A Resident's Guide to Reno's Local Ordinances

Reno is a mid-sized city in Washoe County, Nevada, with about 264000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 159 ordinances across 38 categories that affect daily life in Reno.

Noise Ordinances

Vehicle Noise: Modified exhaust systems, engine revving, and loud stereos are prohibited under RMC and NRS 484D.425. Reno Police enforce vehicle noise citations along Virginia Street, South Meadows, and during Hot August Nights with heightened attention..

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Aircraft Noise (permissive), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Reno for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Pools and spas in Reno require 5-foot barriers on all sides with self-closing, self-latching gates under Nevada Administrative Code and adopted International Residential Code provisions. Drowning prevention rules are enforced at final building inspection..

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Reno for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Reno prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals and exotic species under RMC Title 6 and NRS 503.597. Big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and alligators are banned.

Also covered: Pet Limits (moderate), Wildlife Feeding (strict), Chickens & Livestock (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Reno for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) enforces year-round watering schedules in Reno. Assigned watering days by address, no watering between 11 AM and 7 PM May-September, and mandatory drought-stage restrictions when triggered..

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Native Plants (permissive), Rainwater Harvesting (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Reno for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home occupations in Reno may not display any external signage, window displays, or outdoor indicators of the business per RMC 18.08.305. The residential appearance of the dwelling must be preserved at all times..

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (permissive), Home Daycare (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Reno for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Pool Permits: Reno requires a building permit for all in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Permits are issued by the Reno Community Development Department and require barrier, electrical, and plumbing inspections..

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Reno for details.

Parking Rules

Overnight Parking: Reno has no citywide overnight parking ban on passenger vehicles, but the 72-hour same-location rule applies. Snow emergencies trigger temporary bans, and UNR-area permit zones restrict overnight parking..

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Reno for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Reno STR occupancy is capped at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons, with an overall maximum set in the permit. Occupancy is tied to bedrooms, parking, and septic or sewer capacity..

Also covered: Registration Rules (strict), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Noise Rules (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Reno for details.

Fire Regulations

Brush Clearance: Reno requires 30-100 feet of defensible space around structures in designated Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones per TMFPD and NV State Forester Fire Defensible Space Standards. Annual inspections occur in areas like Caughlin Ranch, Somersett, and Mogul..

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (strict), Smoke Detectors (moderate), Wildfire Zones (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Reno for details.

HOA Rules

Dispute Resolution: Nevada HOA disputes go through the Nevada Real Estate Division Ombudsman and the Commission for Common-Interest Communities. Alternative dispute resolution is required before most civil lawsuits under NRS 38.310..

Also covered: Board Procedures (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (moderate), Architectural Review (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Reno for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Tiny homes on permanent foundations can qualify as ADUs in Reno if they meet IRC Appendix Q (minimum 70 sq ft living area, ladder/loft standards). Tiny homes on wheels (RVIA-certified) are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings..

Also covered: Carport Rules (permissive), Shed Rules (permissive), ADU Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Reno for details.

Building Safety

Elevator Maintenance: Nevada elevators are regulated by the State Public Works Division Elevator Program under NRS 455C. Annual inspections required, plus 5-year full load tests.

Also covered: Lead Paint (moderate), Pest Control (moderate), Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Reno for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Under Nevada NRS 453D (Question 2, 2016), adults 21+ may grow up to 6 cannabis plants (12 per household) ONLY if they live more than 25 miles from the nearest licensed dispensary. Reno residents live within that 25-mile radius, so home cultivation is effectively prohibited for most households..

Also covered: Commercial Cannabis Zoning (moderate), Buffer Zones (strict), Dispensary Zoning (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Reno for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Nevada preempts local rent control; Reno cannot cap rents. NRS 118A governs landlord-tenant, requiring 45-day written notice for month-to-month rent increases but no cap on the amount..

Also covered: Security Deposit Rules (moderate), Source-of-Income Discrimination (moderate), Just Cause Eviction (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Reno for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: Washoe County Health District inspects Reno food establishments and posts results to a public database. Reno does not use letter grades but publishes pass, conditional, or closed status with full inspection reports..

Also covered: Food Handler Certification (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for Reno for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Nevada law NRS 202.2493 prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor products, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21. Reno retailers must verify ID for all buyers appearing under 40 years old..

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: TMWA enforces assigned-day watering for Reno residents; even/odd address numbers determine permitted days, with strict no-watering windows during midday hours and full bans during winter..

