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City of Reno LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential Setback and Development Standards

Jurisdiction: RenoCode Version: Amended January 14, 2026

In the City of Reno, the LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre) district requires a minimum 30-foot front and rear setback and a 10-foot side setback for principal buildings. Accessory structures in the LLR-0.5 district must maintain a 30-foot rear setback, which may be reduced to 12 feet for single-story structures that are 16 feet or less in height. Any street-facing garage in this City of Reno district must be set back at least 30 feet from the sidewalk or planned sidewalk.

Purpose of the LLR-0.5 District

The LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre) district is established by the City of Reno to accommodate single-family residential uses on large lots. Beyond primary residential use, the City of Reno allows for secondary uses in this district, such as schools, agricultural uses, community gardens, parks, and home occupations [Section 18.02.203(a)].

Minimum Setback Requirements

The City of Reno defines specific minimum setbacks for the LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre) district to maintain the intended low-density character of the neighborhood. These setbacks differ depending on whether the structure is a principal building or an accessory structure.

LLR-0.5 Minimum Setbacks

Setback Type Principal Building Accessory Structure
Front 30 feet N/A
Side 10 feet N/A
Rear 30 feet 30 feet / 12 feet [1]
Street-Facing Garage 30 feet [2] N/A

Table Notes:

  • [1] Accessory Rear Setback: The reduced 12-foot rear setback applies only to single-story accessory buildings or structures that are 16 feet or less in height. All other accessory structures must adhere to the 30-foot rear setback [Section 18.02.203, Table 2-6].
  • [2] Garage Measurement: The 30-foot setback for street-facing garages is measured from the sidewalk (or planned sidewalk) to the face of the garage [Section 18.02.203, Table 2-6].

Additional Development Standards for LLR-0.5

In addition to setbacks, the City of Reno regulates density, lot dimensions, and building heights within the LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre) district to ensure consistency in land development.

LLR-0.5 Density and Size Standards

Standard Category Requirement
Maximum Base Density 2 dwelling units per acre
Minimum Lot Size 0.5 acre
Minimum Lot Width 100 feet
Maximum Height (Principal) 45 feet
Maximum Height (Accessory) 29 feet
Maximum Building Coverage 40%

General Measurement Rules

Setbacks in the City of Reno LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre) district are generally measured as the horizontal distance between the property line and the nearest portion of the structure [Section 18.09.205(a)].

The City of Reno allows certain architectural features to intrude into these required setbacks. For example, chimneys, cornices, canopies, or eaves may extend into a required yard by no more than two feet [Section 18.09.205(e)].

Sections Cited

  • Section 18.02.203 LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre)
  • Section 18.09.205 Property Line Setback/Yard
  • Section 18.09.207 Height

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