Setback Requirements for LLR-2.5 Large Lot Residential District in the City of Reno
In the City of Reno, the LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres) district requires a minimum front setback of 30 feet, a minimum side setback of 15 feet, and a minimum rear setback of 30 feet for all principal buildings. Accessory structures in the LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres) district are generally subject to the same 30-foot rear setback as principal buildings, though this may be reduced to 15 feet for single-story structures that do not exceed 16 feet in height [Section 18.02.201].
LLR-2.5 Minimum Setback Standards
The City of Reno establishes these specific dimensional standards to accommodate rural single-family residential and agricultural uses while protecting environmental resources and precluding premature urban development on the fringes of the municipality [Section 18.02.201].
| Feature Type | Front Setback (Minimum) | Side Setback (Minimum) | Rear Setback (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Building | 30 feet | 15 feet | 30 feet |
| Accessory Structure (Standard) | 30 feet | 15 feet | 30 feet |
| Accessory Structure (Low-Profile) | 30 feet | 15 feet | 15 feet (See Note 1) |
| Street-Facing Garage | 30 feet (See Note 2) | N/A | N/A |
Note 1: The reduced 15-foot rear setback in the LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres) district only applies to single-story accessory buildings or structures that are no more than 16 feet in height. Any accessory structure exceeding these limits must meet the standard 30-foot rear setback [Section 18.02.201, Table 2-4].
Note 2: The 30-foot setback for street-facing garages in the City of Reno is measured from the current or planned sidewalk to the face of the garage [Section 18.02.201, Table 2-4].
General Measurement Rules and Allowable Intrusions
In the City of Reno, setbacks are measured as the horizontal distance between the property line and the nearest portion of the building or structure. If the LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres) lot includes a private roadway or an access easement serving more than four residential units, the setback is measured from the edge of that roadway rather than the property line [Section 18.09.205].
The City of Reno allows certain architectural features to project into the required setbacks of the LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres) district:
- Architectural Features: Cornices, canopies, chimneys, and eaves may extend up to 2 feet into any required yard.
- Landings and Stairs: Outside stairs and patio areas may extend up to 3 feet into a setback, provided they do not exceed the height of the ground floor plus a 3-foot railing.
- Mechanical Equipment: Equipment such as HVAC units may extend into the required side or rear yards if they do not exceed 4 feet in height and maintain at least a 2-foot separation from the property line [Section 18.09.205].
Accessory Structure Limitations
Within the LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres) district, there are limits on the number of detached accessory structures allowed. A maximum of four detached structures per acre is permitted, plus one additional detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or guest quarters [Section 18.03.402, Table 3-5]. All such structures must maintain at least a 3-foot separation from other structures on the same lot [Section 18.03.403, Table 3-6].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.201 - LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres)
- Section 18.03.402 - Accessory Buildings and Structures in Residential Zoning Districts
- Section 18.03.403 - Dimensional Standards for Residential Zoning Districts
- Section 18.09.205 - Property Line Setback/Yard