Guide to the IC: Industrial Commercial Zoning District in Reno
The IC: Industrial Commercial district in Reno is an employment-focused zone that allows for a mix of industrial, research and development, and commercial uses, typically characterized by moderate-footprint buildings under 500,000 square feet. This district requires a minimum lot size of 0.5 acres and a maximum building height of 55 feet, with mandatory 10-foot setbacks and residential adjacency buffers when located next to residentially zoned properties.
Purpose and General Character
The IC: Industrial Commercial district is intended to provide for a mix of industrial, research and development, and commercial uses within the City of Reno. The general character of the IC: Industrial Commercial district consists of moderate-footprint buildings designed for flex space, warehousing, manufacturing, and supporting office uses [Section 18.02.402(a)].
A defining characteristic of the Reno IC: Industrial Commercial district is the requirement for separation from residential development through natural and man-made buffers to mitigate impacts [Section 18.02.402(a)].
Lot and Building Standards
Development within the IC: Industrial Commercial district must adhere to specific dimensional requirements regarding lot size, building bulk, and setbacks. Buildings in this Reno district may exceed the standard 500,000 square foot maximum building area only with the approval of a major site plan review [Section 18.02.402, Table 2-28].
IC: Industrial Commercial Dimensional Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 0.5 acre |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Maximum Building Area | 500,000 square feet [1] |
| Maximum Building Height | 55 feet [2] |
| Minimum Front Setback (Sites $\le$ 20 acres) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Front Setback (Sites > 20 acres) | 30 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback | 0 feet [3] |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 0 feet [3] |
Table Notes:
- [1] May be exceeded with a major site plan review.
- [2] One foot of additional step back is required adjacent to streets and residentially zoned property for each one foot above a height of 35 feet.
- [3] If the building is located immediately adjacent to a residentially zoned property, a minimum setback of 10 feet is required and is subject to residential adjacency standards. [Source: Section 18.02.402, Table 2-28]
Permitted Land Uses
The IC: Industrial Commercial district in Reno primarily supports employment and production-based activities. While residential uses are largely prohibited, "Live/Work" dwellings are permitted to support the mixed-use nature of the district [Section 18.03.206, Table 3-1].
Primary Permitted Uses (P)
- Industrial: Custom and craft manufacturing, food processing/wholesale bakery, indoor manufacturing/assembly, printing and publishing, wholesaling, and research and development [Section 18.03.206].
- Commercial/Office: General office, call centers, and financial institutions [Section 18.03.206].
- Retail: Retail sales associated with a primary use (not to exceed 20% of the gross floor area) [Section 18.03.405(n)].
- Residential: Dwelling, Live/Work [Section 18.03.206].
Conditional Uses (C or M)
- Minor Conditional Use (M): Asphalt or concrete batch plants (temporary) and certain expansions of nonresidential facilities [Section 18.03.503, 18.08.604].
- Conditional Use (C): Major utilities, hazardous waste facilities, and specialized manufacturing that may have higher impacts [Section 18.03.206].
District-Specific Development Standards
Off-Street Parking
The IC: Industrial Commercial district is classified under the "Level 2 Parking District" in Reno [Section 18.04.705(a)]. Parking ratios are calculated based on the gross floor area of the specific use.
| Use Category | Level 2 Parking Requirement (Minimum) |
|---|---|
| General Office / Laboratory | 1 space per 400 square feet |
| Manufacturing and Processing | 1 space per 1,000 square feet |
| Storage and Warehousing | 1 space per 3,000 square feet |
| Wholesale | 1 space per 1,000 square feet |
| [Source: Section 18.04.705, Table 4-6] |
Signage
The Reno IC: Industrial Commercial district allows for larger and taller signs compared to residential or neighborhood commercial zones, reflecting its industrial character [Section 18.05.113].
| Sign Type | Maximum Standard |
|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign Height | 25 feet |
| Freestanding Sign Area | 150 square feet |
| Wall Sign Area | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of business frontage (max 400 sq. ft.) |
| Illumination | All types permitted |
| [Source: Section 18.05.113, Table 5-1] |
Loading and Service Areas
For nonresidential developments in the IC: Industrial Commercial district exceeding 30,000 square feet, at least one off-street loading area is required. These areas must be 10 feet wide, 45 feet long, and 14 feet high. All loading and unloading maneuvers must occur entirely within the property lines; backing from a public street is prohibited [Section 18.04.708, 18.04.1103].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.402, IC: Industrial Commercial
- Section 18.03.206, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.03.405, Standards for Specific Accessory Uses
- Section 18.03.503, Standards for Specific Temporary Uses
- Section 18.04.705, Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.04.708, Off-Street Loading and Stacking
- Section 18.04.1102, Applicability (Employment Districts)
- Section 18.04.1103, General Standards for Employment Districts
- Section 18.05.113, Permanent On-Premises Sign Regulations by Zoning District
- Section 18.08.604, Minor Conditional Use Permit