MD-UD: Downtown - University District Setback Standards in Reno
In the City of Reno, the MD-UD: Downtown - University District requires a minimum front setback of 18 feet along Virginia Street and 12 feet along all other streets, with these distances measured from the back of the curb. While side and rear setbacks are generally 0 feet, a minimum 5-foot setback is mandated whenever the MD-UD: Downtown - University District property is immediately adjacent to a residentially zoned area. Most buildings must be placed within a build-to zone of 0 to 15 feet from the established setback to maintain an active urban streetscape.
Setback and Placement Requirements
Development within the MD-UD: Downtown - University District in Reno is governed by specific lot and building standards designed to support university-supportive uses and high-density student housing. Unlike many other districts, front setbacks for the MD-UD: Downtown - University District are measured from the back of the curb or proposed curb rather than the property line.
The following table outlines the primary setback requirements for the MD-UD: Downtown - University District:
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Build-to Zone | 0 to 15 feet from the setback line |
| Front (Virginia Street) | 18 feet (measured from back of curb) |
| Front (Other Streets) | 12 feet (measured from back of curb) |
| Side | 0 feet |
| Rear | 0 feet |
| Street-Facing Garage | 20 feet (measured from sidewalk or planned sidewalk) |
Standard Modifications and Exceptions
In the City of Reno, the base standards for the MD-UD: Downtown - University District may be modified based on site-specific conditions or adjacency to other sensitive uses.
Residential Adjacency
If a building in the MD-UD: Downtown - University District is located immediately adjacent to a property zoned for residential use, the minimum side and rear setbacks are increased to 5 feet [Table 2-18]. Additionally, any building within 150 feet of residentially zoned property must comply with specific compatibility standards regarding height and building step-backs [Section 18.04.1003].
Alley Abutment
A minimum zero-foot setback is explicitly allowed in the MD-UD: Downtown - University District when the property line abuts an alley. This permission is contingent upon providing at least 24 feet of backup space (inclusive of the alley width) from all garage doors and parking spaces that utilize the alley for access [Table 2-18].
Pedestrian Amenities
While the MD-UD: Downtown - University District typically enforces a 0 to 15-foot build-to zone, the City of Reno allows for a greater setback than 15 feet if the additional space is used to accommodate plazas or other pedestrian amenities [Table 2-18].
Street Widening Projects
If the City of Reno's Adopted Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) identifies a street-widening project for a street bordering an MD-UD: Downtown - University District property, the front setback must be measured from the back of the curb as it will exist following the planned street expansion [Section 18.04.1003].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.305: MD-UD: Downtown - University District
- Section 18.04.1003: General Standards for Urban Districts (MD-ED, MD-ID, MD-NWQ, MD-RD, MD-UD, GC, NC, PO, MD-PD, MU, MS, MU-MC & MU-RES)