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 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Reno's zoning code requires floodlights and spotlights to be fully shielded so the light element isn't visible from residential property or public rights-of-way, with all fixtures aimed downward and confined to the property line.

Key details: Citation: RMC § 18.04.1304(e). Floodlights/spotlights: Must be fully shielded, not visible off-site. Color temperature: Below 4,000K; white/blue-white banned. Security lighting: Exempt from 11pm-6am shutoff. Enforcement: City Administrator via Code Enforcement.

The Administrator enforces Title 18 through Chapter 1.05 Code Enforcement: notices of violation, administrative citations, stop-work orders, and withheld or revoked building and site-plan permits for noncompliant lighting.

Billboard Lighting

Reno requires all lighting on permanent off-premises advertising displays to be directed onto the sign face itself, not outward, and bans digital billboards citywide under the zoning code.

Key details: Lighting direction: must aim at display face. Reverse side: dull, non-reflective required. Digital billboards: banned citywide. Governing section: RMC § 18.05.205(l).

Aiming billboard lighting outward at traffic or a neighboring property, or leaving a reflective back panel, violates § 18.05.205; erecting any new digital off-premises display anywhere in Reno violates § 18.05.204(d) outright.

Dark Sky Rules

Reno requires fully shielded, downward-directed exterior fixtures and caps color temperature below 4,000K, banning white and blue-white light citywide.

Key details: Max color temperature: below 4,000K. Spillover cap: 0.5 foot-candle at property line. Fixture height near residential: 18 ft within 100 ft. Curfew: off 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (most lighting).

The Administrator (Development Services) reviews lighting plans at permitting under § 18.04.1303; noncompliant fixtures can hold up permit issuance, and unshielded, over-height, or cool-white lighting installed without an approved alternative violates § 18.04.1304.

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.