MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial District Use and Development Guide
The MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial district in the City of Reno is designed to foster a pedestrian-oriented environment along the Virginia Street corridor, integrating retail, services, and high-density residential options. Development in this district generally limits residential density to 30 units per acre, though this restriction is waived for parcels within 600 feet of Virginia Street to encourage intense urban infill [Section 18.02.312].
Development Standards for MU-MC
The City of Reno enforces specific dimensional requirements to ensure that new construction in the MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial district maintains a consistent urban form. Buildings within one block of Virginia Street may reach heights of 75 feet, while those in other areas of the district are limited to 35 feet [Section 18.02.312].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Base Density (General) | 30 dwelling units per acre |
| Base Density (within 600ft of Virginia St) | No maximum density |
| Floor Area Ratio (Min within 300ft of Virginia St) | 0.5 FAR |
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Rear Setback | 0 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (General) | 35 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (within one block of Virginia St) | 75 feet |
Allowed Uses in MU-MC
The MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial designation allows for a wide array of urban uses by-right, while requiring discretionary review for others to ensure neighborhood compatibility within the City of Reno [Section 18.03.206].
Residential and Group Living
The following uses are permitted (P) or permitted with a minor conditional use permit (M):
- Permitted by Right: Single-family (detached and attached), duplex, triplex, fourplex, multi-family, live/work units, manufactured homes, group homes, and single-room occupancy [Section 18.03.206].
- Minor Conditional Use Permit Required: Fraternity or sorority houses [Section 18.03.206].
Civic, Educational, and Healthcare
- Permitted by Right: Adult education, childcare centers, colleges/universities, vocational schools, library, art gallery, museum, minor government facilities, private clubs, and religious assemblies [Section 18.03.206].
- Minor Conditional Use Permit Required: Public or private primary schools [Section 18.03.206].
- Conditional Use Permit Required: Major utilities [Section 18.03.206].
Commercial, Retail, and Personal Services
- Permitted by Right: Retail bakeries, bars/lounges, commercial kitchens, microbreweries, restaurants (with or without alcohol), bank/financial institutions, general offices, recording studios, commercial cleaners, and general personal services [Section 18.03.206].
- Retail/Sales: General retail (all sizes), convenience stores, and plant nurseries are permitted. Medical and adult-use cannabis dispensaries are permitted subject to specific spacing and location standards [Section 18.03.206].
- Discretionary Review Required: Package alcohol sales and pawn shops require a conditional use permit [Section 18.03.206].
Recreation and Entertainment
- Permitted by Right: Indoor amusement/recreation, country clubs, and event centers [Section 18.03.206].
- Minor Conditional Use Permit Required: Outdoor amusement or recreation [Section 18.03.206].
- Conditional Use Permit Required: Sports arenas, stadiums, or tracks [Section 18.03.206].
Prohibited Uses and Limitations
The City of Reno explicitly prohibits several intensive or auto-oriented uses within the MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial district to preserve its pedestrian character [Section 18.03.206].
Prohibited Commercial and Industrial Uses
- Lodging Exclusions: Motels and any hotels or motels with nonrestricted gaming operations are prohibited.
- Auto-Oriented Exclusions: Auto service and repair, automobile/truck sales or rentals, car washes, gas stations, and truck stops are prohibited.
- General Exclusions: Adult businesses, escort services, gun ranges, and transitional living facilities are prohibited.
- Industrial Exclusions: Most heavy industrial uses are prohibited, though Custom and Craft Manufacturing is permitted by-right, and Indoor Manufacturing or Data Centers may be allowed via a conditional use permit [Section 18.03.206].
Prohibited Materials and Design Features
Within the MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial district, certain building materials are prohibited from being used as primary exterior finishes to ensure high-quality architectural design:
- Metal siding
- Concrete panels
- Smooth-faced gray concrete block [Section 18.04.1005]
Operating Hour Restrictions
New businesses in the MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial district that are not adjacent to or within one block of South Virginia Street are generally restricted to day-oriented operations between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. [Section 18.04.1005]. Businesses fronting South Virginia Street may operate 24 hours per day without a permit [Section 18.04.1005].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.312, MU-MC: Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial
- Section 18.03.206, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.04.1005, Supplemental Standards for Other Urban Districts (PO, MU, MU-MC & MU-RES)
- Section 18.09.301, Rules of Construction and Definitions: Uses