How Reno Handles Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: A Practical Guide
Reno maintains 144 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Reno falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Obstruction Rules
Reno makes it unlawful to intentionally block a public sidewalk with your body, an object, or a vehicle, or to block pedestrian and vehicle access to an entrance on abutting property, under Municipal Code Sec. 8.12.042.
Key details: Covers: intentional blocking, body/object/vehicle. Also covers: blocking property entrances. Penalty: up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail. Related section: 8.12.041 bans unpermitted street stands. Enacted: Ord. No. 3888, 1989.
Misdemeanor under the Code's general penalty section 1.04.010: fine of $1 to $1,000, up to six months in city jail, or both; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Sidewalk Repair
Reno makes the abutting property owner responsible for keeping sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and trails in good repair, including routine upkeep like snow and weed removal.
Key details: Who maintains: Abutting property owner. Repair cost: Owner pays if owner caused damage. Routine upkeep: Owner clears snow, ice, weeds always. First notice cure period: 30 days. Second notice cure period: 21 days.
Failure to maintain triggers a written notice from Public Works; 30 days to acknowledge and arrange repair, then 21 more days after a second notice before an administrative citation and Chapter 1.05 penalties apply.
Encroachment Permits
Reno requires an encroachment permit before using public sidewalks or streets for construction, utilities, signage, or awnings, issued by the city engineer.
Key details: Governing chapter: RMC Chapter 6.11. Standard application notice: 24 hours in advance. Arterial/collector closure notice: 48 hours in advance. Issuing authority: City engineer, engineering division. Penalty: Misdemeanor, RMC § 1.04.010.
Encroaching without an approved permit means work must stop immediately and materials be removed on the city engineer's order; violating permit terms triggers a correction notice, with safety hazards fixed immediately and other issues within 24 hours, or removal from the right-of-way follows. Violations are a misdemeanor under Section 1.04.010.
The Bottom Line
Reno's sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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.