Residential Front Yard Fence Height Standards for the City of Reno
In the City of Reno, fences and walls located within the required front yard of a residential property are generally restricted to a maximum height of four feet. For residential lots with multiple frontages, a fence up to six feet in height may be permitted on a yard not providing primary access, provided it is set back at least five feet from the sidewalk and the setback area is landscaped. If a residential property takes its primary access from an alley, at least one front yard must still adhere to the four-foot height limitation.
General Front Yard Fence Standards
Under the City of Reno Land Development Code, the height of a fence or wall is determined by its location on the lot and the specific district requirements. In most Residential, Urban, and Special Purpose districts, the City of Reno enforces strict height limits to maintain neighborhood character and ensure traffic safety.
| Location or Condition | Maximum Allowed Height | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Required Front Yard | 4 Feet | Applies to all residential zones [Section 18.04.809(e)(2)] |
| Front Yard (No Primary Access) | 6 Feet | Must be set back 5 feet from the sidewalk; area must be landscaped [Section 18.04.809(e)(3)] |
| Primary Access from an Alley | 4 Feet | At least one front yard must remain 4 feet or less [Section 18.04.809(e)(4)] |
| Through Lots (Rear Lot Line) | 6 Feet | Measured on the lot line opposite the addressed street [Section 18.04.809(c)(1)] |
| Fence Posts | +2 Feet | Posts may extend 2 feet higher than the fence if spaced 6 feet apart [Section 18.04.809(c)(5)] |
Specific Scenarios and Exceptions
Secondary Frontages and Corner Lots
For City of Reno residential properties that have more than one front yard (such as corner lots or through lots), the Administrator determines which frontage is the "primary access" based on the surrounding yard orientations. On the secondary frontage—the one not providing primary access—the City of Reno allows a taller fence of up to six feet. This allowance requires a minimum five-foot setback from the sidewalk or planned sidewalk, and the resulting gap must be landscaped according to City of Reno standards [Section 18.04.809(e)(3)].
Neighborhood Planning Area Overlays
Certain geographic areas within the City of Reno have specialized rules. For example, in the Greenfield Professional Office (GFPO) Overlay District, open rail fencing up to five feet in height is permitted on the lot line in front yards, except when located within 20 feet of the primary driveway [Section 18.02.603(b)(3)h].
Proximity to Natural Drainageways
In all City of Reno districts, if a residential property is adjacent to a natural major drainageway, any fencing or wall must incorporate "open fencing" for any portion higher than four feet above grade to ensure visibility and safety [Section 18.04.809(c)(7)]. In these specific areas, the City of Reno prefers the use of black, green, or brown chain link, wooden split-rail, or ornamental iron [Section 18.04.104(d)(5)].
Safety and Design Requirements
Regardless of the allowed height, all fences in the City of Reno must comply with the following:
- Vision Triangles: Fencing must maintain a clear vision triangle at intersections and driveways to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians [Section 18.04.809(c)(2)].
- Prohibited Materials: Barbed wire, razor ribbon, and razor tape are generally prohibited in City of Reno residential areas, except in specific Unincorporated Transition (UT) districts or public correctional facilities [Section 18.04.809(c)(4)].
- Retaining Walls: If a fence is built on top of a retaining wall, the height of the fence is measured from the top of the retaining wall [Section 18.04.809(c)(3)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.603: Neighborhood Planning Area Overlay Districts
- Section 18.04.104: Drainageway Protection
- Section 18.04.809: Fences and Walls