Allowed and Prohibited Uses in Reno's MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District
The MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District in Reno is primarily designed to support university-oriented development, including high-density student housing, educational facilities, and ground-floor retail south of the UNR campus. While most residential and commercial services are permitted by right, the City of Reno explicitly prohibits all cannabis and gaming establishments, including those that would otherwise be considered accessory uses. New developments in this district must adhere to intensive urban standards, including a minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.0 and specific build-to zones to maintain a pedestrian-friendly environment [Section 18.02.305].
District Purpose and Character
The MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District serves as a transition and support zone for the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) campus. The City of Reno intended this district to accommodate an integrated mix of housing and research-based employment. All development within the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District should consider the University of Nevada Reno Campus Master Plan to ensure regional compatibility [Section 18.02.305(a)].
Technical Development Standards
Development in the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District must comply with specific density and setback requirements. Unlike many other Reno districts, front setbacks are measured from the back of the curb rather than the property line [Section 18.04.1003(a)(2)].
MD-UD: Lot and Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Width | 30 feet |
| Minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 3.0 |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 4.0 (Additional FAR allowed for buildings not exceeding 0.5 FAR per story) |
| Build-to Zone | 0-15 feet from setback; greater allowed for plazas/amenities |
| Front Setback (Virginia Street) | 18 feet |
| Front Setback (Other Streets) | 12 feet |
| Side Setback | 0 feet (5 feet if adjacent to residential) |
| Rear Setback | 0 feet (5 feet if adjacent to residential) |
| Street-Facing Garage Setback | 20 feet from sidewalk or planned sidewalk |
| Building Separation | 10 feet between primary buildings |
[Table 2-18]
Table of Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The following list categorizes the permissions for various uses within the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District in Reno as defined in the City's consolidated use table.
Residential Uses
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Dwelling, Duplex / Triplex / Fourplex | Permitted (P) |
| Dwelling, Multi-family | Permitted (P) |
| Dwelling, Live/Work | Permitted (P) |
| Dwelling, Single-Family (Attached or Detached) | Permitted (P/P*) |
| Manufactured Home | Permitted (P) |
| Group Home | Permitted (P) |
| Private Dorm | Permitted (P) |
| Assisted Living Facility | Permitted (P) |
| Fraternity or Sorority House | Minor Conditional Use (M) |
Public, Institutional, and Civic Uses
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Adult Education / Vocational School | Permitted (P) |
| Childcare Center | Permitted (P) |
| College, University, or Seminary | Permitted (P) |
| School, Public or Private | Minor Conditional Use (M*) |
| Library, Art Gallery, or Museum | Permitted (P) |
| Minor Government Facility | Permitted (P) |
| Religious Assembly | Permitted (P) |
| Public Park or Recreation Area | Permitted (P) |
| Hospital / Medical Facility | Permitted (P) |
Commercial and Industrial Uses
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (with or without Alcohol) | Permitted (P) |
| Bar, Lounge, or Tavern | Permitted (P) |
| Financial Institution | Permitted (P) |
| General Office / Call Center | Permitted (P) |
| Personal Services (Cleaners, Salons, etc.) | Permitted (P) |
| General Retail (any size) | Permitted (P) |
| Hotel or Hotel-Condominium | Permitted (P) |
| Custom and Craft Manufacturing | Permitted (P) |
| Data Center | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
| Printing and Publishing | Permitted (P) |
| Event Center / Banquet Hall | Permitted (P) |
| Convention Center | Conditional Use Permit (C) |
Specifically Prohibited Uses
In the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District, the following uses are strictly prohibited by the City of Reno:
- Cannabis Establishments: Both medical and adult-use dispensaries, cultivation, and production are prohibited [Section 18.02.305(a)].
- Gaming Establishments: Nonrestricted gaming and associated casino uses are prohibited [Section 18.02.305(a)].
- Auto-Related Uses: Automobile/truck sales, rentals, and service/repair are prohibited [Table 3-1].
- Industrial Uses: Most heavy industrial activities, hazardous waste facilities, and salvage yards are prohibited [Table 3-1].
- Storage: Mini-warehouses and outdoor storage as a primary use are prohibited [Table 3-1].
Accessory and Temporary Uses
Accessory uses in the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District are generally permitted if they are incidental to a primary allowed use.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Permitted, provided they do not exceed the height of the primary residence and the lot is at least 5,000 square feet [Section 18.03.405(a)].
- Sidewalk Seating: Permitted as an accessory to restaurants, subject to an outdoor dining permit and maintaining a six-foot clear path for pedestrians [Section 18.03.405(q)].
- Package Alcohol Sales: Permitted with a Minor Conditional Use Permit when accessory to a primary use like a General Retail Store or Convenience Store [Section 18.03.405(n)].
- Temporary Uses: Uses such as seasonal Christmas tree lots, construction field offices, and real estate sales offices are permitted subject to temporary use standards [Section 18.03.503].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.305 MD-UD: Downtown - University District
- Section 18.03.206 Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.03.405 Standards for Specific Accessory Uses
- Section 18.03.503 Standards for Specific Temporary Uses
- Section 18.04.1003 General Standards for Urban Districts
- Table 2-18 MD-UD: Lot and Building Standards
- Table 3-1 Table of Allowed Uses