Sub-sections in this division:
ADA Accessibility — Accessible Routes on Private Site
All site improvements on multifamily and non-residential projects must provide accessible routes per ICC A117.1-2017 (adopted by reference through IBC Chapter 11). Accessible route requirements: minimum 44-inch clear width (36 inches where not a primary route), maximum running slope 1:20 (5%), maximum cross-slope 1:48 (2%). Accessible parking spaces: van-accessible spaces minimum 11 ft wide with 5-ft access aisle; standard accessible spaces minimum 8 ft wide with 5-ft access aisle. Curb ramps at all accessible route crossings of curbs: maximum slope 1:12 (8.33%), minimum width 36 inches, detectable warning surface required. Single-family residential is generally exempt from ADA; multifamily with 4+ units must provide accessible units per Fair Housing Act.
IBC 2024 Chapter 11 / ICC A117.1-2017 / ADA Standards for Accessible Design
ADA Accessibility — Pool and Amenity Areas
Swimming pools serving multifamily or common-use facilities must provide at least one accessible means of entry per ADA Standards Section 242: primary entry must be a sloped entry (ramp to water) or pool lift; secondary entry if pool has 300+ linear feet of wall. Spas: at least one accessible entry (pool lift or transfer wall). Accessible route from accessible parking to pool entry required. Recreational facilities (sport courts, playgrounds, clubhouses): must comply with ADA Standards Sections 206–240 for accessible routes, clear floor space, reach ranges, and operable parts. Playground equipment: 50% of elevated play components accessible via ramp or transfer system per ADA Standards Section 240.
ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Sections 240-242 / IBC Chapter 11
ADA Accessibility — Public Sidewalks and Pedestrian Ramps
All public sidewalks and pedestrian facilities in public right-of-way must comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and PROWAG (Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines). Pedestrian curb ramps: maximum slope 1:12 (8.33%) in direction of travel, maximum 1:48 (2%) cross-slope, minimum 48-inch clear landing at top, detectable warning surface (truncated domes) 24 inches deep across full width in yellow or contrasting color. Sidewalk cross-slope maximum 2% (1:48). Sidewalk running slope follows roadway grade; where grade exceeds 5%, handrails are required at 8.33% or steeper. Accessible pedestrian signals required at signalized intersections per MUTCD. Developer is responsible for installing compliant curb ramps at all intersections within or adjacent to the subdivision.
ADA Standards for Accessible Design / PROWAG / MUTCD / Henderson Development Code Chapter 19.14
Air Sealing — Blower Door Test Required
Residential units in Climate Zone 3 must achieve 3.0 ACH50 via third-party blower door test. Alternatives: 4.0 ACH50 non-sprinklered, 4.5 ACH50 sprinklered. Qualifying air barriers include: 1/2 in gypsum board, 5/8 in Portland cement stucco, closed-cell spray foam (1.5 in min), and others per IECC C402.6.2.3.1.
IECC R402 / C402 (Climate Zone 3)
Carbon Monoxide Alarms — Placement
Required outside each sleeping area and inside sleeping area when fuel-burning appliance is within or accessible only through that sleeping area.
IRC R311.3 (locally amended)
Civil Plan Prerequisites — Henderson
Before civil improvement plans can be accepted: (1) Approved TIA or exemption letter, (2) Approved Technical Hydrology Study or exemption, (3) Water Hydraulic Analysis approval, (4) Geotechnical report (4 copies, sealed, within 1 year), (5) Conditions of Approval from Planning, (6) 60% Design Review completion from Utility Services for backbone water/sewer, (7) Grading permit application submitted to Building Division.
Henderson Civil Improvements Submittal Checklist
Drainage Study — When Required
A drainage study by a registered Nevada Civil Engineer is required before civil improvement plans can be accepted. Not required for projects under 2 acres outside FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas that are not adjacent to a CCRFCD facility.
Henderson Development Code Section 19.14.6
Electrical Service — NEC 2023 with Southern Nevada Amendments
Electrical work governed by 2023 NEC with Southern Nevada Amendments. Standard new residential service is 200-amp minimum. NV Energy Electric Service Requirements (Southern Nevada) govern utility service conductors and meter installation. Pool electrical: minimum #10 wire feeder with 30-amp breaker; timer boxes are NOT permitted as disconnect for pool motors.