Also covered: Turf Replacement Rebates (permissive), Recycled Water Rules (moderate). See the full water use rules guide for Reno for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Hillside Overlay Rules: Reno hillside overlay restricts grading, building height, and density on slopes above 15 percent, protecting Sierra foothills viewsheds and limiting wildfire-exposed ridge construction..

Also covered: Specific Plans Overview (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Reno for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Reno Municipal Code restricts sitting, lying, or camping on sidewalks and other public rights-of-way in downtown and around the Truckee River, with enforcement tied to the availability of shelter beds at the Nevada Cares Campus and related facilities..

Single-Use Items

Plastic Bag Rules: Reno does not impose a city-wide plastic bag ban or fee. Nevada has not preempted local action, but Reno permits retailers to distribute single-use plastic and paper carryout bags without restriction..

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Reno has significant Truckee River flood risk with major floods in 1950, 1955, 1986, 1997, and 2017. New construction in SFHAs must elevate 1 ft above BFE.

Also covered: Defensible Space (strict), Erosion Control (moderate), Stormwater Management (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Reno for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Secondhand Dealers: Secondhand dealers selling used goods, jewelry, electronics, or precious metals must hold a Reno license, log every purchase with seller ID, and report transactions daily to police to deter trafficking in stolen property..

Also covered: Pawnbrokers (strict). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Reno for details.

Public Conduct

Loitering Rules: Reno enforces loitering rules in the downtown casino district, transit plaza, and around schools, focusing on conduct linked to drug dealing, prostitution, or unlawful gaming rather than mere presence on public sidewalks..

Also covered: Aggressive Panhandling (moderate), Public Alcohol Use (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Reno for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Hotels, motels, and short-term rentals in Reno collect a combined transient lodging tax of roughly 13.5%, comprising state, Washoe County, and city components funding tourism, schools, and infrastructure..

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: Reno adopts the International Fire Code through RMC Title 14 (Building and Construction) with Northern Nevada amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible balconies of buildings with three or more dwelling units and requires charcoal grills to be 10 feet from buildings.

Also covered: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate), Smoker Rules (permissive). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Reno for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Reno has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by subdivision CC&Rs and HOA covenants.

Also covered: Inflatable Display Rules (permissive), Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Reno for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Reno does not require a permit or fee for residential garage sales held occasionally at a private residence. Typical limits apply on frequency (2-4 sales per year) and duration (2-3 consecutive days).

Also covered: Frequency Limits (moderate), Time Restrictions (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Reno for details.

Sign Regulations

Holiday Displays: Reno allows temporary holiday lighting and decorative displays on residential property without a permit. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct sight lines, or encroach on the public right-of-way.

Also covered: Political Signs (permissive), Garage Sale Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Reno for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bulk Item Disposal: Reno residents receive limited bulk item pickup through Waste Management plus free dump days at the Lockwood Regional Landfill. Items include furniture, mattresses, and appliances (Freon units require separate handling).

Also covered: Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (permissive). See the full trash & recycling guide for Reno for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Reno single-family setbacks are typically 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 20 ft rear. Eaves may encroach up to 2 ft.

Also covered: Structure Height Limits (moderate), Lot Coverage Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Reno for details.

Outdoor Lighting

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..

Also covered: Dark Sky Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Reno for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operators in Reno must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Most of Reno is under Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) Class C airspace, requiring LAANC authorization for flight.

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Reno for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Reno Municipal Code Title 8 prohibits property blight, including accumulations of junk, abandoned vehicles, broken windows, peeling paint, and overgrown vegetation visible from public view. The Code Enforcement division investigates complaints and issues abatement orders..

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (moderate), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Garage Sale Rules (permissive). See the full property maintenance guide for Reno for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Reno rooftop solar needs a building and electrical permit. Contractors must hold a Nevada C-2 license.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Reno for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Reno food trucks need a Washoe County Health mobile food permit, city business license, Nevada state business license (NRS 76), and sales tax permit. A licensed commissary is required..

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Reno for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Reno must obtain a city solicitor or peddler permit, submit to a background check, and carry the permit while working. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is protected by the First Amendment and is not subject to permit requirements..

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Reno for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Reno Municipal Code imposes a juvenile curfew generally from 10 PM to 5 AM on weeknights and midnight to 5 AM on weekends for minors under 18. Exceptions apply for minors accompanied by a parent, traveling to or from work, or attending school, religious, or civic activities..

Also covered: Park Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Reno for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Reno requires permits for removal of significant trees in conjunction with development projects through the Land Development Code. Street trees are city property and require authorization for removal or pruning.

Also covered: Heritage & Protected Trees (permissive), Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Reno for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Reno, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.