GC: General Commercial Zoning District Guide for Reno
The GC: General Commercial district in the City of Reno is an urban zoning designation intended for a mix of low-intensity auto-oriented uses and higher-density residential developments. It allows for a maximum residential density of 45 dwelling units per acre and permits buildings up to 65 feet in height, provided they incorporate specific step-back designs for compatibility. The City of Reno utilizes this district to support the transition of suburban corridors into integrated areas featuring retail, commercial, and employment services [Section 18.02.309].
Purpose and General Character
The GC: General Commercial district is established by the City of Reno to manage and accommodate established low-intensity, auto-oriented commercial activities. A primary goal of the district is to support the gradual evolution of Reno’s suburban corridors into a more diverse mix of higher-density residential units, retail stores, and service-oriented employment centers [Section 18.02.309]. As an "Urban District," it emphasizes a compact development pattern while maintaining flexibility for various commercial and residential integrations [Section 18.04.1001].
Development Standards
Development within the GC: General Commercial district must adhere to specific lot and building requirements to ensure consistency with the City of Reno’s urban design goals.
Table: GC District Lot and Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Maximum Residential Density | 45 dwelling units per acre |
| Minimum Front Setback | 10 feet [1] |
| Minimum Side Setback | 0 feet [1][2] |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 0 feet [1][2] |
| Maximum Building Height | 65 feet [3] |
| Minimum Landscape Area | 15% of gross land area |
Table Notes:
- [1] A minimum zero-foot setback is permitted when the property line abuts an alley, provided at least 24 feet of backup space is maintained [Section 18.02.309, Table 2-22].
- [2] If the building is located immediately adjacent to a residentially zoned property in the City of Reno, a minimum setback of 10 feet is required [Section 18.02.309, Table 2-22].
- [3] Buildings exceeding 35 feet in height require a one-foot additional step-back for every one foot of height above the 35-foot threshold [Section 18.02.309, Table 2-22].
Permitted Land Uses
The GC: General Commercial district supports a broad array of uses, ranging from residential living to intensive retail and service operations.
Residential and Group Living
The City of Reno permits high-density residential uses in the GC: General Commercial district to encourage mixed-use environments. Permitted uses include:
- Permitted (P): Multi-family dwellings (subject to specific standards), single-family attached units, manufactured homes, group homes, and convents/monasteries.
- Minor Conditional Use (M): Duplex, triplex, and fourplex dwellings, as well as live/work units.
- Conditional Use (C): Boarding or rooming houses [Table 3-1].
Commercial and Retail
As a primarily commercial zone, the GC: General Commercial district allows for extensive retail and service-based activities:
- Food and Beverage: Restaurants (with or without alcohol), bakeries, bars/lounges, and commercial kitchens are permitted by right.
- General Retail: Convenience stores and general retail of all sizes are permitted. Package alcohol sales and pawn shops typically require a conditional use permit or additional review [Table 3-1].
- Services: General personal services, professional offices, banks, medical facilities, and wedding chapels are permitted [Table 3-1].
- Auto-Oriented: Auto service and repair, car washes, and gas stations are allowed, though some require minor conditional use permits [Table 3-1].
Recreation and Institutional
- Permitted: Parks, libraries, adult education, and childcare centers.
- Conditional: Convention centers, gun ranges, and sports arenas [Table 3-1].
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking in the City of Reno's GC: General Commercial district is generally governed by the "Level 2 Parking District" standards unless the property is located within 600 feet of a Downtown or Level 1 district [Section 18.04.705].
Table: Representative GC District Parking Ratios
| Use Type | Level 2 Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Multi-Family Dwelling | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 2 per unit) |
| General Office | 1 per 400 sq. ft. |
| General Retail | 1 per 250 sq. ft. |
| Restaurant | 1 per 200 sq. ft. |
| Bank / Financial Institution | 1 per 400 sq. ft. |
[Section 18.04.705, Table 4-6]
Buffering and Screening
When a new development in the GC: General Commercial district abuts a single-family residential area, the City of Reno requires a solid screen. This typically consists of a six-foot-high solid masonry, metal, or wood fence supplemented by five feet of landscaping containing at least one evergreen tree every 20 linear feet [Section 18.04.808, Table 4-17].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.309 GC: General Commercial
- Section 18.03.206 Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.04.705 Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.04.808 Screening
- Section 18.04.1001 Purpose (Urban Districts)
- Section 18.04.1003 General Standards for Urban Districts