 5: Full Inspections

Schedule the complete series: Foundation, Framing, Rough MEP, and Final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, on qualifying single-family lots; detached units are capped at 1,200 sq ft.
Permit and review fees typically start around $1,500 and increase with unit size.
Typically 1,200 square feet for both attached and detached units.