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Washoe County, NV Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Commercial adjoining residential
6 to 8 feet
Adjoining a street
Max 6 feet
Adjoining non-residential
Max 8 feet
Governing article
Article 412, Landscaping
Code section
WCC 110.406.50(b)

Summary

Unincorporated Washoe County requires commercial and industrial development adjoining residential uses to build a fence, wall or perimeter planting at least 6 but not more than 8 feet high, under Development Code Article 412, Landscaping.

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

The fences, walls or perimeter planting in commercial and industrial development adjoining residential uses shall be at least six (6) feet but not more than eight (8) feet in height, in accordance with Article 412, Landscaping.

Full Breakdown

Washoe County Development Code Section 110.406.50(b) requires that fences, walls or perimeter planting in commercial and industrial development adjoining residential uses be at least six (6) feet but not more than eight (8) feet in height, in accordance with Article 412, Landscaping. Fences, walls or perimeter planting adjoining a street may be a maximum of six (6) feet; those adjoining non-residential uses may reach a maximum of eight (8) feet. The county's Fences and Retaining Walls handout restates this: adjoining residential uses, a solid fence must be no less than 6 and no more than 7 feet; fencing adjoining nonresidential uses may be 8 feet. These screening standards protect residential neighbors from adjacent commercial activity.

Violations & Fines

Development approvals condition occupancy on required screening; missing or deficient perimeter fencing is a Development Code violation handled by county code enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a business next to homes need a fence?
Yes. Commercial and industrial development adjoining residential uses must provide a fence, wall or perimeter planting at least 6 and no more than 8 feet high per WCC 110.406.50(b).
Are homeowners required to fence their yards?
No. The county does not require residential lots to be fenced. Fence requirements apply to commercial/industrial development screening adjacent residential uses.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

All Washoe County rules

How Washoe County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada fence regulations overview

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Height Limits in Cities Across Washoe County