PARKS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES

Las Vegas Municipal Code tit. 13, ch. 13.36

in effect

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.010 Definitions.

13.36.010 - Definitions. As used in this Chapter: "Camping or lodging" means an unpermitted lodging, dwelling, residence, shelter or other similar structure, or a settlement of possessions, that is kept or maintained in a defined area, or is kept or maintained under circumstances where the owners or occupants knew or should have known that the area would be viewed by park patrons, park security or law enforcement officers as intended for non-recreational use to the exclusion of other citizens, patrons or members of the public. The term includes without limitation any of the following activities: (A) Laying down bedding for the purpose of sleeping; (B) Using a tent, shelter or structure for the purpose of sleeping; or (C) Using a vehicle for purposes of sleeping. "Department" means the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs or, for purposes of issuing permits, such other department or function of the City that the City Manager may designate. "Director" means the Director of the Department, or the Director's designee. "Hours of closure," with respect to a park or recreational facility, means the hours during which that park or recreational facility is closed, either as indicated on signs that have been posted pursuant to LVMC 13.36.110(B) or, as applicable, the prima facie hours of closure described in LVMC 13.36.110(C). "Indoor recreation center" means a building owned or operated by or on behalf of the City and dedicated to public use for indoor recreational activities. "Park" means an outdoor area owned or operated by or on behalf of the City and dedicated to public use for recreational purposes. "Public plaza" means: (A) Boulder Plaza, located at Main Street and Boulder Avenue; (B) Centennial Plaza, located at Fourth Street and Lewis Avenue; and (C) Any other open outdoor area that is: (1) Owned or operated by or on behalf of the City; (2) Designed for use as a gathering place for the public or for public enjoyment of cultural activities; and (3) Designated as a public plaza by resolution of the City Council. "Recreational facility" means an outdoor facility, together with associated structures and amenities, owned or operated by or on behalf of the City and dedicated to public use for recreational purposes. The term includes a recreational trail and a trailhead. "Recreational trail" means a paved or unpaved pathway with several entrance and exit points that has been designated and dedicated for public use for recreational purposes. "Trailhead" means the beginning point of a recreational trail, including any improvements or amenities that have been established at that location for the benefit of users. (Ord. No. 6816, § 126, 8-17-22; Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.020 Prohibitions.

13.36.020 - Prohibitions. (A) The following are prohibited within any City park, recreational facility or public plaza, including any parking area that serves the park, facility or plaza: (1) Glass beverage containers; (2) Remote control airplanes; (3) Remote control boats, except that battery-powered remote control boats may be used in any area that has been designated and posted to allow that activity; (4) Camping or lodging, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to Subsection (C); (5) Fires, except in barbecue facilities established in a park for that purpose; (6) Firearms, archery equipment or other weapons of any kind, except as otherwise provided in Subsection (D); (7) The hitting of golf balls, except at facilities specifically designed for that activity; (8) The use of park amenities for other than their intended uses, including without limitation washing clothes, bathing or showering (except in connection with the use of a swimming pool); (9) The driving or parking of vehicles in areas other than those established for such use, or in a manner that violates any applicable law or ordinance pertaining to moving and non-moving violations; (10) The performance of any stunts or wheelies, riding on handlebars, operating at unsafe speeds, or engaging in any other reckless behavior while operating an electric bicycle or electric scooter; and (11) The operation of an electric bicycle or an electric scooter at a speed of more than fifteen miles per hour. Nothing in this Paragraph 11 shall be deemed to prohibit the operation of an electric bicycle or an electric scooter in a City park, recreational facility or public plaza, if in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. (B) Smoking in any form is prohibited at any of the following locations within a park: (1) In or upon any area that has been designated and posted as a children's play area, or within fifty feet of any such area; (2) Upon or within fifty feet of any bleachers that are being occupied for purposes of observing sporting events or recreational activities; and (3) In or upon any sports field or within fifty feet of the sideline, perimeter fence, or other outer boundary or perimeter of a sports field that is marked as such. (C) On a case-by-case basis, the Director may permit overnight camping activities within a park or recreational facility if those activities are sponsored by the City or by a duly-recognized nonprofit youth development organization. (D) The prohibition set forth in Paragraph (6) of Subsection (A) shall not apply to: (1) Activities specifically approved under this Chapter in connection with a particular event; (2) The possession of firearms that is otherwise permitted by State law; or (3) The possession of a concealed weapon by a person who holds a valid permit to do so that has been issued under, or is recognized pursuant to, the provisions of NRS 202.3653 to 202.369. (E) A violation of LVMC 13.36.020(A)(10) or 13.36.020(A)(11) is a civil infraction. A first violation shall result in a fine of one hundred and fifty dollars. A second violation shall result in a fine of three hundred dollars. Subsequent violations shall result in a fine of five hundred dollars. Parents or guardians shall be held financially responsible for violations of LVMC 13.36.020(A)(10) or 13.36.020(A)(11) committed by a minor under their supervision. (F) Law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce the provisions of LVMC 13.36.020(A)(10) and 13.36.020(A)(11). (Ord. No. 6921, § 20, 8-6-25; Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.030 Prohibitions—Exceptions.

