Commission approves code changes to allow mixed‑use and multifamily in commercial zones to conform with AB 241

The Planning Commission approved amendments to Titles 19.12 and 19.18 to bring the Las Vegas Municipal Code into compliance with Assembly Bill 241, which requires governing bodies to allow multifamily housing or mixed‑use development in commercial zones.

Holden Weisman, a city planner, explained the changes: mixed‑use will become a conditional use in several commercial zones where it had been prohibited or required a special use permit, and the code’s definition of mixed‑use will be broadened to allow horizontal as well as vertical integration of residential and commercial uses.

“We’ve approved a few different projects as mixed‑use projects even though they lack those elements of traditional vertical integration,” Weisman said, citing prior city practice and alignment with the 2050 Master Plan. Staff and the commission noted the change will promote redevelopment opportunities and increase housing supply.

The commission voted to approve the text amendment and will send the ordinance to City Council for final adoption.