Setback Requirements for the MD-RD: Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District in Reno
Development in the City of Reno’s MD-RD: Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District typically requires a 12-foot front setback from most streets, which increases to 18 feet along Virginia Street. While side and rear setbacks are generally 0 feet, a minimum 5-foot setback is mandatory when a property in the MD-RD district is immediately adjacent to residentially zoned land. Properties along the Truckee River are subject to specialized Riverfront Esplanade setbacks starting at a minimum of 25 feet from the flood wall or top of bank.
General Setback Standards
In the MD-RD: Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District, front setbacks are measured from the back of the curb or proposed curb rather than the property line [Section 18.04.1003(a)(2)]. If the Adopted Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) identifies a street-widening project, the City of Reno requires the setback to be measured from the future planned back of curb [Section 18.04.1003(a)(2)].
MD-RD Base Building Setbacks
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front (Virginia Street) | 18 feet [Table 2-17] |
| Front (All other streets) | 12 feet [Table 2-17] |
| Side | 0 feet (increases to 5 feet if adjacent to residential) [Table 2-17] |
| Rear | 0 feet (increases to 5 feet if adjacent to residential) [Table 2-17] |
| Street-Facing Garage | 20 feet from the sidewalk or planned sidewalk [Table 2-17] |
Riverfront Esplanade Setbacks
The City of Reno maintains specific setbacks for the MD-RD: Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District to protect the Truckee River corridor. All buildings must be set back at least 25 feet from the existing face of the river flood wall or the top of the bank to create the north and south Esplanades [Section 18.04.1004(c)(4)].
MD-RD Esplanade Setback Schedule
| Building Height | North Esplanade Setback | South Esplanade Setback |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 20 feet | 0 feet | 0 feet |
| 20 to 45 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet |
| 45 to 75 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
| 75 to 100 feet | 10 feet | 2 ft : 1 ft ratio (Height to Setback) |
| More than 100 feet | 1 ft : 1 ft ratio (Height to Setback) | 2 ft : 1 ft ratio (Height to Setback) |
Note: Ratios are measured from the river centerline [Table 4-18].
Residential Adjacency and Compatibility
When an MD-RD: Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District project is located within 150 feet of a property zoned Large-Lot (LL), Single-Family (SF), or Multi-Family (MF-14), additional compatibility standards apply to ensure a proper transition between the City of Reno's urban core and established neighborhoods [Section 18.04.1003(c)(1)].
Stepback Requirements
For any portion of a building in the MD-RD district that exceeds 24 feet in height and is adjacent to a protected residential district, the City of Reno requires a minimum of an additional 1-foot horizontal setback (or a 1:1 building height/stepback) for every foot of height over 24 feet [Section 18.04.903(c)(1)].
Setback Exceptions and Allowances
- Alleys: A minimum zero-foot setback is allowed in the City of Reno when the MD-RD property line abuts an alley and at least 24 feet of backup space is provided from all garage doors and parking spaces [Table 2-17].
- Building Separation: There must be a minimum of 10 feet of separation between principal buildings within the MD-RD: Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District [Table 2-17].
- Side Setbacks: Side setback areas must be screened from the street and sidewalk by a decorative gateway, grille, fence, or wall unless they are designed specifically for public use [Section 18.04.1004(c)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.304, MD-RD: Downtown - Riverwalk District
- Section 18.04.101, General Environmental Standards
- Section 18.04.903, General Standards for Residential Districts
- Section 18.04.1003, General Standards for Urban Districts
- Section 18.04.1004, Supplemental Standards for Downtown Districts (MD-ED & MD-RD)