Outdoor Lighting in Reno, NV: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Reno or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Reno has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Light Trespass

Reno restricts light trespass across property lines, with residential limits typically under 0.5 foot-candles. Neighbors facing unshielded floodlights can file code enforcement complaints requiring shielding.

Key details: Limit: 0.5 fc property line. Shielding: Required for complaints. Enforcement: Reno code enforcement. Civil Remedy: Nuisance lawsuit. HOAs: Often stricter.

Light trespass complaint: notice of violation, shielding required within specified time. Continued noncompliance: daily fines. Civil nuisance: neighbor lawsuit possible.

Dark Sky Rules

Reno requires full-cutoff, downward-shielded outdoor lighting for new development under Title 18. Uplighting is restricted. Hillside overlays apply the strictest standards to protect Sierra views.

Key details: Fixtures: Full-cutoff required. Uplighting: Restricted. Color Temp: 3000K or lower. Hillside: Strictest standards. Code: RMC Title 18.

Non-compliant new lighting: permit denial, retrofit required. Glare complaints: code enforcement, shielding required. Commercial violations: daily fines.

The Bottom Line

Reno's outdoor lighting 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.

Keep in mind that Reno can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.