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Code Enforcement

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1. I need to complain! Who will listen?

Depending upon the type of complaint, you may need to submit a complaint form to Code Enforcement, the Police Department, the Public Works Department or the Southern Nevada Health District. The following is a list of common complaints and the department/agency that handles them, along with their contact information:
Police Department (702-293-9224)
- Parking violations on public streets and alleys
- Noise complaints
- Business being conducted without a business license (transient businesses)

Public Works Department (702-293-9200)
- Waste of water

Southern Nevada Health District (702-759-0697)
- Landlord / Tenant disputes (of unhealthy living situations)

Code Enforcement (702-589-9603)
- Public nuisances on private properties (green pools, weeds, dead vegetation, junk, etc.)
- Business being conducted without a business license (fixed locations)
- Illegal signs
- RVs occupied in a residential zone

2. What happens when I report a potential violation?

A case will be opened and an inspection conducted to investigate the potential violation. If a violation exists, the property owner will be contacted via a violation notice in the US mail and instructed to comply with code requirements. For most violations, the first violation notice provides a timeframe of 14 days to correct the violation.

3. I received a violation notice. Who turned me in? Why are you picking on me?

The complainant's information is always kept confidential while the case is open since the case may result in a citation. Also, the City wants the general public to feel comfortable reporting potential violations without the fear of retaliation.

Municipal codes are written to ensure the well-being of the community, not to judge the character of any one person. All codes apply to all citizens and in order to be effective, they must be enforced for every property equally.

4. Why am I responsible for a violation that existed before I bought the property?

Violations are tied to the property, not to the person who created them. Purchasing a property with existing violations makes you responsible for their removal. If you are curious about whether or not violations exist on a property, please contact our office. A quick search through our database can provide you with any current cases/violations.

5. There is a property in my neighborhood that has been vacant for some time. Can anything be done about it?

Vacant properties are tricky. Most times, the reason the property is vacant and falls into a state of disrepair is due to a foreclosure process. In this case, the property is in limbo and the City does not have a person or entity to contact for removal of violations. If you know of a property that is vacant, please report it and a case will be opened. The ownership records will be monitored regularly and action taken as soon as legally possible.

6. My neighbor's trees drop leaves and needles into my yard. Can anything be done about this?

This is a simple act of nature for healthy vegetation. Most times, knocking on your neighbor's door and asking them to trim branches that overhang your property line will solve the problem. If the vegetation is brown and dead, however, a case may be started for neglected landscaping.

7. What do I do if I see a green pool?

If a pool is not being properly maintained, please report it to the Code Enforcement Division. Until further notice, the Southern Nevada Health District is no longer handling these complaints.

8. May I drain my swimming pool into the street?

This depends upon the rate of discharge. If a swimming pool is to be drained slowly, say through a garden hose, then the water must be emptied through the emptying line (garden hose) and discharged into the sewer or street. If the pool will be drained using a hose larger than 2 inches, a special permit may be required. Part of this special permit is the review process that includes a review of the discharge calculations to ensure the slug of water will not negatively impact the city's sanitary sewer system. If you believe a special permit may required to drain your pool, please contact the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department at 702-293-9200.

9. May I park or store a vehicle in the street?

No vehicle shall be parked on any street for a period of time longer than 24 hours, except in an area contiguous to his residence. If you believe a vehicle is parked illegally on a City street or alley, please contact the Police Department at 702-293-9224.

10. What is considered a junk vehicle?

A junk vehicle is any vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, abandoned, discarded, stripped, scrapped, up on blocks or rendered inoperative. A person shall not leave a junk vehicle upon private property within the city for a period of time in excess of 72 hours.

11. May I keep a vehicle that is inoperable?

Yes, if the vehicle is placed in a completely enclosed building or not visible from any public way or adjoining property. A car cover does not satisfy the intent of this requirement.

12. May I repair my vehicle at my house?

Yes, if the vehicle is owned by and registered to a permanent resident at the location where it is being repaired. However, repairing multiple vehicles for money or barter is prohibited in a residential zone, as it is not permitted as a home occupation.

13. May I store a recreational vehicle or trailer on my property?

A recreational vehicle or trailer can be stored on an approved driveway such as concrete or asphalt paving, gravel or chat which extends the full length and width of the stored item. Vehicles and trailers cannot be parked on dirt or grass or within 1 foot of an adjacent public street or sidewalk.

14. May I park a vehicle in the front or side yard of my property?

Yes, as long as the vehicles are stored on an approved driveway of concrete or asphalt that extends the full length and width of the vehicle.

15. May I post temporary signs on utility poles and/or other devices in public rights-of-way?

Temporary signs shall not be attached to utility poles, fences, or trees. If a temporary sign is to be posted for a business during a grand opening period, the business owner must first obtain a temporary sign permit. Once approved, all signs must be secured to the building, interior parking lot light pole, or ground. Temporary signs may not flash, blink, be illuminated, spin, rotate, block traffic visibility, constitute a vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazard, or cause a public nuisance of any kind.

16. May a business be conducted from a residence?

It depends upon the business activity. Any business wishing to use their home for their place of business must first apply for a Home Occupation Permit through the Community Development Department. Certain criteria must be met before receiving approval. After receipt of the Home Occupation Permit, a business license may be issued.

17. How many garage / yard sales may I have each year? Is a permit required?

A garage sale shall be restricted to 2 per calendar year per residence, each lasting no longer than 3 consecutive days. A permit is required and may be obtained in the Utilities Office in City Hall.

18. May I advertise my garage sale?

One single-faced sign containing not more than 4 square feet in total area may be placed upon residential premises where the sale of personal property has been permitted for the duration of the sale only. Any signs posted in rights-of-way are illegal and subject to confiscation by the City.

19. Where can I store my trash can and recycle bins?

Trash cans and recycle bins must be stored behind a fence or in a garage. On collection days, they may be stored on the sidewalk, as early as 10 hours prior to the day of pickup. For example, if your collection day is Wednesday, you may store your cans on the sidewalk on Tuesday evening; they must be stored properly by midnight on the day the refuse is collected.