Washoe County, NV Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential/rural zones
- 35 feet
- Low Density Urban
- 40 feet
- General Commercial
- 80 feet
- Accessory in setback
- 12 feet max
- Table
- 110.406.05.1 Part One
Summary
Most residential and rural regulatory zones in unincorporated Washoe County cap building height at 35 feet. Urban and commercial zones allow more (up to 70-80 feet). Accessory structures in setbacks are limited to 12 feet.
Part One: Density/Intensity Standards. Height (feet): LDR 35, MDR 35, HDR 35, LDS 35, MDS 35, HDS 35, LDU 40, MDU 70... GC 80, NC 60, GR 35, GRA 35.
Full Breakdown
Washoe County Development Code Table 110.406.05.1 (Part One) sets maximum height by regulatory zone: 35 feet in LDR, MDR, HDR, all Suburban zones (LDS-HDS) and General Rural (GR/GRA); 40 feet in Low Density Urban (LDU); 60-70 feet in higher-density urban and Neighborhood Commercial; 80 feet in General Commercial. Structure height is determined using the currently adopted building code. Under Section 110.306.10(c), a detached accessory structure may not exceed 12 feet when erected within a required yard setback, and 35 feet when erected outside the setbacks. Retaining-wall height applicability is addressed in Development Code Interpretation 99-1.
Violations & Fines
Structures exceeding the zone height limit require a variance; unpermitted over-height construction is a Development Code violation subject to enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my house be?
How is building height measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
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