Permitted Districts for Automotive Services and Gas Stations in Reno
In the City of Reno, auto repair and body shops are allowed in various commercial and industrial districts, with the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Mixed Employment (ME) districts requiring a minor conditional use permit. Gas stations are generally permitted by-right in General Commercial (GC) and industrial zones but require conditional use permits in most Mixed-Use Downtown (MD) and Urban (MU) districts. In all Urban Districts, the City of Reno mandates that all automotive repair work be performed entirely within an enclosed building, with outdoor storage prohibited.
Zoning District Permissions
The City of Reno regulates "Auto Service and Repair" (which includes body shops and collision services) and "Gas Stations" as distinct land uses. Their allowability depends on the underlying base zoning district and the presence of specific overlay districts.
Table: Automotive Land Use Permissions by District
| Zoning District Type | District Name | Auto Service and Repair | Gas Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Districts | MD-ID: Downtown Innovation | C* | C |
| MD-NWQ: Downtown Northwest Quadrant | C* | C | |
| MU: Mixed-Use Urban | P* | C | |
| MS: Mixed-Use Suburban | P | M | |
| GC: General Commercial | P | P | |
| NC: Neighborhood Commercial | M | — | |
| Employment Districts | I: Industrial | P | P |
| IC: Industrial Commercial | P | P | |
| ME: Mixed Employment | M | P | |
| MA: Mixed-Use Airport | P | — |
Key for Table: P = Permitted; M = Minor Conditional Use Permit; C = Conditional Use Permit; — = Prohibited; * = Subject to additional location restrictions. [Section 18.03.206, Table 3-1]
Specific District and Overlay Restrictions
- Mortensen-Garson Neighborhood Plan (MGOD) Overlay: This district specifically prohibits auto repair garages, paint shops, and body shops, though it does allow for quick lube or vehicle maintenance associated with a service station [Section 18.02.603(c)(3)a].
- West University Neighborhood Plan (WUNP) Overlay: Gas stations are explicitly prohibited within the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district of this overlay [Section 18.08.603(h)(2)a.16].
- Urban District Limitations: In the MD-ID, MD-NWQ, and other Urban Districts, auto service and repair is only permitted if the site is east of I-580 or within 1/4 mile of a freeway on- or off-ramp intersection [Section 18.03.304(h)(1)b].
Development and Operational Standards
The City of Reno enforces specific standards for automotive uses to mitigate impacts on the surrounding environment, particularly when these uses are adjacent to residential areas.
Auto Service and Repair Standards
In all Urban Districts, the City of Reno requires that all repair work be performed within an enclosed building. This requirement does not apply to smog check services. Furthermore, outdoor storage of vehicles or parts is strictly prohibited in these districts [Section 18.03.304(h)(1)].
Gas Station Standards
Gas stations must adhere to the following site design requirements:
- Enclosure: All activities (except fuel dispensing, water/air service, and vending) must be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure [Section 18.03.304(h)(5)a.1].
- Setbacks: Pump islands and canopies have specific minimum distances from the street right-of-way.
- Prohibited Activities: Vehicles may not be parked on the premises for the purpose of sale, and discarded parts or wrecked vehicles may not be stored in open areas [Section 18.03.304(h)(5)a.3-4].
Table: Gas Station Setback and Dimensional Standards
| Feature | Minimum Setback from Street Right-of-Way |
|---|---|
| Pump Island | 20 feet |
| Canopy or Roof Structure | 10 feet |
[Section 18.03.304(h)(5)a.2]
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking for automotive uses in the City of Reno is calculated based on the gross floor area of the facility.
Table: Minimum Off-Street Parking Ratios
| Land Use | Level 1 Parking District (Min.) | Level 2 Parking District (Min.) |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Service and Repair | 1 per 350 sq. ft. | 1 per 350 sq. ft. |
| Gas Station | 1 per 300 sq. ft. | 1 per 300 sq. ft. |
[Section 18.04.705, Table 4-6]
Definitions
- Auto Service and Repair: A facility for the service or repair of motorized vehicles, including mechanical repair, collision services (body shops), painting, and tire installation [Section 18.09.301].
- Gas Station: An area used for the retail sale of fuels and oils, which may include minor repairs and washing, but specifically excludes body repair or battery rebuilding [Section 18.09.301].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.603 Neighborhood Planning Area Overlay Districts
- Section 18.03.203 Multiple Uses
- Section 18.03.206 Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.03.304 Commercial Uses
- Section 18.04.705 Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.09.301 Rules of Construction and Definitions: Uses