Las Vegas 2050 Master Plan

City of Las Vegas 2050 Master Plan identifies need to increase overall tree canopy to decrease the urban heat island effect and reduce air pollution. By using remote sensing imagery, the city mapped vegetated surfaces, the areas with the highest and lowest concentration of tree canopy coverage, and the hottest areas with large concentrations of impervious and low albedo surfaces. Results revealed populations vulnerable to extreme heat were areas with higher rates of poverty or homelessness, the elderly and young, and those who have preexisting medical conditions. The impacts of extreme heat are concentrated in areas with lower incomes and have higher rates of African American and Latino neighborhoods, especially those located within West Las Vegas, Charleston, and East Las Vegas. These areas are underserved by green infrastructure and cooling stations. Plan identifies the need invest in cooling infrastructure and developing urban design standards, like green infrastructure, specific building materials, use of shade structures, active and passive cooling and green roofs.

Plan also identified need to use less concrete, revise drainage regulations for new development, and implement LID green infrastructure techniques can decrease the expected increase in runoff. Mojave Desert oriented green infrastructure and Low Impact Development (LID) design standards that utilize native and adaptive plant species to be incorporated into Title 19 and other Public Works standards, include:
• Xeriscaped bioretention areas, including in amenity zones, buffer areas, parks, civic spaces, and parking lots
• Curb extensions and openings
• Permeable pavements
• Sediment basins

To implement these strategies, plan identifies a need to amend and re-evaluate relevant chapters of its municipal code to strengthen urban forestry, landscape requirements, and establish fee-in-lieu. The plan also identifies a need to allow and incentivize green roofs and amend requirements for building surfaces and materials to reflect sunlight and absorb heat.