MF-30 Multi-Family Residential Zoning Standards: Reno, NV
In Reno's MF-30 district, multi-family housing is permitted at a maximum density of 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. Principal buildings have a 45-foot height limit and require a 15-foot front setback (reducible to 10 feet with compatibility stepbacks). Minimum lot sizes are 3,000 sq. ft. with a required 100 sq. ft. of usable open space per dwelling unit.
The MF-30 (Multi-Family Residential) district is designed to accommodate high-density multi-family housing while allowing for limited commercial and retail uses. This district is typically situated adjacent to other multi-family developments, Urban Districts, or Employment Districts to serve as a transition between intensities [§ 18.02.210(a)].
Development Density and Lot Standards
The MF-30 district regulates density based on square footage per dwelling unit and establishes minimum requirements for parcel size and configuration.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Base Density (Maximum) | 1 dwelling unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of lot area [§ 18.02.210] |
| Lot Size (Minimum) | 3,000 sq. ft. [§ 18.02.210] |
| Lot Width (Minimum) | 50 ft. (0 ft. for zero-lot-line developments) [§ 18.02.210] |
Setback Requirements
Setbacks for the MF-30 district differ between principal buildings and accessory structures.
Principal Building Setbacks
- Front: 15 feet. This may be reduced to 10 feet if the site incorporates specific compatibility stepback standards [§ 18.02.210, Note 2].
- Side: 5 feet.
- Side (Zero-Lot-Line): 10 feet on one side and 0 feet on the other [§ 18.02.210].
- Rear: 10 feet.
- Street-Facing Garage: 20 feet, measured from the sidewalk (or planned sidewalk) to the face of the garage [§ 18.02.210].
Accessory Structure Setbacks
- Front: 15 feet. On lots with a principal single-family use, accessory structures are strictly prohibited between the front property line and the principal structure [§ 18.02.210, Note 3].
- Side: 5 feet.
- Rear: 5 feet.
Special Setback Exceptions
A zero-foot setback is permitted if the property line abuts an alley, provided there is at least 24 feet of total backup space (including the alley width) for garage doors or parking spaces [§ 18.02.210, Note 1].
Building Height and Separation
- Maximum Principal Building Height: 45 feet [§ 18.02.210].
- Maximum Accessory Structure Height:
- 29 feet for a single accessory building.
- 16 feet for a one-story residential garage or carport.
- 12 feet for all other accessory structures [§ 18.02.210, Note 4].
- Building Separation: There must be a minimum of 10 feet between principal buildings on the same lot [§ 18.02.210].
Accessory Structure Dimensional Standards
Accessory structures in the MF-30 district must comply with specific size limitations to ensure they remain subordinate to the primary use.
- Minimum Separation: 3 feet from other structures on the same lot [§ 18.03.403, Table 3-7].
- Maximum Area per Structure: 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the rear yard area, whichever is less [§ 18.03.403, Table 3-7].
- Cumulative Maximum Area: The total area of all accessory structures cannot exceed 50% of the principal structure's area [§ 18.03.403, Table 3-7].
Additional Site Requirements
- Usable Open Space: All developments must provide a minimum of 100 sq. ft. of usable open space per dwelling unit [§ 18.02.210].
- Compatibility and Stepbacks: If a new building is constructed within 150 feet of a property zoned Large-Lot (LL), Single-Family (SF), or MF-14, it must adhere to additional compatibility setbacks and stepbacks [§ 18.04.1003(c)(1)].
- Primary and Secondary Uses: While multi-family is the primary use, the district also permits duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, single-family residential, parks, and schools. Limited commercial and retail uses are also allowed [§ 18.02.210(a)].