Get Ready for Potential Nightmares

If you’re not from Las Vegas, you will be amazed at the zoning “norm” that exists here. For example, it is not unheard of to see a custom home one house away from a property zoned for farm animals, a few homes later commercial zoning, and one block later hotel casino zoning. A lot of this is a result of the city developing in spurts and stops rather than one smooth even flow. Also, the largest land owner in Las Vegas is still the US government. There are plenty of large parcels of land that are not developed, but owned and managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). When and if, the BLM decides to release a parcel for auction, it then can go through a re- zoning hearing.

When purchasing a brand new home, it is not uncommon to look at homesites that back up to existing vacant parcels. What is the zoning? Well, whatever it is today doesn’t mean it will stay that way tomorrow!

One local subject that has met with heated debate is the advent of “neighborhood casinos” over the last few years. One of the first in recent years is the hotel now known as Santa Fe. This casino, bowling alley, and skating rink was built around an existing neighborhood of 1/2 acre estate homes, custom lots and a major freeway. You can imagine the uproar caused by this. A similar controversy now surrounds the area by Rampart and Summerlin Parkway concerning The Resort at Summerlin. All this has led to yet more required disclosures and a “buyer beware” state of mind. In fact, as of September ’97, Realtors have been served notice that sellers of real property must provide to perspective buyers a copy of the most up to date Gaming Disclosure Map. This map shows the areas now approved for gaming and their relation to the neighborhood in which you may be purchasing. I suspect this debate between homeowners and developers of gaming properties will rage on!