Environmental Rules in Reno, NV (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Reno, Nevada, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Reno bans dumping refuse, waste, or any pollutant into streets, storm sewer inlets, catch basins, or drainage structures citywide, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation.
Reno Storm Drain Dumping Ban
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 12.16.910(b)
No person shall throw, deposit, leave, maintain, keep, or permit to be thrown, deposited, placed, left or maintained, any refuse, rubbish, garbage, animal waste, or other discarded or abandoned objects, articles, and accumulations, in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, storm sewer inlet, catch basin, conduit or other drainage structures, parking area, or upon any public or private plot of lan...
Erosion Control
Reno requires a grading permit before excavating, filling, or altering land grade, per Municipal Code § 18.04.302; cuts over 20 feet or fills over 10 feet trigger major site plan review.
Reno grading permit required for cut and fill
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 18.04.302(c)
No person shall excavate, fill, or otherwise alter the existing grade of any property without first obtaining a grading permit according to the procedures and criteria stated in subsection 18.08.606(b).
Flood Zones
Reno has significant Truckee River flood risk with major floods in 1950, 1955, 1986, 1997, and 2017. New construction in SFHAs must elevate 1 ft above BFE. Flood insurance is required on federally-backed mortgages.
Environmental: Flood Zones
Heavy RestrictionsFEMA Flood Map Service Center — About the MSC (official source for NFIP flood hazard information)
FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Welcome! Looking for a Flood Map? Enter an address, a place, or longitude/latitude coordinates: Looking for more than just a current flood map? Visit Search All Products to access the full range of flood risk products for your community. About Flood Map Service Center — The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard informat...
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Reno has no citywide idling ban. Its only idling rule is a truck stop zoning standard requiring compliance with Washoe County's diesel idling regulations, posted signage on time limits, and plug-in power for 15% of truck parking spaces.
Reno Truck Stop Idling Time Restrictions
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 18.03.304(h)(7)a.1.[k]
Compliance with diesel idling regulations adopted by the Washoe County District Board of Health as amended shall be maintained. Adequate signage shall be provided to inform drivers of idling time restrictions. A minimum of 15 percent of truck parking spaces must be equipped with approved Engine Idle Reduction Technology or similar comprising of "plug-in" locations for trucks with sleepers and/o...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Reno requires new construction and substantial improvements in mapped flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor beam at least one foot above the base flood elevation before the city issues a building permit.
Reno Base Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code Section 18.04.102(c)(1)c.1
In zones A, A1—30, AH, and AE, new construction and substantial improvement of any structure shall have the bottom of the lowest floor beam or basement floor elevated to one foot or more above the base flood elevation.
Looking for Washoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reno city rules.
Environmental Rules in Washoe County →