Mixed-Use Midtown Residential (MU-RES) Off-Street Parking Guide
In the MU-RES: Mixed-Use Midtown Residential district of the City of Reno, off-street parking requirements are governed by Level 2 Parking District standards. Residential projects typically require one parking space per 1,250 square feet of floor area (with caps of 2 or 3 spaces per unit), while commercial uses like retail and restaurants require one space per 250 and 200 square feet, respectively. Crucially, all parking in the MU-RES district must be located behind the front facade of the primary structure and accessed via an alley or the side of the building [Section 18.04.1005].
Off-Street Parking Ratios
The City of Reno categorizes the MU-RES: Mixed-Use Midtown Residential district as a Level 2 Parking District because it is not explicitly listed under the Downtown or Level 1 designations [Section 18.04.705].
Residential Parking Requirements
Residential projects within the MU-RES district are subject to minimum requirements based on the gross floor area of the units.
| Residential Use Type | Level 2 Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dwelling, Duplex | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 2 per unit) |
| Dwelling, Triplex | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 2 per unit) |
| Dwelling, Fourplex | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 2 per unit) |
| Dwelling, Multi-family | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 2 per unit) |
| Dwelling, Live/Work | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 3 per unit) |
| Dwelling, Single-Family (Attached or Detached) | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 3 per unit) |
| Manufactured Home | 1 per 1,250 sq. ft. (Max 3 per unit) |
Commercial and Nonresidential Parking Requirements
Nonresidential components of a project in the MU-RES district must provide parking based on the specific use type.
| Commercial/Nonresidential Use Type | Level 2 Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Retail (less than 10,000 sq. ft.) | 1 per 250 sq. ft. |
| General Office | 1 per 400 sq. ft. |
| Restaurant (with or without alcohol) | 1 per 200 sq. ft. |
| Bakery, Retail | 1 per 200 sq. ft. |
| Financial Institution | 1 per 400 sq. ft. |
| Personal Service, General | 1 per 300 sq. ft. |
District-Specific Design and Access Standards
The MU-RES district features unique supplemental standards intended to preserve the pedestrian-oriented character of the Midtown area.
Parking Location and Access
In the MU-RES district, the City of Reno mandates that all off-street parking be situated to the rear of the property. Specifically:
- Placement: Parking must be located behind the front facade of the primary building [Section 18.04.1005].
- Access: Vehicular access to parking areas must be provided from an adjacent alley or from the side of the primary structure [Section 18.04.1005].
- Driveway Width: When access is provided from a street frontage, the maximum driveway width within the front and side yard setback is 12 feet [Section 18.04.707].
Prohibited Configurations
The City of Reno prohibits the placement of surface parking lots between the front of a primary building and any adjacent primary access street in this district [Section 18.04.1005].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
All development in the MU-RES district must provide bicycle parking as follows:
| Use Category | Level 2 Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residential (Multi-family, etc.) | 1 per unit |
| Commercial Uses | 1 per 1,000 sf (up to 6,000 sf), plus 1 per 10,000 sf of additional area |
Potential Reductions and Adjustments
Properties in the MU-RES district may be eligible for parking requirement adjustments under specific circumstances:
- Proximity to Level 1: Properties within 600 feet of a Level 1 parking district (such as the MU-MC district) may provide parking at an average of the Level 2 and Level 1 minimums [Section 18.04.705].
- Transit Proximity: Properties located within 1/4 mile of the centerline of the Virginia Street or Fourth Street bus rapid transit routes may apply for a 60 percent reduction of the minimum requirement [Section 18.04.705].
- On-Street Credit: Up to 50 percent of the required off-street parking may be substituted with on-street parking that abuts the project site, subject to administrative approval [Section 18.04.706].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.313 Mixed-Use Midtown Residential (MU-RES)
- Section 18.04.705 Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.04.706 Parking Alternatives, Credits, and Adjustments
- Section 18.04.707 Off-Street Parking Layout and Design
- Section 18.04.1005 Supplemental Standards for Other Urban Districts (PO, MU, MU-MC & MU-RES)