MU-RES: Mixed-Use Midtown Residential Zoning Regulations
In the City of Reno, the MU-RES: Mixed-Use Midtown Residential district is designed to support high-density residential neighborhoods with a maximum density of 30 units per acre. Nonresidential activities in the City of Reno MU-RES district are strictly limited to low-impact commercial and professional services that maintain the eclectic, pedestrian-scale character of the Midtown area. Key requirements for the City of Reno MU-RES district include a 35-foot maximum building height and a mandate that all parking be located behind the front facade of the primary structure [Section 18.02.313, Section 18.04.1005].
Allowed Land Uses in MU-RES
The following uses are permitted ("P"), permitted with a minor conditional use permit ("M"), or permitted as an accessory use ("A") within the City of Reno MU-RES designation [Section 18.03.206]:
Residential and Group Living
- Dwelling, Single-Family Detached/Attached: P
- Dwelling, Duplex/Triplex/Fourplex: P
- Dwelling, Multi-family: P
- Dwelling, Live/Work: P
- Manufactured Home: P
- Assisted Living Facility: P
- Boarding or Rooming House: P
- Convent or Monastery: P
- Fraternity or Sorority House: M
- Group Home: P
- Private Dorm: P
- Single-Room-Occupancy: P
Public, Institutional, and Civic
- Library, Art Gallery, or Museum: P
- Minor Government Facility: P
- Private Club, Lodge, or Fraternal Organization: P
- Public Park or Recreation Area: P
- Religious Assembly: P
- Adult Education: P
- Childcare Center: P
- School, Public or Private: M
- Medical Facility, Day Use: P
Commercial and Employment
- Bakery, Retail: P
- Restaurant (without alcohol service): P
- Bed and Breakfast Inn: P
- Office, General: P
- Recording Studio: P
- Personal Service, General: P
- General Retail (All sizes): P
- Custom and Craft Manufacturing: P
- Public Transit or School Bus Shelter: P
Accessory and Temporary Uses
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A
- Home Occupation: A
- Live Entertainment (as a secondary use): A
- Satellite Dish: A
- Sidewalk Seating: A
- Garage Sale: P (Temporary)
- Urban Farm: P (Temporary)
Prohibited Land Uses in MU-RES
Land uses not explicitly listed as permitted are prohibited in the City of Reno MU-RES district. Significant prohibited uses include [Section 18.03.206]:
- Commercial: Bars, lounges, taverns, commercial kitchens, microbreweries, hotels, motels, financial institutions, laboratories, and wedding chapels.
- Automotive: Auto service and repair, gas stations, car washes, and open parking lots (as a primary use).
- Industrial: All manufacturing and processing (except custom/craft), hazardous waste facilities, wholesaling, and storage/distribution centers.
- Civic: Cemeteries, mausoleums, funeral parlors, prisons, and hospitals.
Dimensional and Development Standards
Development within the City of Reno MU-RES district must adhere to specific intensity and placement standards to ensure compatibility with the existing neighborhood fabric.
MU-RES Lot and Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 30 dwelling units per acre |
| Front Setback | 10 feet (measured from back of curb) |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 5 feet |
| Street-Facing Garage Setback | 20 feet (measured from sidewalk to garage face) |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
| Building Separation | 10 feet between principal buildings |
[Section 18.02.313, Section 18.04.1003]
Parking and Design Restrictions
- Parking Placement: In the City of Reno MU-RES district, parking must be accessed from an alley or the side of the structure and must be located behind the front facade of the building [Section 18.04.1005(d)].
- Prohibited Building Materials: The use of sheet metal siding, concrete panels, and smooth-faced gray concrete block as primary exterior materials is prohibited [Section 18.04.1005(d)].
- Building Transparency: At least 20 percent of the total ground floor street-facing facade must consist of transparent window openings [Section 18.04.1005(d)].
Signage Standards
| Sign Feature | City of Reno MU-RES Standard |
|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign Height | 4 feet maximum |
| Freestanding Sign Length | 6 feet maximum |
| Illumination | No flashing or animated signs; no internally lit cabinet signs |
| Material Restrictions | Cardboard, fabric, and scrap wood are prohibited |
[Section 18.04.1005(d)]
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.313 MU-RES: Mixed-Use Midtown Residential
- Section 18.03.206 Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.04.1003 General Standards for Urban Districts
- Section 18.04.1005 Supplemental Standards for Other Urban Districts
- Section 18.04.705 Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.09.205 Property Line Setback/Yard
- Section 18.09.206 Building Coverage
- Section 18.09.207 Height
- Section 18.09.301 Use Definitions
- Section 18.09.302 Accessory Use Definitions
- Section 18.09.303 Temporary Use Definitions