Reno, NV Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RMC § 8.22.060(b)
- Covers
- Weeds, dry grass, dead trees, debris
- Large-acreage exemption
- Over 1 acre, hazardous terrain only
- Enforcement
- Misdemeanor + civil abatement, ch. 1.05
Summary
Reno requires every property owner to keep lots free of weeds, dry grass, dead trees, and debris, whether the lot is built on or vacant.
No person owning, leasing, renting, having charge or control of, or occupying any property, premises or building, shall fail, refuse or neglect to remove any garbage, scrap material, debris, litter, or obstruction including, but not limited to, weeds, dry grass, dead trees, abandoned, unregistered or junk vehicles or parts thereof... from the property, sidewalk, street, or alley abutting such property, premises or building.
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 § 8.22.060(b) bars owners, lessees, or anyone in control of a property from letting weeds, dry grass, dead trees, junk vehicles, or debris accumulate on the property or on the abutting sidewalk, street, or alley. Section 8.22.060(d) carves out a narrow exemption for remote acreage over one acre that is too hazardous to service with large machinery, and for government-owned land, but only for vegetation like weeds and dry grass, and only if a 30-foot firebreak is cut around any flammable structure. Violations run through the city's chapter 1.05 nuisance-abatement process.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor under RMC § 8.22.040, and the city can pursue civil nuisance abatement under chapter 1.05, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reno exempt vacant lots from weed cleanup?
Is there any exception for large empty parcels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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