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Accessory Structures

How Reno Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Reno maintains 144 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Reno falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Shed & Carport Rules

Reno caps detached accessory structures like sheds at 1,600 square feet or half the house's footprint on standard SF-3 lots, requires a 3-foot gap from other buildings, and limits ordinary shed height to 12 feet.

Key details: Max shed area (SF-3): 1,600 sf or 50% of house. Separation from other structures: 3 feet minimum. Max height, ordinary shed: 12 feet. Front-yard placement: prohibited ahead of the house. Detached structures per SF-3 lot: 3, plus 1 ADU/guest quarters.

Erecting or expanding a shed past these size, setback, or height limits without approval violates RMC Title 18 (§18.01.502). The Administrator can issue a stop-work order, withhold or revoke permits, and refer the case to Chapter 1.05 Code Enforcement for citations.

ADU Rules

Reno's zoning code caps most residential lots at one detached accessory dwelling unit on top of the lot's normal limit on other accessory structures, and requires one off-street parking space per ADU.

Key details: Max detached ADUs per lot: one, per Table 3-5. ADU must have: kitchen, full bath, sleeping area. Parking required: 1 space per ADU. Governing code: RMC Title 18, Ch. 18.03.

Exceeding a lot's accessory-structure limit, building an ADU without the required permit, or skipping its required parking space is a zoning code violation the City's Community Development Department can order corrected or removed.

The Bottom Line

Reno's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reno is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Reno's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.