In Reno, NV, residential zoning laws play a big part in how the community grows. They make sure development is sustainable. These rules, set by Washoe County, guide how land is used for homes. They also help keep neighborhoods looking good. Anyone building or developing property in Reno needs to know these laws to make smart choices and follow the rules.

Washoe County doesn't just deal with how land is used for homes. It also looks at urban farms, green energy, and places for manufactured homes. For example, a law lets the county create farming zones in city areas¹. They also support using solar energy in houses¹. This shows a move towards using more green energy.

A recent survey in 2024 showed people in Reno like using Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for affordable living². Rules make sure ADUs are the right size and look right². ADUs help with living space issues. They can also be rented out, bringing in extra money and making properties more valuable².

It's important for everyone in Reno, from homeowners to big developers, to understand the building rules. Knowing what Washoe County requires helps make sure buildings fit with the area's future plans. Getting help from the county's online tools and talking to planning experts can make dealing with these rules easier.

Key Takeaways

• Washoe County zoning regulations aim to balance residential land use with urban development.
• The establishment of urban agriculture zones and renewable energy projects is encouraged.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) provide affordable housing options and can increase property values.
• The county offers various online services to assist residents and developers in property-related inquiries.
• Understanding local ordinances and zoning laws is crucial for sustainable and compliant property development.

Understanding Residential Zoning in Reno

Residential zoning is a key rule system that separates land into areas for different uses. It decides what activities, types of buildings, and their sizes are allowed. The goal is to help make communities safe, pretty, efficient, and able to grow economically.

Definition of Zoning

Zoning is how cities or towns divide land into zones to control land use. These rules help keep communities well-organized. In Reno, NV, zoning carefully mixes residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas.

Types of Residential Zones

There are many residential zones designed for various living needs. For instance:

• Single-family residential: The most common type, focusing on individual homes.
• Multi-family residential: For duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, making housing more affordable³.
• Mixed-use residential: Combines homes and businesses, usually in city centers.

Importance of Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations are crucial for safety, quality of life, and organized growth. In Reno, they help by making more affordable housing available. This is done by allowing buildings to have more units and simplifying approval processes for some projects³. The city's zoning also meets various housing needs, from low to high-density. Good zoning leads to sustainable community growth and well-being⁴.

Regulatory Zones in Washoe County

Washoe County's real estate has different zones for development and living. These zones help people understand local land rules. Knowing about these zones is key to dealing with land laws.

Low Density Rural (LDR)

LDR zone is perfect for those wanting a countryside life. It offers big lands for light residential use. This zone allows farming and few houses, keeping the rural feel alive. Houses need to be set a certain distance from the property edge⁵. With 25 rules for housing zones¹, it's important to know these rules in LDR zoning.

Medium Density Suburban (MDS)

MDS zones help with growing populations and offer more houses. These zones have single-family homes and small apartment buildings. They are near important services but keep a suburban feel. Setbacks in these areas vary to keep homes spaced well and look nice¹.

High Density Urban (HDU)

HDU zones are for city areas with many people. They allow big apartment blocks and condos. These areas are close to public places, transport, and main roads. Knowing HDU rules¹ helps developers make city projects that meet local guidelines.

How to Determine Your Zoning

Understanding your property's zoning is key if you're buying or already own a place. The Washoe Regional Mapping System (WRMS) is a great help. Just enter an address or an Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) to find out the zoning classification. This makes checking the zoning quick and ensures the information is right.

Using the Washoe Regional Mapping System

If you're new to the WRMS, there's a tutorial to help you. It shows you how to look up your property's zoning. This makes learning about your property's rules easy. The WRMS also keeps up with changes, like SB150, which requires new rules for small houses by January 1, 2024⁶.

Steps to Find Your Property’s Zoning

Here's how to easily check your property's zoning:

• Go to the WRMS website and click on the ‘Property Information’ section.
• Type in your address or APN into the search bar.
• Look at the results, which show your zoning and other important information.

WRMS helps you check your zoning and get updates fast. This is important in places where the zoning laws change quickly, like for small homes. In Nevada, homes smaller than 600 square feet are called small homes. They need at least 200 square feet to be allowed⁶.

Contacting Washoe County Planning

If you want more help, reach out to Washoe County Planning. They offer expert advice through one-on-one talks. You can meet them in person, call, or have an online chat. These planners will answer your questions and give you more details about your property.

