Reno LLR-.5 Zoning District: Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The LLR-.5 (Large-Lot Residential - 0.5 Acre) district in the City of Reno is primarily intended to accommodate single-family detached residential dwellings on lots with a minimum size of 0.5 acres. While the district permits specific secondary uses such as schools, parks, and private stables, it strictly prohibits higher-density residential housing (like duplexes or apartments) and most commercial or industrial operations to preserve the rural-residential character of the area [Section 18.02.203].
Purpose and Character of the LLR-.5 District
The City of Reno established the LLR-.5 district to provide for a low-density residential environment. Its primary purpose is to accommodate single-family detached homes while allowing for compatible secondary activities such as community gardens, schools, and home occupations [Section 18.02.203]. This district serves as a transition between more rural residential areas and higher-intensity suburban developments within the City of Reno [Section 18.02.101].
Table of Allowed Uses
Land uses in the City of Reno LLR-.5 district are categorized as Permitted (P), Permitted with a Minor Conditional Use Permit (M), or requiring a Conditional Use Permit (C). Some uses are further categorized as Accessory (A) or Temporary [Section 18.03.201].
Primary and Civic Uses
| Use Category | Specific Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Dwelling, Single-Family Detached | Permitted (P) |
| Manufactured Home | Permitted (P) | |
| Mobile Home Subdivision | Permitted (P) | |
| Group Home | Permitted (P) | |
| Public / Civic | Public Park or Recreation Area | Permitted (P) |
| Religious Assembly | Conditional (C) | |
| School, Public or Private | Minor Conditional (M*) | |
| Childcare Center | Minor Conditional (M) | |
| Adult Education | Minor Conditional (M) | |
| Commercial | Animal Clinic, Shelter, or Training | Conditional (C) |
| Urban Farm | Minor Conditional (M) | |
| Utilities | Communication Facility, Equipment Only | Permitted (P*) |
| Utility, Minor | Permitted (P) | |
| Utility, Major | Conditional (C) |
*Subject to specific standards outlined in Section 18.03.305 or 18.03.303.
Accessory and Temporary Uses
| Use Category | Specific Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory | Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | Accessory (A) |
| Home Occupation | Accessory (A) | |
| Stable, Private | Accessory (A) | |
| Ball Court | Accessory (A) | |
| Childcare, In-Home (5-12 children) | Accessory (A) | |
| Satellite Dish | Accessory (A) | |
| Temporary | Garage Sale | Permitted (P) |
| Construction Field Office | Permitted (P) | |
| Stockpiling | Permitted (P) | |
| Urban Farm (Temporary) | Permitted (P) | |
| Vegetation Management | Permitted (P) | |
| Asphalt or Concrete Batch Plant | Conditional (C) |
[Section 18.03.206]
Prohibited Uses
In the City of Reno, any use not explicitly listed in the Table of Allowed Uses with a P, M, C, or A is considered prohibited within the LLR-.5 district [Section 18.03.201]. Key prohibited uses include:
- Higher-Density Residential: Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and multi-family apartments or condominiums [Section 18.03.206].
- Group Living: Assisted living facilities, boarding houses, convents, and fraternities [Section 18.03.206].
- Most Commercial Uses: Retail stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, and professional offices [Section 18.03.206].
- Automotive/Industrial: Auto service and repair, gas stations, car washes, manufacturing, and storage distribution centers [Section 18.03.206].
Lot and Building Standards
All development within the Reno LLR-.5 district must adhere to specific dimensional requirements to maintain low-density standards.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Base Density (Max) | 2 dwelling units per acre |
| Lot Size (Min) | 0.5 acre |
| Lot Width (Min) | 100 feet |
| Front Setback (Min) | 30 feet |
| Side Setback (Min) | 10 feet |
| Rear Setback (Min) | 30 feet (Principal) / 12 feet (Accessory*) |
| Building Height (Max) | 45 feet (Principal) / 29 feet (Accessory) |
| Building Coverage (Max) | 40% |
*The lower 12-foot rear setback for accessory structures applies only to single-story buildings up to 16 feet in height [Section 18.02.203, Table 2-6].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.101 Organization of this Chapter
- Section 18.02.203 LLR-0.5: Large-Lot Residential (0.5 Acre)
- Section 18.03.201 Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Section 18.03.206 Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.03.303 Public, Institutional, and Civic Uses
- Section 18.03.305 Public and Quasi-public Utilities and Services Uses