Nevada HOA parking rules: Examples and more

Discover Nevada HOA parking rules, from assigned parking to guest parking and learn everything you need to know about HOA parking rules! Whether you live in a master-planned community in Las Vegas or a single-family association in Reno, managing parking can quickly become a pressing matter for your homeowners association (HOA). In this article, we’ll highlight common examples of HOA parking rules in Nevada, discuss how your board can enforce them, and review HOA parking penalties.

*The information provided in this article is not intended to supersede any advice provided by your general counsel or attorney, who should always serve as your legal advisors when creating or modifying rules for your HOA.
 

What are HOA parking rules?

HOA parking rules set the standards and expectations for how residents, guests, and service vehicles can park within your neighborhood. These guidelines can address things like whether on-street parking is allowed, how to use guest parking, where oversize vehicles can park, and when towing might occur. By establishing a clear policy, you help prevent disputes and maintain safety on streets and in shared areas.

In Nevada, HOA boards often outline these rules in the community’s governing documents — commonly the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and association bylaws. Once a set of parking standards has been approved, it’s up to the HOA to communicate them to residents and visitors. Although some people assume parking rules are intuitive, communities differ widely. For instance, a suburban development might allow guests to park overnight in driveways, while a high-rise condo could restrict where moving trucks can load and unload. Having these details defined up front keeps everyone on the same page.

When your board is developing or updating guidelines, it’s critical to consult with both your association attorney and your property management company. This can help confirm that the community’s approach aligns with Nevada law, and that everyone in your community is on the same page about towing and notification procedures.
 

Nevada HOA parking rules examples

To help keep misunderstandings and violations to a minimum, you might consider implementing some of these rules as part of your Nevada HOA’s parking policy.

• Assigned parking: Homeowners are required to park only in their designated parking spots, so each resident has access to their assigned space. If unauthorized vehicles are found in these spots, they may be subject to fines or towing, depending on the HOA’s rules.
   
• RV, boat, or oversize vehicle restrictions: Some Nevada HOAs allow short-term parking for recreational vehicles, while others prohibit it altogether. Some communities also provide separate storage areas or designated lots where these larger vehicles can be parked.
   
• Unregistered or inoperable vehicles: Vehicles parked within the community must be in working condition, free of fluid leaks, and have up-to-date registration. This helps prevent unsightly abandoned cars and helps maintain the overall appearance of the neighborhood.
   
• Guest parking: Many HOAs have designated guest parking areas that come with specific rules to prevent long-term use by residents. Some associations implement a time limit for guest parking or require visitors to obtain temporary permits to prevent abuse of these spaces.

FirstService Residential provides expert guidance to HOA boards in developing and enforcing fair, effective, and transparent rules. Our experienced team works closely with board members to understand the unique needs and dynamics of each community, helping to draft policies that reflect the values and priorities of residents. Leveraging industry best practices, we help our clients create rules that are not only aligned with local and state regulations but are also clear and enforceable.
 

How to enforce Nevada HOA parking rules

Even the most well-drafted rules can’t prevent all parking disputes. In cases where owners or visitors repeatedly break the guidelines, the HOA can impose certain penalties. These can include:

• Fines: Your governing documents should spell out how fines are assessed, along with any caps on amounts or how often they can be levied.
   
• Towing: State statutes like NRS 116.3102 grant HOAs the power to remove or tow improperly parked vehicles on private streets if the rules have been clearly stated. However, you generally need to post notice at least 48 hours before towing. This can be done either by conspicuously posting a notice on the vehicle or contacting the owner verbally or in writing. The 48-hour notice rule does not apply if the vehicle is blocking a fire hydrant or fire lane, blocking a parking space designated for the handicapped, or posting a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of a resident.
   
• Restricted use of amenities: Some associations suspend amenities (like pool or gym access) for persistent violations. Though this measure is less common for parking infractions, it can happen if the documents allow it.
   
• Revoking parking privileges: If your association controls specific parking passes or decals, it may revoke or limit those for owners who repeatedly disregard the rules.
   
• Contact the city or county for vehicles on public roads: Under Nevada law (NRS 116.350), boards typically cannot regulate vehicles on public roads that the city or county manages. If your community isn’t gated or enclosed, the association has limited authority over those streets. However, Nevada boards can ask the city or county to have the vehicle towed. Consult with your association attorney and property management company to help you determine what jurisdiction you have on the roads in your community.

FirstService Residential works closely with board members to navigate the complexities of evolving laws and community needs. Our experts provide guidance on evaluating existing rules and implementing changes that reflect your association’s vision.
 

Communication is key

Once your board has approved the parking policy, the next step is consistent communication. Residents may not realize they’re violating any guidelines if they don’t know them in the first place. It’s helpful to share reminders in community emails or at HOA meetings, especially ahead of holiday weekends or when new residents move in.

If your parking rules and regulations in the CC&Rs are too vague, homeowners may be confused about what constitutes a violation. By contrast, an over-restrictive policy can make life frustrating for those who live at or visit your community. To avoid legal trouble, it is important to have clear and reasonable HOA parking rules. Nevada HOAs should review their regulations to minimize confusion and increase clarity. 

For more information on how a property management company can assist with your Nevada HOA parking rules and more, contact FirstService Residential today.