Accessory Dwelling Unit - Rural

Rev 6.3.24

What is a rural accessory dwelling?

A rural accessory dwelling unit (RADU) is an additional smaller, subordinate dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or new house. An RADU is an attached dwelling unit that provides a greater range of housing types in Rural and Resource lands while maintaining rural community character and ensuring the conservation, enhancement, and protection of resource lands.

An attached RADU means sharing a common wall or walls. A rural accessory dwelling unit that meets the requirements of this code section may be allowed in the R-20, R-10, R-5, RC-1, RC-2.5, AG-20, FR-40, FR-80, and AG-WL zones, except as noted in the code.

What conditions will allow for the establishment of an RADU?

A rural accessory dwelling unit may be created through the following:

Internal conversion within an existing dwelling;
Additions to an existing house or attached garage;
Conversion of an attached existing garage; or
Inclusion as part of construction of a new single-family dwelling.

Does a rural accessory dwelling need a building permit?

Yes. An RADU shall comply with applicable building, fire, and health and safety codes. An RADU cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by Building Safety.

Do I have to connect to water and septic?

Yes. A rural accessory dwelling unit shall connect to water and a septic system. A Clark County Public Health Septic System Release/Water Adequacy Verification form needs to be completed by Public Health prior to the issuance of the building permit. If you have access to Clark Public Utilities Water, then you must visit the utility and have them document the availability of water prior to the issuance of the building permit. A fire flow letter may be required.

What is the maximum area allowed for a rural accessory dwelling?

Accessory dwelling shall not exceed 1,500 square feet. However, under some circumstances, larger units are allowed as follows:

The total floor area of a basement RADU may be used, however the RADU shall not exceed the size of the primary dwelling unit and must have an exterior entrance.

Are there any restrictions on building heights?

The building height is limited to the height restrictions of the zone.

Can I have a rural accessory dwelling unit if I am operating a home business?

You may have an accessory dwelling if you are operating a Type I home business, but not a Type II home business.

What about impact fees?

You are required to pay impact fees. Clark County is providing an incentive by waiving seventy-five percent (75%) of school and transportation impact fees at the multi-family rate.

Can I establish an RADU if there are two single-family units on the lot?

You may not establish a rural accessory dwelling unit on a lot of record with two or more single-family residences. (CCC40.260.020(B)(2)

What is the application process?

An application form and the Accessory Dwelling Unit Application and Checklist must be completed and submitted. Whomever creates the LMS account will be the person listed as the contact on the application and will be the only person that will be able to upload application items and pay the required fees.

The application packet will be reviewed by Clark County staff to determine if the applicant has satisfied all the applicable conditions.

What if I didn’t provide all the required information?

Applications with incomplete information will be sent back for corrections via ProjectDox. If the applicant fails to provide all required information, staff cannot act on the agreement and decision form until the applicant provides the information identified in the packet.