Permitted Districts for Breweries, Distilleries, and Taprooms in Reno
The City of Reno permits microbreweries, distilleries, and wineries in all Urban and Employment zoning districts, provided that those in Urban Districts and the Mixed Employment (ME) District do not exceed 50,000 square feet in gross floor area. Complementary uses such as bars, lounges, and taverns—which function as taprooms—are allowed in the same districts, with the exception of the Professional Office (PO) district, where bars are prohibited. Establishments combining alcohol production with food service in specific commercial and industrial zones must limit their lounge areas to 30% of the total floor area and maintain full commercial kitchen operations [Section 18.03.304(b)].
Permitted Zoning Districts
The City of Reno Annexation and Land Development Code classifies the production of alcohol and the operation of drinking establishments under different use categories. "Microbrewery, Distillery, or Winery" refers to the production facility, while "Bar, Lounge, or Tavern" or "Restaurant with Alcohol Service" typically covers the taproom or service component.
Alcohol Production and Service Permissions
The following table outlines the districts where these uses are permitted (P) according to the City of Reno Table of Allowed Uses [Section 18.03.206].
| District Type | District Name | Microbrewery, Distillery, or Winery | Bar, Lounge, or Tavern | Restaurant with Alcohol Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Districts | Downtown (MD-ED, MD-UD, MD-ID, MD-RD, MD-NWQ, MD-PD) | P | P | P |
| Mixed-Use Urban (MU) | P | P | P | |
| Mixed-Use Suburban (MS) | P | P | P | |
| General Commercial (GC) | P | P | P | |
| Neighborhood Commercial (NC) | P | P | P | |
| Professional Office (PO) | P | Prohibited | P | |
| Midtown (MU-MC, MU-RES) | P | P | P | |
| Employment Districts | Industrial (I) | P | P | P |
| Industrial Commercial (IC) | P | P | P | |
| Mixed Employment (ME) | P | P | P | |
| Mixed-Use Airport (MA) | P | P | P |
Use-Specific Development Standards
The City of Reno imposes specific limitations on the size and operation of these facilities to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.
Size and Operational Limits
Establishments designated as a "Microbrewery, Distillery, or Winery" in the City of Reno must adhere to the following standards:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum Size | 50,000 square feet of gross floor area in the ME District and all Urban Districts. |
| Lounge Area (GC, I, IC, ME) | Limited to 30% of the total gross floor area if classified as a "Restaurant with Alcohol Service." |
| Kitchen Requirements | Must include a full commercial kitchen if food is served. |
| Service Hours | Food must be served during all hours the business is open if operating as a "Restaurant with Alcohol Service." |
[Section 18.03.304(b)]
Parking Requirements
Parking for these uses in the City of Reno is determined by the "Parking District" in which the property is located. The Downtown Parking District (MD- districts) has no minimum parking requirements [Section 18.04.705(a)].
Minimum Off-Street Parking Standards
For other districts, the following ratios apply based on gross floor area (GFA):
| Use Category | Level 1 Parking District (MU, MU-MC) | Level 2 Parking District (All Other Districts) |
|---|---|---|
| Microbrewery, Distillery, or Winery | No minimum required | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. |
| Bar, Lounge, or Tavern | No minimum required | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. |
| Restaurant with Alcohol Service | No minimum required | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. |
[Section 18.04.705, Table 4-6]
Definitions in the City of Reno Code
- Microbrewery, Distillery, or Winery: A small brewery, winery, or distillery operated separately or in conjunction with a drinking establishment or restaurant [Section 18.09.301].
- Bar, Lounge, or Tavern: An establishment selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption where food sales are secondary. This includes the right to sell original sealed containers for off-premises consumption [Section 18.09.301].
- Restaurant with Alcohol Service: A retail business licensed to serve food and alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, featuring a lounge area and a minimum 200-square-foot kitchen [Section 18.09.301].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.03.206, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.03.304(b), Food and Beverage Use-Specific Standards
- Section 18.04.705, Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Section 18.09.301, Definitions of Use Categories and Use Types