2023 NEC (Clark County Amended) / HMC Chapter 15.28
Fire Hydrant Spacing — Residential Areas
Maximum hydrant spacing 600 ft in residential areas. At least one hydrant within 100 ft of subdivision entrance. Hydrants placed at all intersections first, then alternating spacing along streets.
2024 IFC Southern Nevada Amendments, Appendix C
Gas Piping — CSST Bonding Required
Residential gas piping governed by Uniform Fuel Gas Code (part of UPC) and NFPA 54. Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) must be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system.
UPC / NFPA 54
Landscaping — Turf Restrictions (Henderson)
New turf in residential front yards is prohibited. Side and rear yard turf limited to 50% or less of total square footage. No new turf in common areas or medians. Front and street side yards must have desert/drought-tolerant landscaping with in-ground irrigation.
Nevada AB 356 / SNWA / Henderson Development Code Chapter 19.11
Plumbing — UPC Governs (IRC Chapters Deleted)
All residential plumbing is governed by the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with Southern Nevada Amendments. IRC Chapters 25–33 and 24–43 are deleted and replaced by reference to UPC. IRC Section P2904 for residential fire sprinklers is retained.
IRC Amendment (local) / HMC Chapter 15.20
Pool Setback from Structure — 60 Inches Minimum
Pool or spa must not be closer than 60 inches (5 feet) to any building or structure and must not encroach into public utility easements. Exception requires a Nevada-licensed Structural or Civil Engineer substantiation.
ISPSC Section 327.2 (locally amended)
Retaining Wall — Footing and Structural Design Requirements
Retaining walls over 24 inches (top of footing to top of wall) require a building permit and engineering by a registered Civil or Structural Engineer. Footing design must account for: lateral soil pressure (minimum 60 psf/ft unless geotechnical report specifies otherwise), surcharge loads, seismic forces (Seismic Design Category D), and hydrostatic pressure where applicable. Concrete minimum compressive strength f'c = 3,000 psi general; f'c = 4,000 psi where soils report indicates Exposure Class S2 (severe sulfate) conditions, which is common in Southern Nevada soils. Footings must extend below frost depth (minimum 12 inches below finish grade in the Las Vegas Valley). Required inspections: footing excavation, reinforcing steel placement, drainage/dampproofing before backfill.
IBC 2024 Appendix Q / IBC Chapter 18 / Henderson Municipal Code Section 15.08
Traffic Impact Analysis — Required Before Civil Plans
A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) must be approved before civil improvement plans are accepted. A master street light and traffic control plan is required for phased construction. Henderson Master Transportation Plan governs. NDOT Standards apply to state highway frontages.
Henderson Development Code Chapter 19.14
Uniform Standard Drawings — RTC (Clark County Area)
All public offsite improvements must conform to the Clark County Area Uniform Standard Drawings for Public Works Construction (published by RTC). Includes H-series (Henderson-specific) and C-series (Clark County) details. Available as PDF and DWG.
Clark County Area Uniform Standard Drawings
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation location, size, and calculations must be shown on plans. Table R806.5 is amended for Southern Nevada desert conditions, reducing minimum ventilation ratios compared to base IRC to account for the dry climate.
SNBO 2024 IRC Amendment, Table R806.5; R806
Decorative Water Features
Any manmade decorative water feature greater than 18 inches of maximum water depth must meet full swimming pool requirements. Features 18 inches or under on single-family residential property for exclusive family use are exempt.
SNBO 2024 ISPSC Amendment, Chapter 2 Definitions
Drainage Study Requirements
A Technical Drainage Study must be conditionally approved before submitting improvement plans. Minimum finish floor elevation is 6 inches above the highest adjacent top of curb. Minimum road slope is 0.4%; where this cannot be met, an 18-inch minimum storm drain must be provided.
CLV Minimum Drainage Study Criteria (Standard Form 2 Supplement, revised 5/7/26); LVMC 14.18.130
Electrical — Service & Load Calculations
For new structures, plans must show service load calculations, all outlets, lights, and smoke detectors. An auto-calculate residential electrical load calculation form (May 2026 version) is published by CLV. 2023 NEC is in effect as of January 5, 2026.
