Reno, NV Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Space limit
- 25% of living space or 500 sq ft
- Employees
- One non-resident allowed with parking
- Merchandise sales
- No customer pickups on-site
- Client traffic
- One client vehicle on-site at a time
- Banned uses
- Auto repair, heavy equipment work
Summary
Reno home-based businesses must fit within 25% of living space or 500 square feet, may employ one outside worker with parking, and cannot have customers pick up merchandise on-site.
(3)Employees Home occupations may have one employee who does not reside in the home when adequate off-street parking is provided. An exception to this provision is that for home occupations operating in accessory buildings, employees who do not reside on site are not allowed. (4)Sale of Merchandise There shall be no sale of merchandise which requires customers to go to the property. ... (7)Size Limits Up to 25 percent of the living space or 500 square feet, whichever is less, of the dwelling may be used for the home occupation and any related storage of materials and supplies.
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
Reno Municipal Code § 18.03.405(j) sets specific standards for home occupations in residential zoning districts. The business may use up to 25 percent of the dwelling's living space or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and cannot alter the home's residential appearance or create noticeable noise, odor, dust, or traffic. Home occupations may hire one non-resident employee when adequate off-street parking is provided, but employees are barred entirely if the occupation runs out of an accessory building. Customers cannot be required to visit the property to buy merchandise, and only one client vehicle may be on-site at a time. Auto repair, equipment painting, and heavy industrial activities are prohibited outright as home occupations.
Violations & Fines
A home occupation that exceeds these limits is out of compliance with the zoning code; the Administrator can deny or revoke approval, and prohibited uses like auto repair are not permitted to operate at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire an employee for my Reno home business?
How much of my home can I use for a home occupation in Reno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
How Reno compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada home business overview
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