Reno, NV Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Benchmarking threshold
- 30,000+ sq ft (10,000+ for city)
- Reporting tool
- ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
- LEED exemption length
- Up to 6 years if certified
- Max escalating fine
- $500 per repeat violation
- New-build energy code
- 2024 IECC, Northern Nevada amendments
Summary
Reno has no mandatory green-building code for new construction, but Municipal Code Chapter 14.30 makes buildings of 30,000+ square feet benchmark annual energy and water use, and it exempts LEED- or National Green Building Standard-certified properties from that reporting.
An exemption may be granted for the current reporting year, or other term as defined, at the discretion of the manager or an appointed code compliance officer if one of the following conditions exist:(1)A new building built under the currently adopted International Energy Conservation Code; or(2)A building with a LEED (Leadership in energy and Environmental Design) certification; or(3)A building with a National Green Building Standard Multifamily Building certification; or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno Municipal Code Chapter 14.30 (Energy and Water Efficiency Program) requires owners of city buildings 10,000+ square feet and other public or private buildings 30,000+ square feet to enter annual energy and water data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and report it to the city manager (Sec. 14.30.003, 14.30.007). Buildings holding LEED, National Green Building Standard Multifamily, enterprise green communities, or net-zero energy certification are exempt from benchmarking for three to six years (Sec. 14.30.005). Separately, all new construction must meet the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code with Northern Nevada amendments, adopted at Sec. 14.04.130. Reno has no standalone green-building construction mandate beyond these two programs.
Violations & Fines
Missing a benchmarking deadline draws a written notice from the city manager, then escalating civil penalties of up to $100, $250, and $500 for each 30-day period the owner still fails to report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reno require green building certification for new construction?
Which buildings must report energy and water use in Reno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.