In bigger counties and cities, zoning rules can be complex⁷. Places like Henderson and Las Vegas have their own rules, despite many small homes being there⁶.

Using these tools helps you check your property's zoning. This way, you follow local rules and make smart decisions about your property.

Permitted Uses and Activities

The Washoe County Code clearly explains what you can do with your property in different areas. Knowing these rules helps owners make smart choices about building and stay within the law.

Residential Use Table

The residential use table shows what buildings and activities are allowed in each zone. In Reno, how zoning rules set the stage for changes like turning a single-family house into a duplex⁸. It’s important for owners to look at this table to know what they can do with their land.

This table also tells you where you can add extra living spaces, known as ADUs, to your property. However, there are limits, like an ADU can only be half the size of the main house or at most 1,200 square feet⁸.

Accessory Structures

Accessory structures, like extra living spaces, are getting more common in homes. The Washoe County Code sets rules to keep the neighborhood looking good and safe. For example, building ADUs needs a detailed check to make sure they’re safe and follow the law. Plus, people at the city level are pushing for these units to help with housing needs and fill in city gaps³.

These regulations don’t just apply to ADUs but also to garages, sheds, and greenhouses. Knowing these guidelines helps homeowners use their zoning rights fully and improve their properties wisely.

Setback Requirements in Reno

Understanding setback requirements is key for following local rules and planning property projects in Reno. These rules tell how far buildings need to be from borders, ensuring space and good looks in the community.

Front Yard Setbacks

In Reno, front yard setbacks change based on the zoning of the property. Usually, they are between 15 and 30 feet. These distances keep the street look uniform and allow room for infrastructure and greenery.

Side and Rear Yard Setbacks

Side and rear yard setbacks have their own rules, like the front yard ones. They make sure buildings are far enough apart for safety, privacy, and a nice look. Side setbacks are often smaller than those for the front yard. Rear yard setbacks can vary a lot.

Exceptions for Certain Properties

Certain properties with special shapes or locations, like corner lots, have exceptions. Some areas in Reno allow smaller lot sizes by 20%, helping meet setback rules easier for homes facing main streets⁹. Also, local zoning allows for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Reno. This helps add affordable homes without needing more land. ADUs can be built on single-family residential zones, helping increase housing without breaking boundary rules¹⁰.

For details on zoning and permits for ADUs in Reno, Nevada, check the Nevada County official FAQ page.

Building and Construction Permits

In Washoe County, getting the right building permits is crucial for new builds and remodels. Every project needs the right permits to follow local codes and keep things safe¹¹.

When is a Permit Required?

You need a permit for lots of building or changing work. For example, building a big shed or adding a big deck needs a permit¹². Putting up a tall fence or doing major roof fixes does too¹².

Types of Permits

Permits can be for building, electric work, mechanics, or plumbing. Each one is for different parts of your project. Knowing the differences helps you get your permits faster. Some buildings, like those with dangerous materials, might take longer to get permits¹¹. Others might get approved quicker, helping you finish sooner¹¹.

How to Apply for a Permit

To apply for a permit in Washoe County, start by getting your documents ready. Tools like the project information sheet are very helpful. Make sure to check with local planners to know which permits you need¹¹. Then, hand in your application to the right county office. Working with the government can take a while, sometimes even years for big projects¹¹.

It's very important to make sure your project is safe and follows the rules. Keeping up with any changes in the laws will help your application go smoothly in Washoe County¹².

Residential Density and Lot Size

Washoe County's rules on residential density and lot size are vital for urban planning. They help set how many homes can fit in an area and how big the lots can be. This makes sure our communities are balanced and well organized.

Average Residential Density

In Washoe County, the number of homes per area changes based on zoning. For example, the Low Density Rural (LDR) zone has bigger lots and fewer homes, giving a more open living space. But the High Density Urban (HDU) zone allows for more homes in one area, perfect for apartments and denser living according to urban standards.

This variety in housing density helps use land well and meets different people's needs. The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) require that Planning Commissions in counties with over 40,000 people make sure these zoning rules are followed for orderly growth Master Planning¹³.

Minimum Lot Sizes

Rules on the smallest lot size help keep the area's look and use as intended. The Low Density Rural (LDR) zones have large lots to keep a country feel and have space for farming and big homes. Whereas Medium Density Suburban (MDS) zones have smaller lots fitting for suburban single-family homes.

