In response to complaints from residents and local businesses, the city of Las Vegas, NV (pop. 478,434) is targeting those who are illegally selling cars in vacant lots throughout the city. The departments of Detention and Enforcement and Neighborhood Services have teamed up to address this ongoing problem that contributes to blight in city neighborhoods.

The city set up the first of what will be a frequent joint enforcement effort to address ongoing zoning violations that result from vehicles being displayed for sale on vacant lots. 

On Saturday, July 30, city marshals and code enforcement officers issued multiple misdemeanor citations to individuals suspected of being involved in unlicensed auto sales at a city-owned lot. A total of three cars were towed and impounded Saturday, and an owner who removed two cars from the lot was issued four misdemeanor citations.

If found guilty of displaying vehicles in violation of zoning ordinances, a defendant can face up to a $1,000 fine and, or, be jailed for up to six months. 

Saturday’s enforcement action was located on city property, but Neighborhood Services code enforcement officers will be notifying private property owners to abate any chronic sales activities on vacant lots. These illegal car sales take place throughout the city and have been a problem in the older areas of the city, including Ward 3.

“Driving throughout the valley, we’re all accustomed to seeing cars for sale on vacant lots, but these so-called auto sales are illegal,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese, who has been working with the city departments to address the problem in his ward. “These cars are eyesores and contribute to the blight in the community. We need to put the owners on notice that if these illegal sales lots continue it’s going to continue to cost the violators.”

The city can take immediate action on illegal sales on city-owned land, and staff is working with property owners at private lots where these sales occur. Vehicles being sold in privately owned vacant lots will be noticed and towed after 24 hours if they aren’t removed. Property owners can have vehicles towed off their property immediately.

For more information, contact the city of Las Vegas Neighborhood Response Line at 702.229.6615.