Reno, NV MF-30 Setback Measurement Standards
In the MF-30 district, setbacks are generally measured from the property line to the nearest part of the structure. However, if the property uses a private roadway serving more than four units, the measurement starts from the edge of the roadway. Street-facing garages have a unique measurement point, requiring 20 feet of clearance from the sidewalk or planned sidewalk.
In the MF-30 (Multi-Family Residential) district, setbacks determine the required separation between structures and property boundaries. The measurement point depends on the type of roadway access and the specific part of the structure being built.
General Measurement Rules
For most developments in the MF-30 district, setbacks for buildings and structures are measured as the horizontal distance between the property line and the nearest portion of the building or structure [ยง 18.09.205(a)(1)a].
Private Roadway and Access Easement Exception
If a parcel includes a private roadway or an access easement that serves more than four residential units (or any nonresidential development other than minor utilities), the setbacks are not measured from the property line. Instead, they must be measured from the edge of ๊ทธ roadway [ยง 18.09.205(a)(1)b-c].
Specific MF-30 Setback Requirements
The MF-30 district has specific minimum distance requirements for different sides of a lot:
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement | Measurement Point |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 15 feet | Property line (or edge of private roadway) [Note 1] |
| Side | 5 feet | Property line (or edge of private roadway) |
| Rear | 10 feet | Property line (or edge of private roadway) |
| Street-Facing Garage | 20 feet | From the sidewalk or planned sidewalk to the face of the garage |
Note 1: A 10-foot front setback may be permitted if the site is designed according to specific stepback standards for compatibility [ยง 18.02.210, Table 2-13].
Alley Access Exception
A minimum zero-foot setback is permitted if the 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 [ยง 18.02.210, Note 1].
Measurement Precision and Rounding
Setback measurements in Reno must be exact. The city's general rounding rules (which allow rounding fractions of .50 or greater up) do not apply to setbacks. If the minimum setback is 10 feet, the building must be placed at least 10.00 feet from the measurement point [ยง 18.09.209(d)].
Permitted Intrusions
Certain architectural features are allowed to extend into the required MF-30 setbacks:
- Architectural Features: Cornices, canopies, chimneys, and eaves may extend up to two feet into the setback [ยง 18.09.205(e)(1)].
- Stairs and Patios: Outside stairs, landings, or patio areas may extend up to three feet into the setback, provided they do not exceed the ground floor elevation (plus a three-foot railing) [ยง 18.09.205(e)(2)].
- Mechanical Equipment: Equipment (and its screening) up to four feet in height may extend into side or rear yards, but must maintain a minimum two-foot setback from the property line [ยง 18.09.205(e)(4)].