The short version. You need a county license. The county hasn't accepted new applications since August 2023. Even when it reopens, a home must be at least 1,000 feet from other licensed rentals, at least 2,500 feet from resort hotels, and, if it's in an HOA, the HOA's documents must expressly allow short-term rentals.
1. A license is required, and applications are closed
Renting a home for less than 31 days in unincorporated Clark County requires a short-term rental license. The county took applications until August 21, 2023, and hasn't accepted new ones since (Clark County short-term rentals). A federal appeals court ruling and the county's next steps are covered by KTNV.
What this means for buyers: don't count on Airbnb income from a house that doesn't already hold a license.
2. The spacing rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1,000 feet from other licensed rentals | If another licensed rental is within 1,000 feet, your home can't get a license. Our free checker tests this against the county's license map. |
| 2,500 feet from resort hotels | Homes close to a resort hotel don't qualify. |
Both rules come from the county's short-term rental program (Clark County STR FAQ). The spacing map changes as licenses are issued or dropped, so a home that passes today may not pass later.
3. HOAs must expressly allow it
If the home is in an HOA or condo association, the association's governing documents must expressly allow short-term rentals (Clark County STR FAQ). Silence isn't enough. Ask for the CC&Rs before you make an offer, and look for leasing minimums or rental caps.
4. Limits if you are licensed
- Guests: 2 per bedroom, up to 10 per home.
- Pools and spas: outdoor amenities are off-limits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- First-year county fees: $945 for homes with 3 bedrooms or fewer, $1,695 for more than 3 bedrooms.
Source: Clark County STR FAQ.
5. The proposed changes (October 20, 2026)
A draft ordinance is scheduled for introduction at the October 20, 2026 county commission meeting. Introduction isn't adoption, so these are proposals. As drafted, it would:
- Replace the lottery with a first-come, first-served review of applications.
- Cap licenses countywide at 1% of housing units.
- Move the distance rules into the county's zoning code (Title 30).
- Make homes with unpermitted work ineligible. This is why permit history matters.
- Limit multifamily buildings to 10% of units.
- List fees including a $45 application fee and a $150 inspection fee.
Source: Clark County draft ordinance.
6. A quick checklist before you offer
- Confirm the jurisdiction. City and county rules differ.
- Run the 1,000-foot spacing check. Try the free checker.
- Get the HOA documents and look for express permission.
- Check permits for additions, casitas, pools and garage conversions.
- Plan your numbers around long-term rent unless the home already holds a license.
This guide is general information about published rules, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with Clark County Business License before you make a decision.