MD-ID: Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District Setback Standards
In the City of Reno, the MD-ID: Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District requires a minimum front setback of 18 feet on Fourth Street and 12 feet on all other street frontages, measured from the back of the curb. While side and rear setbacks are generally zero feet, the City of Reno mandates a minimum 5-foot setback when the MD-ID property is immediately adjacent to residentially zoned land. Street-facing garages in the MD-ID district must be set back at least 20 feet from the sidewalk.
Setback and Building Standards Table
The following table details the minimum dimensional requirements for the MD-ID: Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District as established by the City of Reno.
| Feature | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (Fourth Street) | 18 feet (measured from back of curb) [Section 18.02.302] |
| Front Setback (All other streets) | 12 feet (measured from back of curb) [Section 18.02.302] |
| Side Setback (General) | 0 feet [Section 18.02.302] |
| Side Setback (Adjacent to Residential) | 5 feet minimum [Section 18.02.302] |
| Rear Setback (General) | 0 feet [Section 18.02.302] |
| Rear Setback (Adjacent to Residential) | 5 feet minimum [Section 18.02.302] |
| Street-Facing Garage | 20 feet (from sidewalk or planned sidewalk) [Section 18.02.302] |
| Building Separation | 10 feet between principal buildings [Section 18.02.302] |
Detailed Front Setback Regulations
In the MD-ID: Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District, front setbacks are uniquely measured from the back of the curb or the proposed curb line, rather than the property line [Section 18.04.1003(a)(2)].
Streetscape Integration
The City of Reno requires these front setbacks to include specific pedestrian-oriented components. For 18-foot setbacks, the area must include a minimum obstruction-free sidewalk of six feet, an eight-foot area for street furniture or trees, and a four-foot area for window shopping or additional street furniture [Section 18.04.1003(a)(4)].
Existing Structures and Future Planning
- Street Widening: If the Adopted Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) identifies a street-widening project, the City of Reno requires the front setback to be measured from the curb location established after the expansion [Section 18.04.1003(a)(2)].
- Nonconforming Buildings: If an existing building is closer to the curb than the minimum 12- or 18-foot requirement, the City of Reno requires the maximum possible setback to be provided without requiring the removal of the building [Section 18.04.1003(a)(2)].
Side and Rear Setback Exceptions
The City of Reno allows for flexible side and rear setbacks in the MD-ID district to encourage a dense, urban development pattern, subject to the following conditions:
- Alley Access: A zero-foot setback is permitted when the property line abuts an alley, provided there is at least 24 feet of backup space (including the alley) for all garage doors or parking spaces [Section 18.02.302].
- Residential Adjacency: The standard 0-foot side or rear setback is prohibited if the building is located immediately adjacent to residentially zoned property; in such cases, a minimum 5-foot setback must be maintained [Section 18.02.302].
Compatibility and Stepback Requirements
The City of Reno implements additional "stepback" requirements for MD-ID district developments to ensure compatibility with nearby residential neighborhoods.
Height-Based Stepbacks
If an MD-ID district project is built within 150 feet of property zoned Large-Lot (LL), Single-Family (SF), or Multi-Family (MF-14), any portion of the building exceeding 24 feet in height must provide an additional 1-foot horizontal setback (or 1:1 height-to-setback ratio) for every foot of height above 24 feet [Section 18.04.903(c)(1)].
Prohibited Intrusions
In these specific adjacency scenarios, the City of Reno does not permit typical architectural intrusions (such as cornices, canopies, or eaves) to enter the required stepback area [Section 18.04.903(c)(1)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.302 (MD-ID: Downtown - Innovation District)
- Section 18.04.903 (General Standards for Residential Districts / Additional Setbacks and Stepbacks for Compatibility)
- Section 18.04.1003 (General Standards for Urban Districts)