Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Washoe County, NV Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
WCC § 25.720(1), (3), (5)
Zoning basis
Article 302, Chapter 110 of county code
Building requirement
Permanent commercial building only
Outdoor cultivation
Prohibited countywide (unincorporated area)
County opt-out status
Not opted out; licenses under NRS 453A/453D

Summary

Washoe County has not opted out of marijuana businesses; it licenses and zones them under article 302 of chapter 110, but requires every establishment to sit in a permanent commercial building and bans outdoor cultivation anywhere in the unincorporated county.

City-specific rules exist: Reno has its own dispensary zoning rules that differ from Washoe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Reno, check the city-specific page instead.

1.Marijuana establishments may be located in the unincorporated county in conformance with article 302 of chapter 110 of this Code. ... 3.A marijuana establishment shall be located in a permanent building that meets Washoe County Code for a commercial building, and shall not be located in a manufactured or mobile home, trailer, cargo container, motor vehicle or similar personal property. ... 5.Outdoor cultivation is prohibited within the unincorporated portions of the county.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

720(1) states that 'marijuana establishments may be located in the unincorporated county in conformance with article 302 of chapter 110 of this Code,' tying dispensary and cultivation siting to the county's general zoning map rather than a marijuana-specific district. 320 rather than a right. 720(4).

Violations & Fines

Operating a marijuana establishment outside a zone permitted by article 302 of chapter 110, out of a mobile or manufactured structure, or with outdoor cultivation, violates § 25.720 and is grounds for license denial under § 25.752 or revocation under §§ 25.776 and 25.784, with immediate revocation possible without a board hearing in specified circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Washoe County banned marijuana dispensaries under state opt-out law?
No. Section 25.700 states the ME Code exists to license and regulate marijuana establishments in unincorporated Washoe County rather than ban them, implementing NRS chapters 453A and 453D.
What zoning governs where a cannabis business can locate in Washoe County?
Marijuana establishments must locate in conformance with article 302 of chapter 110 of the county code under § 25.720(1), the same zoning framework used for other commercial and industrial land uses.
Can a marijuana dispensary operate out of a trailer or converted mobile home?
No. Section 25.720(3) requires a permanent building meeting the county's commercial building code and expressly prohibits operation from a manufactured or mobile home, trailer, cargo container, or motor vehicle.
Is outdoor marijuana cultivation legal in unincorporated Washoe County?
No. Section 25.720(5) prohibits outdoor cultivation anywhere in the unincorporated portions of the county, regardless of zoning district.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

All Washoe County rules

Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada cannabis regulations overview

Get notified when Dispensary Zoning in Washoe County, NV changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Dispensary Zoning in Cities Across Washoe County