13.36.030 - Prohibitions—Exceptions. The following are prohibited within any City park, recreational facility or public plaza, except where specifically authorized by means of a license, permit or other written authorization, or at a location specifically designated and posted for that use by the Director: (A) Fireworks; (B) Music that is audible from a distance of fifty feet; (C) Off-highway vehicles; (D) Alcoholic beverages; (E) The sale of goods or services, or any other commercial use; (F) Noise disturbances that are in violation of Chapter 9.16; (G) Digging or staking, unless specifically approved under this Chapter in connection with a particular event using tents, bounce houses, or hot air balloons; or (H) The feeding of animal life inhabiting the park, recreational facility or public plaza, including without limitation wildlife, feral animals (such as rabbits), community cats as defined in LVMC Title 7, birds, waterfowl, and fowl. For purposes of this Subsection: (1) "Feeding" means intentionally making available for ingestion food items, including without limitation grain, seeds, greens, bread crumbs, and miscellaneous food scraps. (2) "Wildlife" means any wild mammal, wild bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, mollusk or crustacean found naturally in a wild state, whether indigenous to Nevada or not and whether raised in captivity or not. (Ord. No 6755, § 1, 11-4-20; Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.040 Rules and regulations/fees—Adoption.

13.36.040 - Rules and regulations/fees—Adoption. The Director, after such consultation with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission as deemed appropriate, may recommend to the City Council, and the City Council may adopt in accordance with LVMC 13.36.050: (A) Additional rules and regulations for the use by the public of the City's parks, recreational facilities and public plazas; (B) Rules and regulations for the use by the public of the City's indoor recreation centers; and (C) A schedule of fees to be paid for certain uses of parks, recreational facilities, public plazas, and indoor recreation centers, and for certain services offered or provided to the public by the Department. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.050 Rules and regulations/fees—Means of adoption—Adjustments.

13.36.050 - Rules and regulations/fees—Means of adoption—Adjustments. By resolution, the City Council may: (A) Adopt rules, regulations and fee schedules described in LVMC 13.36.040; and (B) As deemed appropriate, delegate to the Director the authority to adjust one or more types of fees chargeable by the Department. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.060 Rules and regulations/fees—Maintained/posted.

13.36.060 - Rules and regulations/fees—Maintained/posted. (A) Any rules and regulations and any schedule of fees adopted pursuant to LVMC 13.36.050 shall be: (1) Maintained in the office of the City Clerk for review by the public upon request; and (2) Posted at each park, recreational facility, public plaza or indoor recreation center to which they apply. The posting of rules and regulations shall be done, at a minimum, at the following locations within such park, recreational facility, public plaza or indoor recreation center as applicable: (a) Each main entrance; (b) The center thereof; or (c) A combination thereof. (B) The prohibitions set forth in LVMC 13.36.020 and 13.36.030 shall be posted at each City park and recreational facility to which they apply. Such posting shall be done, at a minimum, at the following locations within such park, recreational facility or public plaza as applicable: (1) Each main entrance; (2) The center thereof; or (3) A combination thereof. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.070 Restrictions—Children's parks/play areas.

13.36.070 - Restrictions—Children's parks/play areas. No person other than a parent or guardian, babysitter, caretaker or other designee of a parent or guardian having sole or joint supervisory responsibility over a child shall visit, frequent, or be present in either of the following unless accompanying that child: (A) Any park which has been designated by the City Council as a children's park pursuant to LVMC 13.36.150; or (B) Any area within a park or recreational facility which has been designated and posted as a children's play area. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.080 Permits—Issuance.

