Landscaping Rules in Reno, NV (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Reno, Nevada, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Reno Municipal Code 8.12 requires weeds and grass to be kept under 6 inches on improved lots. Noxious weeds and dry vegetation constitute a fire hazard and public nuisance, subject to abatement under RMC 8.12.020.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Reno residents may trim trees on their own property without a city permit. Trees overhanging streets or sidewalks must maintain 8 feet clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets per RMC 12.16. Utility line trimming is handled by NV Energy.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsCity of Reno — Urban Forestry: Trees on Private Property and Reporting Tree Concerns
Our urban forest encompasses trees and vegetation on both public and private property within the city limits. A dedicated staff of arborists and a professional Urban Forester maintain over 22,000 publicly owned trees in city parks and along public streets. Their work is vital to both public safety and tree preservation. [...] Trees on Private Property — Property owners have a legal responsibili...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Trees on private property in Reno may generally be removed without a permit, but heritage trees, public right-of-way trees, and trees within approved landscape plans for new development require Urban Forestry approval per RMC 12.16.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsCity of Reno — Urban Forestry: Trees on Private Property (removal of dead trees/limbs)
Trees on Private Property — Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their trees so they do not pose a danger to public travel and safety, obstruct traffic signs, signals and sight lines at the intersections of roadways. Owners must remove any dead trees or limbs on their property that create such a hazard. If you are concerned about a dead tree on private property, please call R...
Weed Ordinances
Reno classifies noxious weeds and tall dry vegetation as public nuisances under RMC 8.12. Cheatgrass, tumbleweeds, and state-listed noxious weeds must be removed. Nevada Department of Agriculture enforces NRS 555 noxious weed statutes.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Heavy RestrictionsNevada Department of Agriculture — Nevada Noxious Weed List
Nevada Noxious Weed List — The following lists the Nevada Noxious Weeds in alphabetical order by the species common name. African rue (Peganum harmala); Austrian fieldcress (Rorippa austriaca); Austrian peaweed (Sphaerophysa salsula); Barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis); Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger); Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare); Camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum); Canada thistle (Cirsium...
Water Restrictions
Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) enforces year-round watering schedules in Reno. Assigned watering days by address, no watering between 11 AM and 7 PM May-September, and mandatory drought-stage restrictions when triggered.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Nevada AB 138 (2017) explicitly legalized residential rainwater harvesting for non-potable use. Reno homeowners may collect rainwater from rooftops into barrels or cisterns without a permit for landscape irrigation.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Reno strongly encourages xeriscape and native plantings suited to the high-desert Great Basin climate. TMWA and the City of Reno offer water-efficient landscape rebates and Plant a Tree programs featuring drought-adapted species.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is legal on residential lots in Reno with no specific permit for ground-level installations. Quality requirements apply under zoning and HOA rules. TMWA rebates exclude pure synthetic turf; converted areas must include living plants.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsLooking for Washoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reno city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Washoe County →