Zoning Guide

West Wendover Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

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:
4,651
County:
Elko 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:
City of West Wendover
Municipal code:
View code online

Before you apply

  • Call the City of West Wendover: (775) 664-3081
  • 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 West Wendover and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of West Wendover(775) 664-3081
Building Code Edition
IBC/IRC (state-adopted)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Verify by district

West Wendover is a city of approximately 4,651 residents (2020 Census) in Elko County, Nevada. Located on the Nevada-Utah border along Interstate 80, West Wendover is known for its casino and hospitality industry, serving as a gaming destination for visitors from Utah and the surrounding region. The city sits at the western edge of the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Key Zoning Districts

West Wendover uses a district-based zoning system with residential, commercial, and industrial classifications:

  • R-1 (Single-Family Residential) — Low-density residential with 7,000 square foot minimum lots, 25 ft front setback, 6 ft side setbacks, 20 ft rear setback, and 35 ft height limit.
  • R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) — Allows apartments, townhomes, and duplexes with 20 ft front, 10 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks and a 45 ft height limit.
  • C-1 (Commercial) — Commercial district accommodating retail, office, hospitality, and service uses, including the casino properties that anchor the local economy.
  • I (Industrial) — District for manufacturing, warehousing, and industrial operations.

Check the West Wendover Municipal Code for complete dimensional standards.

ADU Regulations

Nevada does not have a statewide law mandating accessory dwelling units. No specific ADU provisions for West Wendover were identified in this review. Contact the city at (775) 664-3081 for information on whether accessory dwelling units or secondary residences are permitted in residential zones.

Building Permits & Development

West Wendover follows the International Building Code and International Residential Code as adopted at the state level. Contact the City of West Wendover for building permit applications, plan review, and inspection scheduling.

Official Sources

All information should be verified with official sources. Regulations may have changed since the date of last review.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in West Wendover

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Nevada

  • Building Code: IBC/IRC (state-adopted)
View Nevada zoning overview

County — Elko County

    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.
    • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

    Statewide Context (Nevada)

    Local data for West Wendover 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 West Wendover permit information →

    Official Sources

    City-specific

    City of West Wendoverwestwendovercity.comOfficial sourceWest Wendover Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source