City of Reno Corner Lot Fencing and Vision Triangle Standards
In the City of Reno, residential fencing located within a required front yard is generally limited to a maximum height of four feet, while side and rear yard fences may reach six feet. For City of Reno corner lots, a fence up to six feet in height is permitted in a front yard that does not provide primary access, provided it is set back at least five feet from the sidewalk and the area is landscaped. All fencing and wall installations within the City of Reno must maintain unobstructed vision triangles at intersections and driveways in accordance with AASHTO standards to ensure public safety.
General Fencing Height and Location Standards
The City of Reno regulates the height and placement of fences, walls, and hedges based on their location on the lot and the underlying zoning district. In most City of Reno districts, the maximum height is strictly controlled to maintain neighborhood character and safety.
Residential and Urban District Standards
For properties in residential, urban, or special purpose districts, the following height limits apply:
| Fence Location | Maximum Height | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Required Front Yard | 4 Feet | Applies to any zone except Employment Districts [Section 18.04.809(e)(2)]. |
| Side and Rear Lot Lines | 6 Feet | May extend from lot lines to buildings [Section 18.04.809(e)(1)]. |
| Corner Lot (Secondary Frontage) | 6 Feet | Permitted only in front yards not providing primary access; requires 5-foot setback from sidewalk and landscaping [Section 18.04.809(e)(3)]. |
| Abutting Arterial/Freeway | >6 Feet | The Administrator may approve increased height when the property line abuts an arterial, expressway, or freeway [Section 18.04.809(c)(6)]. |
Employment District Standards
In City of Reno Employment Districts (I, IC, ME, and MA), regulations allow for more industrial-scale security fencing:
- Front Yard: Fences up to six feet in height are permitted in the required front yard [Section 18.04.809(d)(1)].
- Barbed Wire: Fencing may include barbed wire above a conventional six-foot fence, provided the total height does not exceed nine feet. The arms carrying the wire must extend inward or straight up [Section 18.04.809(d)(2)].
Vision Triangle Requirements
To protect the safety of the traveling public, the City of Reno requires all development to maintain "Vision Triangles." These are areas at the corners of intersections and driveways where obstructions are restricted to ensure drivers have a clear line of sight.
- AASHTO Compliance: All fencing and walls must maintain a clear vision triangle in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards [Section 18.04.809(c)(2)].
- Prohibited Obstructions: The City of Reno prohibits any sign, fence, or structure that constitutes a hazard to pedestrians or traffic [Section 18.05.109(a)].
- Temporary Signage: Temporary signs are also prohibited from extending into the vision triangle area [Section 18.05.110(a)(2)].
Corner Lot Specific Regulations
Corner lots in the City of Reno are subject to unique requirements due to having two frontages.
Primary vs. Secondary Frontage
For fencing purposes, the Administrator determines which frontage is the "primary access" based on the orientation of the yard and surrounding neighbor characteristics.
- Landscaping Requirement: When a six-foot fence is built in a secondary front yard, the five-foot setback area between the fence and the sidewalk must be landscaped according to City of Reno standards [Section 18.04.809(e)(3)].
- Alley Access: If the primary access to a corner lot is provided via an alley, at least one of the front yard setbacks must be maintained without any fencing exceeding four feet in height [Section 18.04.809(e)(4)].
Prohibited Materials and Features
The City of Reno prohibits certain types of fencing and security measures in residential contexts:
- Electric Fencing: Battery-charged or electric fences are strictly prohibited on properties designated for residential use. They are only permitted on non-residential properties subject to specific height and warning sign requirements [Section 18.04.809(d)(3)].
- Hazardous Materials: Barbed wire, razor ribbon, and razor tape are generally prohibited throughout the City of Reno, except in Unincorporated Transition (UT) districts or at public detention facilities [Section 18.04.809(c)(4)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.04.601 Vehicle Access/Circulation and Traffic Analysis
- Section 18.04.809 Fences and Walls
- Section 18.05.109 On-Premises Signs Prohibited
- Section 18.05.110 Temporary On-Premises Signs