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Washoe County, NV Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Occupant load
1 per 200 sq ft habitable
Standard basis
2018 IBC Table 1004.5
Age exemption
None; all count
Day vs night limit
Same limit both
Non-sleeping areas
Garages, closets excluded

Summary

Each unincorporated Washoe County STR gets an occupancy limit set by the Planning and Building Division. The occupant load is calculated as one occupant per 200 square feet of habitable space, with no age exemption and daytime and nighttime limits the same.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Washoe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The occupant load shall be calculated as one occupant for every 200 square feet of habitable space in accordance with Table 1004.5 of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) or the currently adopted edition. No distinction is made based on the age of the occupant.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under WCC 110.319.15(e), an occupancy limit is established for every STR based on the dwelling and property. The occupant load is calculated as one occupant per 200 square feet of habitable space per Table 1004.5 of the 2018 International Building Code. Only qualifying habitable sleeping areas count; garages, storage areas, bathrooms, hallways, closets, and unpermitted conversions cannot be used for sleeping. No distinction is made based on the occupant's age, and daytime and nighttime occupancy limits are identical. Occupancy may be further limited by available on-site parking or voluntary reduced limits proposed by the owner.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the permitted occupancy violates WCC 110.319; enforced via nuisance procedures under WCC 50.308 and administrative enforcement under Chapter 125, and repeated violations can suspend or revoke the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are children counted toward occupancy?
Yes. Fire and building life-safety codes make no age distinction; all persons are counted toward the maximum occupancy, regardless of age or time of day.
Can I count a converted garage as a bedroom?
No. Garages, basements, attics, lofts, and unpermitted conversions cannot be used for sleeping unless a permit is submitted, approved, and final inspections completed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Washoe County rules

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