The High Density Urban (HDU) zones have the smallest lots, made for building apartments and multiple home units. This setup helps increase the number of homes in city areas, using land well and creating a sense of community. Every property in Northern Nevada gets a Parcel Number (APN) and follows the master plan and zoning rules¹⁴.

By using these zoning rules, Washoe County meets both the law's demands and people's housing needs. Efforts like Tucson's Downtown Area Infill Incentive District (IID) show how zoning laws are changing to meet housing needs now and in the future¹⁵. Planning residential density and lot sizes well helps Washoe County grow while keeping a good quality of life.

Zoning for Manufactured Homes

In unincorporated Washoe County, it's crucial to grasp mobile home zoning for developers and homeowners. Manufactured homes can serve as main living areas on residential lots¹⁶. Yet, these homes must meet certain age and size standards. This is vital to keep the local areas looking good and staying safe.

Manufactured homes have extra rules when they are accessory units. They need to go through more checks and can't be too big to fit well with the main home¹⁶. Choosing the right spot and getting it ready is key. This step includes following the law for zoning, septic systems, power, and building permissions¹⁶.

For those building mobile homes, Washoe County requires specific site and design plans for approval. Installing these homes means setting up a solid base and connecting utilities correctly¹⁶. The Nevada Legislature also has strict rules to follow for building, moving, and setting up these homes, aiming to keep everyone safe¹⁷.

People installing manufactured homes need to know the rules and how to manage things like airflow and moisture below the home¹⁶. Nevada offers an online system for permits which helps professionals get their plans reviewed and inspected quickly, usually within 1 to 3 days¹⁷. For detailed rules and guidance, check out the Washoe County Mobile Home Handout¹⁶.

Impact of Zoning on Property Value in Reno

Zoning laws play a huge part in shaping property values. They decide how land can be used and what buildings are allowed. This can either pull in or push away people looking to invest or buy homes. In Reno, zoning helps real estate grow in a healthy way. It keeps neighborhoods looking good and helps properties increase in value over time.

Factors that Influence Property Value

Many things affect how much a property is worth. In Washoe County, important factors include how densely packed homes can be, what you're allowed to do there, and how far buildings need to be from the property line. Well-planned zoning laws typically lead to higher property values. They make the land more useful and appealing. Looking back, areas with good planning saw home prices go up by 4% to 15% each year. In places without such planning, prices only increased by 1% to 3%¹⁸.

Putting money into things like roads can also make properties more valuable. For example, the $300 million spent on improving roads in the area has been a big boost to property prices¹⁹.

Benefits of Proper Zoning

Good zoning rules bring a lot of pluses. They lead to smart land use, which helps communities grow the right way and makes life better for people who live there. For example, the money spent on improving main roads in Reno makes it a nicer place to live and attracts buyers and investors¹⁹. Plus, special economic areas called Opportunity Zones are helping parts of town that need it. They offer tax breaks that make investing there more appealing, boosting property values over the long haul²⁰.

Conclusion

Reno's zoning laws are key for planning and growth. They help manage development since adding 6,800 acres in Cold Springs in 2005. The city aims to mix business growth with living spaces²¹. Nevada's rules mean planning commissions are vital. They make sure the city meets the needs of its citizens now and in the future¹³.

Following Reno's zoning rules keeps property values up and supports smart growth. Cities like Anchorage, Alaska, and Phoenix, Arizona, have made changes to promote varied housing and loosen rules on some home units. These steps show how proper zoning can make housing more open and affordable¹⁵.

In short, Reno's property development shows why zoning laws matter for growth and people's lives. These rules keep the city orderly and ready for the future. Zoning and growth rules are central to Reno's planning, helping it aim for a successful and livable tomorrow.

FAQ

What is zoning?

Zoning divides land into areas based on rules for building and use. It shapes how a community looks and works. It also aides in community safety and economic growth.

What are the types of residential zones in Washoe County?

In Washoe County, you'll find zones like Low Density Rural (LDR), Medium Density Suburban (MDS), and High Density Urban (HDU). Each zone has its own rules for how dense or spread out homes can be.

How can I determine my property's zoning in Washoe County?

To find out your property's zone, use the Washoe Regional Mapping System (WRMS) online. Put in your address or APN. Or, talk directly with county planning staff for help.

What does the residential use table in the Washoe County Code include?

