City of Reno Swimming Pool and Accessory Structure Regulations

In the City of Reno, swimming pools are classified as accessory structures and must generally be located behind the front face of the principal building on a property. Most residential zoning districts require a minimum 3-foot separation between the pool and other structures on the same lot, along with side and rear setbacks that typically range from 5 to 15 feet depending on the specific district and structure height.

General Classification and Placement

The City of Reno Land Development Code defines a swimming pool as a component of "Useable Open Space" [Section 18.09.303]. As an accessory use or structure, a swimming pool must be customarily incidental to the principal building and located on the same lot [Section 18.03.401].

In the City of Reno, accessory structures are strictly prohibited within the front yard setback area between the front property line and the principal structure [Section 18.03.403]. This applies to all LLR and SF residential districts. In the MF-30 district, accessory structures are specifically prohibited between the front property line and the principal structure on lots used for single-family purposes [Section 18.02.210].

Dimensional Standards for Residential Districts

Swimming pools must adhere to the specific setback requirements of the City of Reno residential zoning district in which they are located. The following table outlines the minimum setbacks for accessory structures. Because swimming pools are typically at-grade or low-profile, they generally qualify for the "lower" rear setback provided for single-story structures under 16 feet in height.

Table: Residential Accessory Structure Setbacks

Zoning District	Front Setback	Side Setback (Min)	Rear Setback (Min)
LLR-2.5 (Large-Lot)	Prohibited in Front	15 ft	15 ft*
LLR-1 (Large-Lot)	Prohibited in Front	12 ft	12 ft*
LLR-0.5 (Large-Lot)	Prohibited in Front	10 ft	12 ft*
SF-3 (Single-Family)	Behind Front Face	5 ft	5 ft*
SF-5 (Single-Family)	Behind Front Face	5 ft	5 ft*
SF-8 (Single-Family)	Behind Front Face	5 ft	5 ft*
SF-11 (Single-Family)	Behind Front Face	5 ft	5 ft*
MF-14 (Multi-Family)	10 ft	5 ft	5 ft*
MF-21 (Multi-Family)	15 ft	5 ft	5 ft
MF-30 (Multi-Family)	15 ft	5 ft	5 ft

*Note: The lower rear setback applies to single-story accessory structures up to 16 feet in height. Taller structures must meet the higher principal building rear setback (typically 20-30 feet). [Section 18.02.201 - 18.02.210]

Construction and Separation Rules

Beyond property line setbacks, the City of Reno mandates internal safety and structural clearances:

Separation: A minimum separation of 3 feet is required between the pool (as an accessory structure) and any other structures on the same lot in LLR, SF, and MF districts [Section 18.03.403].
Accessory Requirement: No swimming pool or accessory structure may be constructed on a residentially zoned lot in the City of Reno without an approved principal building already in place [Section 18.03.402].

Mortensen-Garson Neighborhood Plan (MGOD)

Specific standards apply to the Mortensen-Garson Neighborhood Plan Overlay District. In this area of the City of Reno, swimming pools are explicitly listed as a permitted use within "Permanent Open Space Areas" [Section 18.02.603]. Furthermore, for developments within the MGOD that include common open space, these areas may include swimming pools as recreational amenities for residents [Section 18.02.603].

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