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Building Safety in Reno, NV (2026)

7 verified building safety rules for Reno, Nevada, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Lead Paint

Reno follows federal EPA Renovation Repair and Painting rules for pre-1978 homes. Contractors must be EPA-certified lead-safe renovators and sellers and landlords must provide the EPA lead disclosure pamphlet.

Building Safety: Lead Paint

Some Restrictions

EPA — Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program: Who Does the RRP Program Apply To?

Contractors — In general, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified in lead-safe work practices. This includes all firms, even sole proprietorships. [...] Homeowners — If you are planning an RRP project in a pre-1978 home, EPA recommends that homeowners hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is certified and t...

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. Permits required for new installation, alteration, and removal.

Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance

Heavy Restrictions

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed

Reno scaffolding follows IBC and Nevada OSHA NRS 618. Fall protection is required above 10 ft. Scaffolds over sidewalks need a Public Works encroachment permit.

Building Safety: Scaffold Rules

Some Restrictions

Pest Control

Reno property maintenance code requires owners to keep premises free of vermin. Washoe County Health District handles vector complaints. NRS 555 governs commercial pesticide licensing.

Building Safety: Pest Control

Some Restrictions

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Reno requires NFPA 13D fire sprinklers in new one and two family dwellings under the adopted International Residential Code, with Reno Fire reviewing plans. Casino, hotel, and assembly retrofits follow NFPA 13 with annual inspection and certified contractors.

Reno residential fire sprinkler retrofit and new construction

Some Restrictions

Childcare Center Rules

Reno childcare centers need state licensing under NRS 432A plus city building permits, fire inspections, and zoning approval. In-home daycares serving fewer than thirteen children follow lighter rules but still require fire department inspection and zoning compliance.

Reno childcare facility licensing and building rules

Some Restrictions

Anti-Mansionization

Reno controls oversized home rebuilds through floor area ratio caps, height limits, and lot coverage rules in the Reno Zoning Code. Older neighborhoods near Newlands and Caughlin Ranch trigger heightened scrutiny when teardown rebuilds exceed established neighborhood scale.

Reno mansionization and oversized home limits

Some Restrictions

Looking for Washoe County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reno city rules.

Building Safety in Washoe County