Guide to GC: General Commercial Zoning in the City of Reno
The GC: General Commercial district in the City of Reno is designed to accommodate established low-intensity, auto-oriented uses while facilitating a transition toward higher-density residential and pedestrian-oriented retail. Development in this district allows for a maximum density of 45 dwelling units per acre and a maximum building height of 65 feet, subject to specific architectural stepback requirements for structures exceeding 35 feet [Section 18.02.309].
District Purpose and Character
The primary intent of the GC: General Commercial district is to support a functional mix of retail, service, and employment-oriented uses. The City of Reno utilizes this designation to manage suburban corridors as they evolve into more integrated urban environments. While auto-oriented businesses are permitted, the City of Reno imposes standards to ensure these developments remain compatible with adjacent residential neighborhoods [Section 18.02.309].
Development Standards
All construction within the GC: General Commercial district must adhere to specific lot and building dimensions. A key feature of this district is the "stepback" requirement, which mandates that for every one foot of height added above 35 feet, the building must be set back an additional foot to mitigate visual impact [Section 18.02.309].
Lot and Building Standards for GC
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Maximum 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 Height | 65 feet [3] |
Notes:
- A minimum zero-foot setback is allowed when the property line abuts an alley and at least 24 feet of backup space is provided [Section 18.02.309].
- If the building is located immediately adjacent to a residentially zoned property, a minimum setback of 10 feet is required [Section 18.02.309].
- One foot of additional stepback is required for each one foot above the height of 35 feet [Section 18.02.309].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The City of Reno categorizes uses in the GC: General Commercial district as Permitted (P), Permitted with a Minor Conditional Use Permit (M), or requiring a full Conditional Use Permit (C). Uses not listed or left blank in the master table are prohibited.
Residential and Group Living Uses
The GC: General Commercial district allows for several residential types, focusing on multi-family and mixed-use configurations.
- Permitted (P): Multi-family dwellings (subject to specific standards), Boarding or rooming houses, Convents or monasteries, Group homes, and Single-room occupancy (SRO) facilities.
- Minor Conditional Use Permit Required (M): Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, live/work units, and fraternity or sorority houses.
- Prohibited: Single-family detached dwellings, mobile home parks, and mobile home subdivisions [Section 18.03.206].
Commercial, Retail, and Service Uses
The City of Reno permits a broad range of commercial activities in the GC: General Commercial district to serve both local and regional needs.
- Permitted (P): Bar/lounge/tavern, Commercial kitchen, Microbrewery/distillery, Hotel, Motel, Financial institution, General office, Recording studio, Personal services, and Plant nurseries.
- Minor Conditional Use Permit Required (M): Retail bakeries, restaurants (with or without alcohol), and gas stations.
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Gun ranges (indoor), Recreational vehicle (RV) parks, Sports arenas/stadiums, Pawn shops, and Truck stops/travel plazas.
- Prohibited: Hospitals (acute and overnight care), farms, and commercial stables [Section 18.03.206].
Industrial and Utility Uses
While primarily a commercial zone, the City of Reno allows certain light industrial and utility functions within the GC: General Commercial designation.
- Permitted (P): Custom and craft manufacturing, Maintenance/renovation businesses, Printing and publishing, and Minor utilities.
- Minor Conditional Use Permit Required (M): Indoor manufacturing, processing, or assembly.
- Conditional Use Permit Required (C): Collection stations, Mini-warehouses, Outdoor storage, and Major utilities.
- Prohibited: Animal byproduct processing, hazardous waste facilities, mining operations, and data centers [Section 18.03.206].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
Parking in the GC: General Commercial district is governed by "Level 2 Parking District" standards. Requirements vary significantly based on the specific use of the property [Section 18.04.705].
Selected Parking Ratios for GC (Level 2)
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Multi-family Dwelling | 1 space per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 2 per unit) |
| General Office | 1 space per 400 sq. ft. |
| General Retail (< 10,000 sq. ft.) | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. |
| Restaurant | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. |
| Hotel/Motel | 0.72 spaces per guest room + requirement for other uses |
| Warehouse/Distribution | 1 space per 3,300 sq. ft. |
Residential Adjacency
When a nonresidential development in the GC: General Commercial district is built within 300 feet of a residential zoning district or a mobile home park, "Residential Adjacency" standards apply. These standards include stricter noise limits (49 dB at night), specific lighting shields to prevent spillover, and prohibited outdoor storage between the commercial building and the residential property [Sections 18.04.1402, 18.04.1407, and 18.04.1408].
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 18.04.1402 Residential Adjacency Applicability
- Section 18.04.1407 Noise
- Section 18.04.1408 Odor