Guide to the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District in Reno
The MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District in Reno is a high-density urban zone designed to support the expansion of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) campus through student housing, research facilities, and ground-floor retail. Development in this Reno district is governed by a minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.0 and requires buildings to be located within a 0-15 foot build-to zone to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment. Notably, the City of Reno strictly prohibits all cannabis and gaming establishments within the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District.
Purpose and General Character
The MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District is primarily intended to facilitate university-supportive expansion south of the UNR campus in the City of Reno [Section 18.02.305]. The district’s character is defined by a dense, integrated mix of student housing, educational facilities, and innovation or research spaces. To encourage a vibrant street life, the City of Reno emphasizes ground-floor retail and university-related uses. All development within the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District must consider the University of Nevada Reno Campus Master Plan to ensure regional compatibility [Section 18.02.305].
Permitted Land Uses
The MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District allows a broad range of residential, institutional, and commercial uses, emphasizing high-density and transit-supportive structures.
Residential Uses
The City of Reno permits most residential types by-right in the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District, including:
- Duplex, triplex, and fourplex dwellings [Table 3-1].
- Multi-family dwellings and live/work units [Table 3-1].
- Single-family attached and detached dwellings [Table 3-1].
- Private dormitories and group homes [Table 3-1].
Public, Institutional, and Civic Uses
Consistent with its university-adjacent role, the district allows:
- Educational facilities, including colleges, universities, and vocational schools [Table 3-1].
- Libraries, museums, and art galleries [Table 3-1].
- Religious assemblies and childcare centers [Table 3-1].
Commercial and Retail Uses
Allowed commercial activities in the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District include:
- Restaurants, bakeries, and bars [Table 3-1].
- General retail (under and over 10,000 square feet) [Table 3-1].
- Professional offices, financial institutions, and laboratories [Table 3-1].
- Hotels and bed and breakfast inns [Table 3-1].
- Prohibited: Cannabis establishments and gaming operations are explicitly prohibited [Section 18.02.305].
Development and Building Standards
Development in the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District must adhere to specific intensity and placement standards to maintain its urban, pedestrian-oriented character.
Lot and Building Standards
The following table outlines the primary dimensional requirements for the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District in Reno.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Width | 30 feet |
| Minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 3.0 |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 4.0 (Additional FAR allowed if buildings do not exceed 0.5 per story) |
| Build-to Zone | 0-15 feet from setback |
| Front Setback (Virginia Street) | 18 feet |
| Front Setback (Other Streets) | 12 feet |
| Side/Rear Setback | 0 feet (5 feet if adjacent to a residential property) |
| Building Separation | 10 feet between primary buildings |
| Minimum Parking | None required in MD districts |
[Table 2-18; Section 18.04.1003; Section 18.04.705]
Streetscape and Pedestrian Amenities
The City of Reno requires that ground floors of street-facing facades in the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District feature transparent doors or windows for at least 25 percent of the facade's horizontal length (or 40 percent on Virginia Street) [Section 18.04.1003(c)(3)]. Additionally, developments must provide pedestrian amenities such as plazas, fountains, or public art in an amount equal to one percent of the project's total costs [Section 18.04.1003(a)(5)].
Parking and Loading
In accordance with the City of Reno’s goals for a compact downtown core, there is no minimum off-street parking requirement for any use within the MD-UD: Mixed-Use Downtown University District [Section 18.04.705(a)(1)a].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.305, MD-UD: Downtown - University District
- Table 2-18, MD-UD: Lot and Building Standards
- Table 3-1, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.04.705, Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.04.1001, Purpose (Urban Districts)
- Section 18.04.1003, General Standards for Urban Districts