Reno GC Zoning District Setback Standards
In Reno's GC district, the minimum front setback is 10 feet, while side and rear setbacks are 0 feet. However, if the property is adjacent to a residential zone, the side and rear setbacks must be at least 10 feet. Street-facing garages require a 20-foot setback from the sidewalk, and buildings over 35 feet must provide a 1:1 step back for every foot of additional height.
The General Commercial (GC) district in Reno is designed to manage existing low-intensity auto-oriented uses while facilitating a transition toward higher-density residential, retail, and service-oriented employment corridors [§ 18.02.309(a)]. Development within this district must adhere to specific setback and building separation standards to ensure appropriate site layout and compatibility with neighboring properties.
Minimum Setback Requirements
The following table outlines the standard minimum setbacks for principal buildings in the GC district:
| Standard | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Rear Setback | 0 feet |
| Street-Facing Garage | 20 feet (measured from sidewalk or planned sidewalk) |
| Building Separation | 10 feet (between principal buildings) |
[Section 18.02.309, Table 2-22]
Residential Adjacency
While the standard side and rear setbacks are 0 feet, specific protections are in place for neighboring residential areas. If a building in the GC district is located immediately adjacent to a residentially zoned property, the minimum setback for those shared property lines must be increased to 10 feet [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22, Note 2].
Height-Related Step Backs
Building height influences the required setbacks in the GC district. For any portion of a structure exceeding 35 feet in height, the developer must provide one foot of additional step back for every one foot of height above that 35-foot threshold. The maximum building height allowed in the GC district is 65 feet or 5 stories [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22, Note 3].
Alley Access Provisions
A zero-foot setback is permitted at a property line that abuts an alley, provided that at least 24 feet of backup space (inclusive of the alley width) is maintained for all garage doors and parking spaces that exit onto said alley [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22, Note 1].
Rules of Measurement and Rounding
When calculating these distances, the Reno development code applies strict rules of measurement:
- No Rounding: Requirements for minimum setbacks are excluded from standard rounding rules. If the code requires a 10-foot setback, the building must be set back at least 10.00 feet; a distance of 9.5 feet cannot be rounded up to meet the requirement [§ 18.09.209(d)].
- Accessory Structures: Standards for accessory uses and structures within the GC district are governed by Chapter 18.03 Article 4 [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22].