Boulder City Zoning Regulations & Building Permits
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 16,401
- County:
- Clark County
- State building code:
- Nevada adopts IBC through State Public Works(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- Boulder City Community Development
- Municipal code:
- View code online
Before you apply
- Call the Boulder City Community Development: (702) 293-9282
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Boulder City and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Boulder City is a unique community of approximately 16,400 residents in Clark County, Nevada, located near Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Unlike most cities in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, Boulder City operates under a controlled growth ordinance that limits the pace and amount of new residential development. This growth management approach, approved by voters, makes Boulder City one of the few municipalities in Nevada that actively restricts new housing construction. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning ordinance, codified in the Boulder City Municipal Code.
The code divides the city into six primary zoning districts -- three residential (R-L, R-M, R-H), two commercial (C-1, C-2), and one industrial (M) -- each with specific standards for lot size, setbacks, height, and permitted uses.
Controlled Growth Ordinance
Boulder City's controlled growth ordinance is a distinguishing feature of the city's regulatory framework. The ordinance limits the number of new residential units that can be built each year and places restrictions on the disposition of city-owned land for development. This voter-approved measure is intended to preserve the small-town character and quality of life that residents value. Developers and property owners should be aware that this ordinance may significantly affect the feasibility and timeline of new residential projects. Contact Community Development for current details on growth limits and their impact on development proposals.
Residential Zoning Districts
Boulder City's residential districts range from low-density single-family zones (R-L) to higher-density multi-family areas (R-H). The R-L and R-M districts are primarily for single-family homes, while R-H permits multi-family housing including apartments and townhomes.
| District | Type | Min Lot Size | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-L | Residential Low | 10,000 sq ft | 25 ft | 8 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| R-M | Residential Medium | 7,000 sq ft | 20 ft | 6 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| R-H | Residential High | Varies | 20 ft | 10 ft | 20 ft | 45 ft |
The R-L and R-M districts share a maximum building height of 35 feet. The R-H district allows buildings up to 45 feet to accommodate multi-family development. Rear setbacks are consistent at 20 feet across all residential districts.
Commercial and Industrial Districts
The C-1 (Local Commercial) district is intended for smaller-scale, neighborhood-serving businesses, while C-2 (General Commercial) accommodates a broader range of retail, office, and service uses. The M (Industrial) district serves manufacturing and warehousing needs. Consult the municipal code for specific dimensional standards in these districts.
ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Boulder City does not currently have a specific ordinance authorizing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Nevada has limited statewide ADU provisions, and local jurisdictions maintain significant control over accessory dwelling regulations. Given Boulder City's controlled growth ordinance, ADU policies may be particularly restricted. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling should contact Community Development at (702) 293-9282 for guidance on what is currently permitted.
Development Process
Development in Boulder City generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the Community Development department. The process typically involves:
- Growth Ordinance Review -- Determine whether the controlled growth ordinance affects your proposed project, particularly for new residential construction
- Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district by reviewing the municipal code or contacting Community Development
- Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review by the Planning Commission
- Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents that comply with the state-adopted IBC/IRC
- Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance or rezoning through the Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Boulder City, property owners should:
- Understand how the controlled growth ordinance may affect your project, especially for new residential construction
- Verify the zoning classification of your property by contacting Community Development or reviewing Clark County records
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for your specific zoning district
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations that may apply
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply to the property
- Contact Community Development at (702) 293-9282 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Boulder City and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes and the controlled growth ordinance are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Boulder City Community Development or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Boulder City
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Clark County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, and regional planning coordination.
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Some Boulder City neighborhoods have HOAs or deed restrictions that may impose requirements beyond city zoning. Check CC&Rs before starting a project.
Statewide Context (Nevada)
Local data for Boulder City is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Nevada and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- Nevada adopts IBC through State Public Works
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- No
- Wildfire Zones
- Yes
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Boulder City permit information →Official Sources
City-specific