Urban Farming and Livestock Regulations in the City of Reno
Residents in the City of Reno may keep bees and up to 12 fowl (such as chickens) on residential lots by establishing an Urban Farm, which is permitted for three years without a specialized permit or permanently with a Minor Conditional Use Permit. Hoofed animals and large livestock are generally prohibited on standard residential lots in the City of Reno, though private stables for horses are allowed as an accessory use in specific large-lot and low-density districts.
Urban Farms: Chickens and Bees
In the City of Reno, the primary mechanism for keeping small animals like chickens and bees on a residential property is through the "Urban Farm" land use designation. This use is defined as the growing, raising, and selling of agricultural products, specifically including bees and a maximum of 12 fowl [Section 18.09.301].
Permitted Districts and Requirements
Urban Farms are allowed in all primary residential districts within the City of Reno. The City of Reno Land Development Code distinguishes between temporary and permanent Urban Farms.
| District Type | District Designations | Permit Required (Permanent) | Permit Required (Temporary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large-Lot Residential | LLR-2.5, LLR-1, LLR-0.5 | Minor Conditional Use (M) | Permitted (P) |
| Single-Family Residential | SF-3, SF-5, SF-8, SF-11 | Minor Conditional Use (M) | Permitted (P) |
| Multi-Family Residential | MF-14, MF-21, MF-30 | Minor Conditional Use (M) | Permitted (P) |
Under the City of Reno regulations, an Urban Farm may operate as a temporary principal use for a period of up to three years without a Minor Conditional Use Permit [Section 18.03.503(h)]. To continue operations beyond three years, the property owner must obtain a Minor Conditional Use Permit [Section 18.03.304(a)(4)].
Operational Standards for Fowl and Bees
Any resident establishing an Urban Farm in a City of Reno residential district must comply with the following specific standards:
- Animal Limits: A maximum of 12 fowl are allowed. No hoofed animals or livestock are permitted under the Urban Farm designation [Section 18.03.304(a)(4)(f)].
- Hours of Operation: Sales and on-site operations are restricted to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and sunset [Section 18.03.304(a)(4)(g)].
- Site Maintenance: Dead plant material must be removed promptly or screened from the view of adjacent properties and streets by a solid fence [Section 18.03.304(a)(4)(d)].
- Accessory Structures: Coops, hives, and other structures are considered accessory. They must maintain a minimum five-foot side and rear setback [Section 18.03.304(a)(4)(b)].
Hoofed Animals and Large Livestock
The City of Reno strictly limits hoofed animals (such as goats, sheep, or cows) in residential areas. These animals are expressly prohibited on any lot designated as an Urban Farm [Section 18.03.304(a)(4)(f)].
Private Stables for Horses
The City of Reno does allow the keeping of horses through a "Stable, Private" accessory use, but only in the lowest-density residential districts. A private stable is defined as a facility used to house horses for the private use of the property owner [Section 18.09.302].
| Standard Category | City of Reno Requirement |
|---|---|
| Allowed Districts | LLR-2.5, LLR-1, LLR-0.5, and SF-3 |
| Prohibited Districts | SF-5, SF-8, SF-11, and all MF (Multi-Family) districts |
| Lot Size Requirement | Lots must be 1 acre or larger to keep more than four horses |
| Permit Type | Permitted as an Accessory Use (A) |
Residential properties in the City of Reno Large-Lot Residential (LLR) districts are intended to accommodate these agricultural and rural uses, whereas higher-intensity districts like SF-5 or SF-8 are intended for detached residential uses only [Section 18.02.201, Section 18.02.205].
Prohibited Nuisances
Regardless of the district, any animal keeping in the City of Reno must not create a public nuisance. The City of Reno Administrator has the authority to prohibit uses that produce odors or emissions that are detectable beyond the property boundary and deemed harmful or offensive to the rights of others [Section 18.04.1408].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.201, LLR-2.5: Large-Lot Residential (2.5 Acres)
- Section 18.02.205, SF-5: Single-Family Residential
- Section 18.03.206, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 18.03.304(a)(4), Urban Farm
- Section 18.03.405(r), Stable, Private
- Section 18.03.503(h), Urban Farm (Temporary)
- Section 18.04.1408, Odor
- Section 18.09.301, Uses (Definitions)
- Section 18.09.302, Accessory Uses (Definitions)