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Reno, NV Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)

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

Key Facts

Lighting direction
must aim at display face
Reverse side
dull, non-reflective required
Digital billboards
banned citywide
Governing section
RMC § 18.05.205(l)

Summary

Reno requires all lighting on permanent off-premises advertising displays to be directed onto the sign face itself, not outward, and bans digital billboards citywide under the zoning code.

(l)All lighting shall be directed toward the off-premises advertising display.(m)An off-premises advertising display may not contain more than two faces and one face may not be angled from the other face by more than 20 degrees as measured from the back of the structure supporting the face.

View official code

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's zoning code sets the lighting standard for permanent off-premises advertising displays (billboards) at Municipal Code § 18.05.205(l): all lighting must be directed toward the display, not out toward traffic or neighboring property. Section 18.05.205(h)-(i) also requires the reverse side of single-face and cut-out displays to be dull and non-reflective. Separately, § 18.05.204(d) bans any permanent off-premises digital advertising display anywhere in the City of Reno or its Sphere of Influence outright. The Administrator (Development Services Department) issues sign permits and enforces these standards.

Violations & Fines

Aiming billboard lighting outward at traffic or a neighboring property, or leaving a reflective back panel, violates § 18.05.205; erecting any new digital off-premises display anywhere in Reno violates § 18.05.204(d) outright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Reno billboard's lights face the street?
No. Reno Municipal Code § 18.05.205(l) requires all lighting on off-premises advertising displays to be directed toward the display itself, not outward at traffic or neighbors.
Are digital billboards allowed in Reno?
No. Section 18.05.204(d) bans any permanent off-premises digital advertising display within the City of Reno or its Sphere of Influence.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

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All Reno rules

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