CLV Residential Submittal Requirements §1.7; 2023 NEC
Flatwork & Pavement Standards
Off-site concrete: Type V cement required, minimum 3,000 PSI @ 28 days, mix designs approved by City prior to use. AC pavement must be 1/2 inch above lip of all gutters after compaction. Asphalt mix design must be submitted and approved by City Engineer prior to placement in City ROW.
CLV General Notes §5, §8, §17 (Jan 2026)
Floor Live Loads
Sleeping room floor live load is set at 40 psf per SNBO local amendment (footnote: actual live load governs when known to exceed table values). All other residential floor live loads per 2024 IRC Table R301.5.
SNBO 2024 IRC Amendment, Table R301.5
Foundation Waterproofing & Dampproofing
Section R406.2 (foundation waterproofing and dampproofing) is specifically amended for Southern Nevada conditions. When basements are installed, plans must show a cross-section with materials, exterior waterproofing, and egress window well details.
SNBO 2024 IRC Amendment §R406.2; IRC R406
Governing Standards for Offsite Construction
All public offsite construction must comply with the Uniform Standard Specifications (USS) and Uniform Standard Drawings (USD) for Public Works Construction, Clark County Area Nevada. CLV Special Provisions and CLV General Notes (Jan 2026) supplement these standards and must appear on all civil improvement plans.
CLV General Notes §1 (Jan 2026)
On-Site Sewer Laterals
Each townhome lot must have an individual sewer lateral to its mapped lot. Sewer laterals shall not be located under residential driveways unless no alternative; if unavoidable, a traffic-rated cleanout per SD-24 must be installed outside ROW. PVC pipe: ASTM D-3034 SDR 35 with sand bedding.
CLV General Notes — Sewer Notes (Jan 2026); CLV DCSWCS Addendum §2.3.10
Pool Safety Barriers
For one- and two-family dwellings, barrier top must be at least 60 inches above grade (measured away from pool). For public pools: 72 inches minimum. Gate latch release for residential pools must be at least 54 inches above grade. Self-latching latches must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below gate top.
SNBO 2024 ISPSC Amendment §305.2.1, §305.3.3
Pool Size Limit — LVVWD 600 SF Cap
The Las Vegas Valley Water District limits the total combined water surface area of new swimming pools, spas, and water features on a single-family residential parcel to a maximum of 600 square feet. LVVWD must approve all pool/spa permits prior to CLV permit issuance.
LVVWD Service Rules; 2024 ISPSC
Public Sewer Main Standards
Public sewer mains located 5 feet from street centerline where possible; not closer than 8 ft from back of curb with sidewalk, 10 ft without. Minimum pipe: 6-inch for multi-family/commercial. Capacity: d/D = 0.50 max for 8-15 inch pipe. No HDPE allowed. C900 DR-25 preferred. No public pumping stations permitted in Las Vegas.
CLV DCSWCS Addendum (2019, 4th Ed., revised 02/24/2025) §2.3.2, §2.3.20, §3.7
Street Lights
New streetlight services: 200 AMP padmount, capacity for 20 or 24 circuits. All luminaires must be LED from CLV-approved fixture list. Empty conduit requires one green #8 AWG tracer wire. Luminaires adjacent to residential housing must have manufacturer-provided house-side shields.
CLV General Notes — Street Light Notes (Jan 2026); USS §623
Traffic Control During Construction
All permanent traffic control devices must be in place before opening any portion of road to public traffic. All permanent signs must use Type XI retroreflective sheeting per CCAUSS §627 and §716 with anti-graffiti overlay film.
CLV General Notes — Traffic Notes (Jan 2026); MUTCD latest edition
Traffic Signals
All traffic signal work requires an IMSA Level II Certified Technician on site. Approved controllers: Swarco McCain Flex or Econolite Cobalt with D4 software. All vehicle and pedestrian signal indications must be LED. Pedestrian push buttons: Audible tactile Polara iNavigator type, mounted 42 inches above sidewalk. Work within 300 feet of a signalized intersection must be performed at night.
