Reno General Commercial (GC) Dimensional and Setback Standards
In Reno's General Commercial (GC) district, buildings are limited to a maximum height of 65 feet (5 stories) and a density of 45 units per acre. Standard setbacks are 10 feet for the front and 0 feet for the side and rear. However, a 10-foot setback is required when adjacent to residential zones, and buildings over 35 feet must follow a 1:1 height-to-step-back ratio.
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 suburban corridors [§ 18.02.309(a)].
Lot and Building Standards
Development within the GC district must adhere to specific lot dimensions and density limits to ensure consistency with the city's urban planning goals.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft |
| Maximum Density | 45 dwelling units (du) per acre |
| Maximum Building Height | 65 ft |
| Maximum Stories | 5 stories |
| Minimum Building Separation | 10 ft between principal buildings |
[Table 2-22, § 18.02.309]
Setback Requirements
Setbacks are measured as the horizontal distance between the property line and the nearest portion of a building or structure [§ 18.09.205(a)(1)].
Standard Minimum Setbacks
- Front: 10 ft
- Side: 0 ft
- Rear: 0 ft
- Street-Facing Garage: 20 ft (measured from the sidewalk or planned sidewalk to the face of the garage).
[Table 2-22, § 18.02.309]
Special Setback Conditions
- Residential Adjacency: If a GC building is located immediately adjacent to a residentially zoned property, the minimum side and rear setbacks are increased to 10 feet [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22, Note 2].
- Alley Access: A minimum zero-foot setback is permitted when a property line abuts an alley, provided there is at least 24 feet of backup space (including the alley width) for all garage doors or parking spaces [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22, Note 1].
- Irregular Lots: For lots with multiple street frontages (excluding corner lots), front setbacks must be maintained along every lot line abutting a street [§ 18.09.205(b)(1)].
Height and Step-back Regulations
While the maximum height for the GC district is 65 feet, buildings are subject to "step-back" requirements to mitigate the impact of taller structures:
- Step-back Rule: For every one foot of height above 35 feet, the building must provide one foot of additional step-back [§ 18.02.309, Table 2-22, Note 3].
Permitted Intrusions into Setbacks
Certain architectural and functional features may extend into required yard setbacks:
- Architectural Features: Cornices, canopies, chimneys, and eaves may extend up to 2 feet into a required yard [§ 18.09.205(e)(1)].
- Stairs and Patios: Outside stairs, landings, or patio areas may extend up to 3 feet into the setback, provided they do not exceed the ground floor elevation plus a 3-foot railing [§ 18.09.205(e)(2)].
- Mechanical Equipment: Equipment (including screening) no taller than 4 feet may extend into side or rear yards, provided a 2-foot minimum setback from the property line is maintained [§ 18.09.205(e)(4)].
Strict Measurement and Rounding Rules
Reno code strictly prohibits the rounding of specific measurements in a way that would reduce a requirement or exceed a limit. For the GC district:
- Setbacks: If a minimum setback is 10 feet, the building must be at least 10.00 feet from the line; rounding 9.5 feet up to 10 feet is not permitted [§ 18.09.209(d)].
- Height: If the maximum height is 65 feet, the building cannot be 65.01 feet [§ 18.09.209(c)].
- Density: Maximum density limits (45 du/acre) cannot be exceeded via rounding [§ 18.09.209(b)].