Why do Reno's residential codes need care?

Because the notation is mixed. SF-3, SF-5, SF-8 and SF-11 state units per acre, while SF-6 and SF-9 state lot size in thousands of square feet. SF-8 and SF-9 are therefore not adjacent on a ladder.

What is the Mixed Use Airport district?

A district covering roughly 6,328 acres, the third largest classification, that combines aviation land with mixed development rather than treating the airfield as industrial.

How much of Reno is planned unit development?

Roughly 14,633 acres, the largest classification in the city. A very large share of Reno is therefore governed by approved plans rather than by the citywide tables.

What is the Unincorporated Transition district?

A district covering roughly 1,030 acres for land in transition from county jurisdiction. A parcel there is not yet governed by the ordinary city framework.

How is multifamily zoned?

Through two districts stating units per acre, at 14 and 30, covering roughly 3,320 acres between them. Unlike the single family series, the multifamily notation is consistent.

Reno Zoning Intelligence

Zoning, permitted uses, and development potential for Reno, Nevada. 39 districts with their permitted uses and building controls.

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City Context

How is Reno zoned?

Reno regulates land through 39 zoning districts, and the residential codes carry a mixed notation that requires care. Some single family districts state units per acre, appearing as SF-3, SF-5, SF-8 and SF-11, while others state lot size in thousands of square feet, appearing as SF-6 and SF-9.

That means SF-8 and SF-9 are not adjacent on a ladder: one contemplates eight units per acre and the other a nine thousand square foot lot. Confusing the two would be a substantial error, and the district description rather than the number is the reliable guide.

The multifamily districts state units per acre consistently, at 14 and 30, covering roughly 3,320 acres between them.

Planned Unit Development is the largest classification at roughly 14,633 acres, so a very large share of the city is governed by approved plans.

Mixed Use Airport covers roughly 6,328 acres, the third largest classification, combining aviation land with mixed development rather than treating the airfield as industrial.

The Unincorporated Transition district at roughly 1,030 acres covers land in transition from county jurisdiction, and Large Lot Residential districts at one and 2.5 acres cover roughly 1,196 acres together. A Specific Plan District covers about 1,413 acres. This is pre-development intelligence, not legal advice - verify with the local planning department before acquisition.

Zoning Districts

Reno, Nevada Zoning Districts: What Do They Mean?

Zoning districts are areas regulated by specific laws that determine land use, building types, and development rules. Each district below shows its zone type. Reno's ordinance does not state permitted uses as citywide flags, so they are read from each district's own table rather than summarised here.

Zone Code	Zone Type	Area
PUD Planned Unit Development	-	14,633.3 ac
PGOS Parks Greenways And Open Space	-	7,368.8 ac
MA Mixed Use Airport	-	6,328.5 ac
SF-8 Single Family Residential 8 Units Per Acre	-	4,587.9 ac
SF-3 Single Family Residential 3 Units Per Acre	-	4,517.6 ac
MS Mixed Use Suburban	-	2,997.1 ac
I Industrial	-	2,862.8 ac
PF Public Facilities	-	2,209.5 ac
SF-5 Single Family Residential 5 Units Per Acre	-	2,158.7 ac
IC Industrial Commercial	-	1,978.3 ac
GC General Commercial	-	1,752 ac
MF-30 Multifamily Residential 30 Units Per Acre	-	1,699.6 ac
MU Mixed Use Urban	-	1,687 ac
MF-14 Multifamily Residential 14 Units Per Acre	-	1,620.1 ac
SPD Specific Plan District	-	1,413.4 ac
UT-40 Unincorporated Transition 40 Acres	-	1,030 ac
LLR-1 Large Lot Residential 1 Acre	-	943.9 ac
ME Mixed Employment	-	829.4 ac
SF-11 Single Family Residential 11 Units Per Acre	-	619.5 ac
SF-6 Single Family Residential 6000 Square Feet	-	531 ac

Building Controls

What are the building controls in Reno?

Setback, height, FAR, lot area, and density controls enforced across Reno zoning districts.

Building height
Coverage
Density
FAR
Front setback
Lot
Lot width
Multi
Pervious
Rear setback
Side setback

Other Nevada cities

Reno zoning: frequently asked questions

Why do Reno's residential codes need care?: Because the notation is mixed. SF-3, SF-5, SF-8 and SF-11 state units per acre, while SF-6 and SF-9 state lot size in thousands of square feet. SF-8 and SF-9 are therefore not adjacent on a ladder.
What is the Mixed Use Airport district?: A district covering roughly 6,328 acres, the third largest classification, that combines aviation land with mixed development rather than treating the airfield as industrial.
How much of Reno is planned unit development?: Roughly 14,633 acres, the largest classification in the city. A very large share of Reno is therefore governed by approved plans rather than by the citywide tables.
What is the Unincorporated Transition district?: A district covering roughly 1,030 acres for land in transition from county jurisdiction. A parcel there is not yet governed by the ordinary city framework.
How is multifamily zoned?: Through two districts stating units per acre, at 14 and 30, covering roughly 3,320 acres between them. Unlike the single family series, the multifamily notation is consistent.

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Zoning data is pre-development intelligence, not legal advice. Verify with the Reno planning department before acquisition or design.