Reno's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Reno, Nevada, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Height Limits
Reno caps front-yard fences at 4 feet and side/rear fences at 6 feet in residential and other non-employment zones, with a mandatory AASHTO sight triangle on corner lots and a permit required for any wall or fence.
Key details: Front yard: 4 ft max. Side/rear lot lines: 6 ft max. Corner/visibility: AASHTO sight triangle required. Permit: Required, Ch. 14.18.
Fences built without the required permit under RMC § 18.04.809(b) and (g), or that exceed the yard-specific height caps or block the AASHTO sight triangle, are subject to code enforcement action requiring removal or modification to conform.
Retaining Walls
Reno requires a permit before building a retaining wall, and any fence stacked on top of one is measured from the retaining wall's own top, not from grade.
Key details: Permit: Required before construction. Fence-on-wall height: Measured from top of retaining wall. Governing code: RMC § 18.04.809; Ch. 14.18. Applies: All zoning districts citywide.
Building a retaining wall without the required Title 18/Chapter 14 permit is a violation subject to city enforcement and correction orders; stacking a fence on an unpermitted or non-conforming retaining wall compounds the exposure since the combined height is measured from the retaining wall's top.
Fence Permit Requirements
Reno requires a permit from the building and safety inspector before erecting, constructing, altering, or extending any fence within city limits, per Municipal Code Section 14.18.050.
Key details: Permit required for: Erecting, altering, or extending any fence. Issued by: Building and safety inspector. Fee: Set by Uniform Building Code Table 3A. Post-completion: Notify inspector within 15 days. Denied a permit?: May seek a variance under Title 18.
Building a fence without a permit is a misdemeanor under § 14.18.005, punishable under the Code's general penalty: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both (§ 1.04.010).
Material Restrictions
Reno bans barbed wire, razor ribbon, and razor tape on fences citywide, and disallows chain link along major drainageways and open space, unless a specific exemption in the zoning code applies.
Key details: Barbed/razor wire: Banned citywide, narrow exception. Exception applies: UT district detention facilities only. Chain link: Barred near drainageways over 4 ft. Utility fences: Barbed wire allowed up to 9 ft. Construction: Permit required, Chapter 14.
Building without a permit, or installing prohibited barbed wire, razor wire, or chain link along protected drainageways, is a code violation Reno's building and zoning staff can order corrected or removed.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reno actively enforces its material restrictions requirements.
The Bottom Line
Reno's fence regulations 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.
All of the above reflects Reno's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.