MD-ED: Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District Guide for Reno

The MD-ED: Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District in Reno is designed for high-intensity, 24-hour activity, primarily functioning as the city's premier gaming, tourism, and transit-supportive hub. Under the Reno Land Development Code, this district allows for a wide array of residential, commercial, and cultural uses with a minimum floor area ratio (FAR) of 3.0 and no maximum building height. Most notably, the Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District has no minimum off-street parking requirements, prioritizing a dense, pedestrian-oriented urban environment [Section 18.02.301, Section 18.04.705].

Purpose of the MD-ED District

The Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District is intended to support the most intensive development within the Reno downtown regional center. Its primary function is to facilitate a 24-hour gaming environment, supported by major hotel-casinos, cultural facilities, high-density residential units, and urban open spaces. Key activity corridors within the district include Virginia Street, Sierra Street, 2nd Street, Commercial Row, and 4th and 5th Streets [Section 18.02.301].

Dimensional and Development Standards

Development within the Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District must adhere to specific intensity and placement standards to maintain its high-density urban character.

intensity and Siting Standards

Standard	Requirement
Minimum Lot Width	30 feet
Minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)	3.0
Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)	No maximum
Minimum Density	45 dwelling units per acre
Maximum Density	No maximum
Maximum Building Height	No maximum
Front Setback (Virginia & 4th Streets)	18 feet (measured from back of curb)
Front Setback (All other streets)	12 feet (measured from back of curb)
Side Setback	0 feet (5 feet if adjacent to residential)
Rear Setback	0 feet (5 feet if adjacent to residential)

[Section 18.02.301, Section 18.04.1003]

Parking Requirements

The Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District is part of the "Downtown Parking District." Within this specific area of Reno, there is no minimum off-street parking requirement for any land use [Section 18.04.705].

Allowed Residential Uses

The Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District allows nearly all forms of permanent and semi-permanent housing to support high-density urban living.

• Permitted by Right (P):
  • Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex dwellings
  • Live/Work units
  • Multi-family dwellings
  • Single-family (attached or detached)
  • Manufactured homes
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Boarding or rooming houses
  • Convent or monastery
  • Group homes
  • Private dorms
  • Single-room-occupancy units
• Minor Conditional Use Permit Required (M):
  • Fraternity or sorority houses
• Permitted Accessory Uses (A):
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
  • Guest quarters
  • Home occupations

[Section 18.03.206]

Allowed Commercial and Industrial Uses

As an entertainment-focused district, the MD-ED designation permits a variety of retail, service, and employment uses.

• Permitted by Right (P):
  • Retail (General, less than or greater than 10,000 sq. ft.)
  • Restaurants, bars, lounges, and taverns
  • Bakery (Retail)
  • Financial institutions
  • Professional offices (General)
  • Laboratories and Recording studios
  • Personal services (General) and Wedding chapels
  • Convention centers and Event centers
  • Amusement or recreation (Inside)
  • Cannabis dispensaries (Medical or Adult-use)
  • Custom and craft manufacturing
  • Food processing or wholesale bakeries
  • Printing and publishing
• Minor Conditional Use Permit Required (M):
  • Amusement or recreation (Outside)
• Conditional Use Permit Required (C):
  • Hotel with nonrestricted gaming
  • Public meal or homeless services provider
  • Sports arena, stadium, or track
  • General retail with package alcohol sales
  • Major utilities

[Section 18.03.206]

Prohibited Uses in the MD-ED District

The Reno land development code specifically excludes certain uses from the Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District to prevent land-use conflicts or maintain the district's specific character.

• Prohibited Commercial/Service Uses:
  • Funeral parlors
  • Farm or commercial stables
  • Motels (Standard motels without high-density/gaming components)
  • Auto service and repair
  • Automobile, truck, or RV sales/rentals
  • Car washes
  • Gas stations
  • Truck stops or travel plazas
• Prohibited Industrial/Storage Uses:
  • Heavy machinery rental or sales
  • Mini-warehouses
  • Outdoor storage (Principal use)
  • Hazardous waste facilities
  • Data centers
  • Wrecking yards or salvage yards
• Other Prohibitions:
  • Cemeteries or mausoleums (Unless existing)
  • Indoor gun ranges

[Section 18.03.206]

Sections Cited

• Section 18.02.301: MD-ED: Downtown - Entertainment District
• Section 18.03.206: Table of Allowed Uses
• Section 18.04.705: Off-Street Parking Requirements
• Section 18.04.1003: General Standards for Urban Districts