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Reno, NV Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

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

Key Facts

Off-premises digital billboards
banned citywide
Also banned
computer-controlled variable message signs
Enforced under
Chapter 1.05 Code Enforcement
Ban applies to
city plus Sphere of Influence
Governing code
RMC Title 18, Ch. 18.05

Summary

Reno prohibits new permanent off-premises digital advertising displays anywhere in the city or its sphere of influence, and bans computer-controlled variable message electronic signs among off-premises billboard types outright.

(d) Prohibited Digital Displays No permanent off-premises digital advertising display, or part thereof, shall be located within City of Reno or the City of Reno Sphere of Influence.

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 Municipal Code § 18.05.204(d) bars any permanent off-premises digital advertising display, in whole or in part, anywhere within city limits or the City of Reno Sphere of Influence. Section 18.05.206(i) separately lists computer controlled variable message electronic signs among the off-premises advertising displays the city prohibits outright. The Development Services Department enforces sign permitting under Title 18, Chapter 18.05, Article 2, and issues no construction permit for a new digital billboard regardless of zoning district, size, or location along Reno's arterials and freeways.

Violations & Fines

Building an off-premises digital display without authorization violates § 18.05.204 and is enforceable as a zoning code violation under Chapter 1.05, Code Enforcement, with removal or civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a digital billboard in Reno?
No. Reno Municipal Code § 18.05.204(d) bans new permanent off-premises digital advertising displays anywhere in the city or its Sphere of Influence, regardless of zoning district.
What about an electronic sign for my own business?
On-premises electronic signs are allowed but capped at 1,500 nits at night and 5,000 nits by day under § 18.05.114, with added limits near residential zones and freeways.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

Freeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsHoliday DisplaysHeavy RestrictionsPolitical SignsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Reno rules

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