ADU Rules in Reno, Nevada

Nevada has no enacted statewide ADU preemption. AB 383 is an appliance-energy-efficiency bill, not ADU. ADU rules are set locally — contact the city or county planning department.

Nevada has no enacted statewide ADU preemption. AB 383 is an appliance-energy-efficiency bill, not ADU. ADU rules are set locally — contact the city or county planning department.

Permitted ADU Types in Reno

• Detached ADU — a freestanding structure on the same lot as the primary residence
• Attached ADU — an addition connected to the primary home
• Junior ADU (JADU) — conversion of space within the primary dwelling (up to 500 sq ft)
• Garage conversion — converting an attached or detached garage to habitable space

General Development Standards

• Maximum size: Typically up to 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs or 50% of the primary dwelling's square footage, whichever is less
• Setbacks: Generally 5 ft rear and side setbacks for detached ADUs; front setback rules vary by zone
• Height: Usually up to 16 ft for detached ADUs in standard residential zones
• Parking: One off-street parking space may be required; exceptions may apply near transit

Seismic Considerations — Walker Lane Zone

Reno is located within the Walker Lane seismic belt, a geologically active zone running through western Nevada. This region experiences more frequent and potentially damaging earthquakes than most of the U.S. Great Basin. Key implications for ADU construction:

• Structural plans must meet Nevada seismic design standards (based on IBC and ASCE 7)
• A licensed structural engineer should prepare or review plans for new detached ADUs
• Soils reports (geotechnical investigations) may be required on some lots
• Existing garage conversions may need seismic retrofitting to meet current code

Flood Zone Considerations — Truckee River

The 1997 New Year's Day flood was catastrophic for Reno, inundating hundreds of homes and causing hundreds of millions in damage. The Truckee River corridor has been remapped and improved, but FEMA flood zones remain in effect along the river and its tributaries.

If your property falls within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A or AE):

• A Floodplain Development Permit is required in addition to a building permit
• Finished floor elevations must meet or exceed the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus freeboard
• Flood insurance (NFIP) may be required by lenders
• Contact the City of Reno Floodplain Administrator before designing your ADU

Permit Process

Nevada has no enacted statewide ADU preemption. AB 383 is an appliance-energy-efficiency bill, not ADU. ADU rules are set locally — contact the city or county planning department.

Contact Information

• Reno Community Development: (775) 334-2350 | reno.gov/government/departments/community-development
• Reno Building & Safety Division: (775) 334-2352
• Reno Floodplain Management: (775) 334-2350

Nevada has no enacted statewide ADU preemption. AB 383 is an appliance-energy-efficiency bill, not ADU. ADU rules are set locally — contact the city or county planning department.