13.36.080 - Permits—Issuance. (A) Any person who desires to use any park, recreational facility or public plaza of the City for any demonstration or other organized assemblage of seventy-five or more participants shall first apply and obtain a permit from the Director. For purposes of this Subsection (A), "participant" means any individual who, along with others, is gathered for a common purpose under the direction, control or invitation of a person or group of people. (B) Any person who desires to use any park, recreational facility or public plaza of the City for any picnic, celebration, or similar event at which seventy-five or more persons are reasonably expected to attend shall first apply and obtain a permit from the Director. (C) In addition to the requirements of Subsections (A) and (B), the Department may establish a permit requirement and associated policies for the purpose of allowing the reservation and the reserved use of: (1) Designated picnic or recreational areas, including park pavilions; (2) Designated athletic fields or venues in connection with organized athletic events sponsored or operated by the Department or other organizations; and (3) Designated areas in connection with recreational activities made available to the public in indoor recreation centers. (D) An application for a permit under Subsections (A) and (B) must be filed with the Department at least five working days in advance. Applications under Subsection (C) must be filed at least two working days in advance. The Director may establish less restrictive deadlines or waive deadlines regarding particular classes of activities that the Director may designate. (E) In connection with a permit authorizing the reserved use of an area or facility under Subsection (C), persons not part of the reserving group do not have the right to the use of that area or facility and may be excluded therefrom. (F) Subsections (A) and (B) of this Section do not apply to any event which is sponsored by the City. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.090 Permits—Conditions/denial—Appeal.

13.36.090 - Permits—Conditions/denial—Appeal. (A) The Director may deny or condition the issuance of any permit applied for pursuant to LVMC 13.36.080 in order to: (1) Protect the use and enjoyment of the park or facility for other members of the public; (2) Protect the health and safety of all persons who visit the park or facility; (3) Ensure that there is adequate parking and sanitary facilities to accommodate all persons who use the park or facility; (4) Protect the grounds, equipment, vegetation, buildings, fences and other amenities of the park or facility from damage, overuse or destruction; (5) Provide that the park or facility and the surrounding area is kept clean and free from debris; (6) Ensure that the group use does not disturb persons who occupy land which is nearby such park or facility. (B) The Director may deny a permit if an application is incomplete or contains inaccurate or misleading information. (C) In connection with the approval of a permit, the Director may require the applicant to: (1) Pay the additional costs that the City incurs, in excess of those that it incurs in connection with its normal maintenance of the park or facility in which the event is held, as the direct result of the event for which such permit is issued. In connection with such requirement, the City shall provide an estimate of such additional costs, which the applicant shall pay in advance of the permit being issued. The additional costs for which the permittee shall be responsible shall include without limitation the City's expenditures that are associated with the personnel and equipment that it uses in preparing for, supervising and cleaning up after such event. Any of such additional costs that exceeds the City's estimate thereof shall be enumerated in writing, and an invoice therefor will be forwarded to the permittee for payment. (2) Provide insurance coverage for the event in accordance with LVMC 13.36 100. Such insurance may be required whenever the risks associated with the event indicate that insurance coverage should be required, including without limitation the following types of events: (a) An event at which at least two hundred fifty persons are expected to attend; (b) An event open to the general public; (c) An event where admission is charged; (d) An event where alcoholic beverages are sold; (e) An event at which goods or services are sold or other types of commercial activity takes place; or (f) An event at which any potentially hazardous activity takes place, such as weapons, fireworks, mechanical rides, tents, bleachers, scaffolding or staging. (D) Any person who is aggrieved by the failure to issue such a permit or by a condition which is placed upon such a permit may appeal the same to the City Manager or a designee by written request filed with the Director. The Director shall forthwith provide a copy of the written appeal to the City Manager or designee, who shall provide written notice of the decision to sustain or deny the appeal within ten days after receipt of the written appeal. (E) The following may revoke or condition a permit for good cause, including without limitation that the activity or event authorized by the permit is being conducted in violation of this Chapter or represents a nuisance or a threat to the public health or safety: (1) The Director; or (2) The Director of Public Safety or a designee. (Ord. No. 6518, § 22, 4-6-16; Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.100 Insurance coverage.

