Reno, NV Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Elevation standard
- One foot above base flood elevation
- Zones covered
- A, A1-30, AH, AE, AO
- Enforced by
- City building/grading permit review
- Code section
- RMC Section 18.04.102(c)(1)
Summary
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.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Before the city issues a building or grading permit in a mapped flood hazard area (zones A, A1-30, AH, AE, or AO) or limited flooding area, Reno requires the bottom of the lowest floor beam or basement floor to sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation shown on FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map. Nonresidential structures may floodproof to the same elevation instead. The rule implements the National Flood Insurance Program under Reno Municipal Code Section 18.04.102, enforced through the city's building permit review.
Violations & Fines
Building without permit-approved elevation in a flood hazard area violates the city's grading and building code, risking permit denial, stop-work orders, and stripped federal flood insurance eligibility under the NFIP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Reno require above the base flood elevation?
Does Reno's flood elevation rule apply outside FEMA flood zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada environmental rules overview
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