CLV General Notes — Traffic Signal Notes (Jan 2026)
Truss Submittals
Truss design and shop drawings must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Nevada-licensed engineer and submitted prior to permit issuance (or via deferred submittal). The truss fabricator must appear on the Clark County approved fabricators list. The Engineer of Record must confirm truss calculations comply with design intent.
CLV Residential Submittal Requirements §1.3.C; IRC R802
Underground Utilities
Underground utilities are required by default. A waiver may be requested for non-underground utilities. Contractor must provide written documentation certifying all locating devices are placed and verified before road base construction. CLV does not use marker balls or pipe locator ribbon — uses open-trench utility survey inspection.
CLV General Notes §20–21 (Jan 2026)
Adopted Codes — Same SNBO Amendments as Henderson
City of North Las Vegas uses the same 2024 IBC, IRC, UPC, UMC, NEC, IECC, and ISPSC with Southern Nevada (SNBO) amendments as Henderson. All technical building requirements in Categories 1–5 are identical. Effective date: January 11, 2026. See Henderson entries for full technical details.
NLV Municipal Code Chapter 15.72 / NLV Current Adopted Codes
Civil Plan Compliance Requirements (NLV)
Civil plans must comply with: NLV Municipal Code Titles 16 and 17, Clark County Area Standard Drawings (with NLV supplement), NLV Master Plan of Streets and Highways, UDACS 2025 + NLV Addendum, DCSWCS 2019 + NLV Addendum, Water Service Rules, and NLV-specific development standards. Traffic Impact Analysis required or exemption letter from City Traffic Engineer.
NLV Civil Improvement Plan Review
Clark County Area Standard Drawings — N-Series (NLV)
All public offsite improvements must conform to Clark County Area Uniform Standard Drawings (RTC). Includes N-series drawings specific to North Las Vegas. Same fire hydrant spacing (600 ft max residential) and streetlight standards as Henderson apply.
NLV Municipal Code Title 16 Chapter 16.24
Drainage Study and Certification — Same as Henderson
Drainage study by registered Nevada Civil Engineer required before civil plan acceptance. Not required for projects under 2 acres outside FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas not adjacent to CCRFCD facility. Drainage waiver available for qualifying small projects. Drainage compliance certification required before final inspection.
NLV Municipal Code Title 16 Chapter 16.20
Landscaping — Two Trees Required Per Lot (NLV)
Each residential lot must have minimum two trees planted between sidewalk and front of house at time of construction, sized 24-inch box (minimum 1.5-inch caliper at 6 in above root ball). In-ground irrigation system required for front and street side yards. Front and corner side yards must have oasis, desert, or drought-tolerant landscaping with minimum 1.5 five-gallon shrubs per 50 sq ft.
NLV Municipal Code Chapter 17.24.060
Mandatory Residential Fire Sprinklers — All New Single-Family
All new single-family home permits issued on or after January 5, 2026 require an automatic residential fire sprinkler system. Technical standard: IRC Section P2904 / NFPA 13D. Both Henderson (since 2011) and NLV (since Jan 5, 2026) now require sprinklers for all new residential construction.
NLV Municipal Code Section 15.72.010(B)
Private Utilities — UDACS 2025 / DCSWCS 2019 (NLV)
Same UDACS 2025 (water) and DCSWCS 2019 (sewer) standards apply, with NLV-specific Addendums. NV Energy Electric Service Requirements (Southern Nevada) govern dry utilities.
UDACS 2025 + NLV Addendum / DCSWCS 2019 + NLV Addendum
Subdivision Improvements — Title 16 Chapter 16.24 (NLV)
Required improvements include: fire hydrants, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, pavement, aggregate base, streetlights, street name signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, traffic control devices, survey monuments, sewers, utilities, flood control and drainage facilities. All per Clark County Area Standard Drawings and NLV development standards.
NLV Municipal Code Chapter 16.24
Turf Restrictions — SNWA (NLV)
Same SNWA turf restrictions apply as Henderson. No new turf in front yards. Same AB 356 nonfunctional grass law applies. HOA common area and non-residential nonfunctional grass removal deadline: December 31, 2026.
Nevada AB 356 / SNWA