Reno Multi-Family Residential Landscaping and Tree Standards
Multi-family developments in Reno must landscape 20% of the site (reduced to 5% in high-density Urban Districts). You must provide 1 tree and 6 shrubs for every 300 square feet of landscaped area. Grass or turf is limited to 50% of the required landscape space, and trees must be at least a 2-inch caliper (deciduous) or 6 feet tall (evergreen) at installation.
The City of Reno establishes specific landscaping and tree requirements for multi-family residential developments (such as MF30) to enhance aesthetics, reduce urban heat, and promote water conservation. These standards govern the percentage of the site that must be landscaped, the density of plant materials, and the types of materials allowed.
Minimum Landscaped Area
For multi-family residential uses, the minimum portion of the site that must be permanently landscaped is determined by its zoning context:
- Standard Residential Districts: All residential uses other than single-family detached, attached, or duplexes must landscape at least 20 percent of the site [§ 18.04.804(c)(1)b].
- Urban Zoning Districts: If the development is located within a Mixed-Use Urban (MU) district with a density greater than 30 dwelling units per acre, the minimum landscape area is reduced to 5 percent of the gross land area [§ 18.04.804(c)(2)].
- Front Yard Requirements: The minimum front yard setback (excluding driveways and sidewalks) must be comprised entirely of landscaping, which counts toward the total site percentage requirement [§ 18.04.804(c)(2)].
Minimum Tree and Shrub Densities
All required landscape areas must meet specific density requirements for plant materials.
General Plant Ratios
In all zoning districts except Employment Districts, the following must be provided for every 300 square feet of required landscaped area [§ 18.04.805(b)(1)]:
- Trees: 1 tree.
- Shrubs: 6 shrubs.
Street Tree Requirements
Street trees are required to provide shade for sidewalks and paved surfaces.
- Residential Streets: Two street trees must be planted for each lot up to 50 feet in width. For frontage exceeding 50 feet, trees must be planted at a minimum average rate of one tree for every 30 feet of frontage [§ 18.04.804(f)(1)b].
- Arterials and Collectors: Trees must be planted adjacent to the right-of-way at a minimum average rate of one tree for every 30 feet of frontage [§ 18.04.804(f)(1)a].
Planting Size and Material Standards
All plants must meet minimum size requirements at the time of installation [§ 18.04.805(c)]:
| Material Type | Minimum Installation Size |
|---|---|
| Deciduous Trees | 2-inch caliper |
| Evergreen Trees | 6 feet in height |
| Large Shrubs | 5-gallon container |
| Small Shrubs | 1-gallon container |
| Ground Covers | 4-inch pot container |
| Vines | 5-gallon container |
Note on Shrub Mix: At least 25 percent of all required shrubs must be a minimum of five-gallon size; the remaining 75 percent must be one-gallon or larger [§ 18.04.805(c)(4)a].
Water Conservation and Material Limits
Developments must comply with water conservation standards to reduce consumption [§ 18.04.806]:
- Turf Limitations: In multi-family developments, lawn or turf areas cannot exceed 50 percent of the required landscape area [§ 18.04.806(c)].
- Turf Buffer: Turf and spray irrigation are prohibited within 18 inches of any public right-of-way [§ 18.04.806(i)].
- Inert Materials: Decorative paving, rock, or artificial turf may comprise up to 25 percent of the required landscaped area. If rock is used, it must be fractured (3-inch minimum) on slopes 3:1 or steeper [§ 18.04.805(c)(2)c].
- Mulch: All trees and shrubs must be mulched to a minimum depth of four inches to decrease evaporation [§ 18.04.805(c)(5)].
Parking Area Landscaping
Surface parking lots for multi-family developments must include internal landscaping [§ 18.04.804(e)]:
- Area Requirement: A minimum of 25 square feet of landscaped area must be provided for every off-street parking space. This area must constitute at least 15 percent of the total surface parking lot area [§ 18.04.804(e)(2)a].
- Tree Placement: No parking space shall be further than 75 feet from a tree. Parking lots with 12 or more spaces in width must include landscape islands containing shade trees [§ 18.04.804(e)(2)b].
- Screening: All parking areas must be screened from public roadways by a screen at least 36 inches in height, achieved via berms, planting screens/shrubs, or decorative walls [§ 18.04.804(e)(3)].