Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Landscape architect, as used in these questions and answers, is a Nevada registered landscape architect, per NRS 623A, unless noted otherwise.

Does a set of plans stamped and signed by a landscape architect registered in a state other than Nevada meet the requirements for submittal in Nevada?

No. Only design professionals currently registered or licensed in Nevada may submit plans to a building department.

May a landscape architect over stamp documents prepared and stamped by an out-of-state architect or landscape architect for submittal in Nevada?

No. A Nevada landscape architect may only stamp design documents prepared by him or under his direct supervision.

May an owner, contractor or building official make changes to plans prepared by a landscape architect?

No. Changes or modifications to technical documents prepared by a registered professional may only be made by that professional or a professional meeting the criteria set forth in question LA-4.

May a Nevada landscape architect make changes to plans prepared by another Nevada registered or licensed professional?

Yes, with conditions. A Nevada landscape architect may revise or change plans prepared by another Nevada registrant or licensee under the following conditions:

1. Every reasonable effort must be taken to notify and obtain concurrence from the original design professional with respect to changes to the original plans.
2. The work must be within the scope of his practice.
3. The landscape architect initiating changes to the plans assumes full responsibility for those changes and their effects upon the remainder of the project.
4. Changes to the plans must comply with applicable state and local laws.

May individuals calling themselves landscape architect interns or landscape designers prepare and sell landscape and irrigation plans?

No. It is illegal to prepare and sell landscape documents if one is not registered or licensed to practice landscape architecture, architecture or engineering in Nevada.

May a landscape architect prepare and stamp site grading and drainage plans as part of a submittal for a permit?

Yes, such plans may be prepared or stamped by architects, landscape architects, residential designers or civil engineers. Land surveyors may prepare or stamp site grading and drainage plans as long as they are for residential subdivisions containing four lots or less.

May a Nevada landscape architect perform planning services?

Yes, a landscape architect may prepare site design and master plan documents, along with zoning applications, special use permit applications and other land use approval documents.

May a landscape architect prepare and stamp site plans that incorporate a variety of site amenities and features?

Yes, a landscape architect may prepare and stamp plans or details that include: garden pools, outdoor fountains, waterfalls, retaining walls, decorative walls, raised planters, fences, handicapped ramps, outdoor stairs/steps, play structures, pedestrian bridges, decks, gazebos, picnic shelters, trellises, patio covers and other similar on-dwelling structures that are incidental and necessary to a project’s dominant purpose.

May a landscape architect serve as the principal design professional on a multi-disciplined project?

Yes. Nevada architects, registered interior designers, landscape architects, residential designers and engineers may serve as the principal design professional, as long as they are providing services in conformance with their practice as defined in NRS. This role is described in the “Principal Design Professional” section of this manual.

May a landscape architect design 12-volt (low voltage) outdoorlighting systems and small-scale outdoor 120-volt electricalsystems?

Yes. A landscape architect may prepare and stamp outdoor electricallighting system plans, as long as the plans are incidental andnecessary to a project’s dominant purpose.

May a landscape architect plan for and develop a conceptualsite plan which locates the buildings on a project site?

Yes. A landscape architect can plan for and establish the relationship between the site and its structures for an overall site and landscape theme.

Who can stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in the state of Nevada?

Landscape architects, architects, residential designers and civil engineers may stamp landscaping plans and irrigation plans in Nevada.

Is it legal for the owner or tenant of a commercial building, or his representative, to perform the services of a landscape architect for work on that building without the benefit of registration under NRS 623A?

No.

May a landscape architect prepare and stamp erosion control/native revegetation plans and wetland mitigation plans?

Yes.