ADU rules in Washoe County, NV — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
In unincorporated Washoe County, one ADU is allowed per parcel. Attached ADUs need a 5,000 sq ft lot; detached need 12,000 sq ft. Detached units are capped at 1,500 sq ft (800 in Medium Density Suburban).
The Washoe County Development Code (WCC Ch. 110, Article 306) permits attached accessory dwellings in General Rural, General Rural Agricultural, and Residential zones once a main residence exists and no other ADU has been established (Sec. 110.306.20). Attached units are limited to 40% of the main dwelling or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is smaller. Detached accessory dwellings (Sec. 110.306.25) are allowed in GR/GRA and rural/LDS zones by administrative review, and in MDS by special use permit. Only one ADU or guest quarters per parcel. One extra off-street parking space is required. This governs unincorporated county land only; Reno and Sparks set their own city ADU rules.
Building/zoning enforcement under Article 910; unpermitted units may be cited as violations and must be removed or brought into compliance before permits issue.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Washoe County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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