The table lists what you can and can't do on residential land. It tells you about different kinds of buildings and units you can have.

What are the setback requirements for residential properties?

Setback rules change based on your property's zone. Front yards might need 30 to 15 feet clear of buildings. Side and back yards need different distances. Some properties, like corner lots, have special rules.

Do I need a permit for my construction project?

Yes, you'll need a permit for building in Washoe County. Permits make sure your project is safe and follows local rules. What permit you need depends on what you're building and where.

What defines residential density in Washoe County?

Residential density looks at how many homes can fit on an acre of land. Zones like Low Density Rural (LDR), Medium Density Suburban (MDS), and High Density Urban (HDU) have rules on how big each lot should be. This helps create different living spaces.

Can manufactured homes be placed on residential properties in Washoe County?

Yes, you can have manufactured homes as main homes in unincorporated Washoe County. They must follow local rules on size and age. For secondary homes, you need to get approval first.

How do zoning laws impact property values?

Zoning laws shape what land can be used for, affecting its value. Good zoning supports growth, keeps neighborhoods nice, and can increase property values over time.

Who can I contact for more information about zoning in Washoe County?

Reach out to the Washoe County planning department for zoning info. They have planners ready to help in-person, over the phone, or online. They can explain zoning rules and assist with your questions.

Source Links

1. NRS: CHAPTER 278 - PLANNING AND ZONING - https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-278.html
2. ADU Laws and Regulations in Reno - 2024 - https://www.steadily.com/blog/adu-laws-regulations-reno
3. Major Zoning Code Changes to be considered by City Council on March 27 - https://thebarberbrief.substack.com/p/major-zoning-code-changes-to-be-considered
4. Reno, Nevada Zoning Map | Zoning Reports - https://www.zoneomics.com/zoning-maps/nevada/reno
5. Property Information FAQ - https://www.washoecounty.gov/csd/business_development/codes_resources_tools/faq-csd-property.php
6. What Counties in Nevada Allow Tiny Houses - Rules & Regulations You Need To Consider - https://www.greatlakestinyhome.com/what-counties-in-nevada-allow-tiny-houses/
7. Areas with NO zoning / building / septic / occupancy codes? (acres, houses, water) - Self-Sufficiency and Preparedness -Self-reliance, homesteading, survivalism, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, permaculture, possible collapse, disaster scenarios, shelter, stock piling food - https://www.city-data.com/forum/self-sufficiency-preparedness/2736780-areas-no-zoning-building-septic-occupancy.html
8. Duplex Conversion Laws and Regulations In Reno, NV in 2024 - https://www.steadily.com/blog/duplex-conversion-laws-regulations-reno
9. PDF - https://mcclibrary.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/codecontent/14345/379772/CHAPTER 18.09 RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS.pdf
10. FAQs • What are my building setbacks? - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=313
11. Turning Building Permits into Profits | NAIOP - https://www.naiop.org/research-and-publications/magazine/2020/spring-2020/business-trends/turning-building-permits-into-profits/
12. What Requires a Permit? - https://www.washoecounty.gov/building/getting_started/what_requires_a_permit.php
13. Nevada Planning Guide 2017 - https://lands.nv.gov/uploads/documents/Docs_and_Pubs_E2017-146.pdf
14. Real Estate Development Basics: Focus on Northern Nevada | JD Supra - https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/real-estate-development-basics-focus-on-7154841/
15. Zoning Reform Tracker | Othering & Belonging Institute - https://belonging.berkeley.edu/zoning-reform-tracker
16. Manufactured Home Installations - https://housing.nv.gov/ManfHousing/PIP/Manufactured_Home_Installations/
17. Permits/Plans/Inspections - https://housing.nv.gov/ManfHousing/Permits/Plans/Inspections/
18. The Planning Penalty: How Smart Growth Makes Housing Unaffordable | Randal O'Toole - https://www.independent.org/publications/article.asp?id=1746
19. FHWA - Center for Innovative Finance Support - Value Capture - https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/value_capture/case_studies/nevada_regional_road_impact_fee_program.aspx
20. Zoning and the Commercial Landscape - https://www.nar.realtor/commercial/economic-development-toolkit/zoning-and-the-commercial-landscape
21. Summary of Citizens of Reno v. Citizens for Cold Springs, 126 Nev. Adv. Op. 27 - https://scholars.law.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1312&context=nvscs