Reno, NV Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- RMC Chapter 6.11
- Standard application notice
- 24 hours in advance
- Arterial/collector closure notice
- 48 hours in advance
- Issuing authority
- City engineer, engineering division
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, RMC § 1.04.010
Summary
Reno requires an encroachment permit before using public sidewalks or streets for construction, utilities, signage, or awnings, issued by the city engineer.
This chapter applies to any temporary encroachment permits on public rights-of-way for the purposes of construction, repair, and maintenance and to revocable occupancy permits for the use of the public rights-of-way for other approved purposes such as utilities, signage, and awnings. As used herein, the term public rights-of-way includes the surface of and the space above and below any public street, sidewalk, trail, alley, easement, or other public way of any type to which the city owns or has rights.
(Ord. No. 4400, § 1, 6-28-94; Ord. No. 4440, § 1, 10-25-94; Ord. No. 4669, § 1, 8-27-96; Ord. No. 6344, § 1, 9-10-14)
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 Chapter 6.11 covers temporary encroachment permits for construction, repair, and maintenance work in public rights-of-way, plus revocable occupancy permits for ongoing uses like utilities, signage, and awnings. Applications go to the engineering division at least 24 hours ahead for most work, or 48 hours ahead for full arterial or collector closures. The city engineer approves, denies, or revokes permits and can require traffic control plans for work on collectors and arterials.
Violations & Fines
Encroaching without an approved permit means work must stop immediately and materials be removed on the city engineer's order; violating permit terms triggers a correction notice, with safety hazards fixed immediately and other issues within 24 hours, or removal from the right-of-way follows. Violations are a misdemeanor under Section 1.04.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues encroachment permits in Reno?
What happens if I encroach without a permit in Reno?
Sources & Official References
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