13.36.100 - Insurance coverage. For events regarding which the Director requires insurance coverage, evidence of such coverage must be provided to the Director in advance of the issuance of a permit. Such evidence of coverage must be in the form of one or more certificates of insurance. Such certificates must cover all event activities, including all vendors that will be participating in the event, and must name the City as an additional insured. Such certificates must include the proper endorsements and be issued by one or more insurance companies authorized to do business in this State. Such certificates shall provide coverage that is designated for the premises on which the event will take place and shall specify such policy limits as shall be determined by the City, based upon the type of event, the number of anticipated participants or attendees, or both, and the park or facility at which such event will take place. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.110 Hours.

13.36.110 - Hours. (A) For each park, recreational facility or public plaza, the Director is authorized to establish hours during which the park, recreational facility or public plaza, or any individual component or amenity thereof, is open to the public and closed to the public. Such hours may be adjusted from time to time as deemed necessary, taking into account recreational needs, City resources, the impacts of public use on the park, recreational facility or public plaza and its surroundings, the character of the park or facility in relation to its surroundings, and other relevant considerations. (B) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (C), the Director shall cause to be posted in conspicuous places in or around the park, recreational facility or public plaza signs notifying the general public of the hours that the park, facility or plaza is closed. Such posting shall be done, at a minimum, at the entrance to each such park, facility or plaza. (C) The prima facie hours of closure for a park that contains no posting with respect to hours of closure shall be between eleven p.m. and seven a.m. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.120 Violations.

13.36.120 - Violations. It is unlawful for any person wilfully or in a criminally negligent manner to: (A) Violate any prohibition contained in LVMC 13.36.020 or 13.36.030 and posted in accordance with LVMC 13.36.060. (B) Violate any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this Chapter and posted in accordance with LVMC 13.36.060. (C) Violate LVMC 13.36.070. (D) Alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove any signs or other markings that have been posted in accordance with LVMC 13.36.050, unless authorized by the City to do so. (E) Damage, injure or deface any facilities or improvements located on the grounds of a park, recreational facility, public plaza or indoor recreation center. (F) Enter or remain in any park, recreational facility or public plaza during that location's hours of closure, unless in connection with a duly authorized improvement or maintenance activity or an activity that is specifically authorized by the Department. (G) Without having been issued a permit under this Chapter, make use of a park, recreational facility or public plaza, or portion thereof, in a manner that requires a permit under this Chapter. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.125 Violation of LVMC 13.36.030(H).

13.36.125 - Violation of LVMC 13.36.030(H). The maximum fine for a violation of Subsection (H) of LVMC 13.36.030 is ten dollars. In accordance with State law, a court may order the defendant to perform supervised community service in lieu of all or a part of any fine that may be imposed. (Ord. No. 6755, § 2, 11-4-20)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.130 Animals.

13.36.130 - Animals. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B), it is unlawful to bring or allow into any City park, recreational facility or public plaza any animal or fowl of any kind. (B) The following are allowed within a City park, recreational facility or public plaza under the circumstances indicated: (1) In any area designed as a dog park area, dogs that are not known to be vicious or dangerous are allowed with or without a leash. (2) Otherwise, dogs that are not known to be vicious or dangerous are allowed within any area of a park, recreational facility or public plaza, other than children's play areas or areas in use for athletic events, but only when on a leash not to exceed eight feet in length. (3) Horses are allowed on any roads, paths or trails designated for such use. (4) Other animals are allowed only as authorized by written permit. (C) Any person having custody or control of any dog or other animal within a City park, recreational facility or public plaza shall: (1) Carry at all times a suitable container or other suitable instrument for the removal and disposal of animal feces; and (2) Immediately remove and properly dispose of any feces deposited by that animal. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.140 Effect of license/permit.

13.36.140 - Effect of license/permit. The issuance of a license, permit or other written authorization for an activity or event under this Chapter does not affect the applicability of any licensing requirement or regulation contained in Title 6. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 13.36.150 Children's parks.

13.36.150 - Children's parks. (A) The following are designated as children's parks that are intended for the use of children twelve years and under, along with the children's parents, guardians or other persons responsible for and accompanying such children: (1) Heritage Park. (2) Fitzgerald Tot Lot. (3) Ethel Pearson Park. (4) That portion of James Gay Park located south of the easterly extension of the centerline of West Van Buren Avenue. (B) The City Council, by resolution, may from time to time designate other parks as children's parks. (Ord. No. 6226, § 2, 12-5-12)

Source: City of Las Vegas, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13STSIPUPL_CH13.36PAOTRECUFAFetched: 10/28/2026