Reno's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business 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.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Reno caps home occupations at two on-site clients who drive, allowing only one client vehicle on the property at a time, or up to six non-driving clients such as kids at lessons.
Key details: Driving clients on-site: Two at a time, max. Non-driving clients on-site: Up to six at a time. Client vehicles on-site: One at a time. Governing provision: RMC § 18.03.405(j).
Zoning violations are enforced under RMC Chapter 1.05, Code Enforcement; the Administrator can issue a notice of violation, an administrative citation, a stop-work order, or revoke the home occupation's business license.
Home Daycare
Reno allows in-home childcare for 5 to 12 kids as an accessory home business, but requires the provider to live on-site, caps outdoor play hours, and mandates a 6-foot fence along residential property lines.
Key details: Covers: 5 to 12 children in-home. Outdoor play hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Fence required: 6-foot fence on shared lines. Residency rule: Provider must live on-site. Citation: RMC § 18.03.405(c).
Operating in-home childcare for 5-12 children without meeting these site standards, or without the required business license and layout approval, is a zoning violation the Administrator can enforce through code enforcement or permit denial.
Signage Rules
Reno bars home-based businesses from putting up signs that make a residence look non-residential: the home occupation must stay invisible from the street.
Key details: Governing section: RMC § 18.03.405(j)(1). Business signage allowed: None. Applies to: All home occupations, any district. Enforcement: Administrator via Code Enforcement.
The Administrator enforces Title 18 through Chapter 1.05 Code Enforcement: notices of violation, administrative citations, stop-work orders, and permit denial, withholding, or revocation for noncompliant home occupations (RMC §§ 18.01.503, 18.01.504).
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reno actively enforces its signage rules requirements.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Reno home-based businesses must fit within 25% of living space or 500 square feet, may employ one outside worker with parking, and cannot have customers pick up merchandise on-site.
Key details: Space limit: 25% of living space or 500 sq ft. Employees: One non-resident allowed with parking. Merchandise sales: No customer pickups on-site. Client traffic: One client vehicle on-site at a time. Banned uses: Auto repair, heavy equipment work.
A home occupation that exceeds these limits is out of compliance with the zoning code; the Administrator can deny or revoke approval, and prohibited uses like auto repair are not permitted to operate at all.
The Bottom Line
Reno's home business 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.
These rules come from Reno's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.