Code Enforcement

The Reno Municipal Code (RMC) identifies the property conditions and nuisances that are identified as code violations. These include, but are not limited to, abandoned vehicles, bulky items on the front lawn, inoperable vehicles, trash and debris, overgrown landscaping, prohibited signs, building construction or electrical work without appropriate permits, and violations of zoning or use permits. 

Upon receipt of a complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer conducts the necessary research, may perform a field inspection and interview complaining parties and witnesses. Under certain circumstances, a warning courtesy notice may be sent without an initial inspection due to the volume of complaints and /or available resources. 

If the violation is considered an imminent danger to the public health and/or safety of the environment, Code Enforcement, and other appropriate public officials (e.g., City Building Official, Fire Marshall, Health Dept., etc.) may commence proceedings to immediately abate the violation.

If immediate action is not required, Code Enforcement will issue a Warning of Violation letter to the property owners or responsible parties with a compliance date. Upon re-inspection, if the violation has not been corrected, Code Enforcement has the authority to either provide an extension to the responsible person(s) or issue an Administrative Citation, which has an escalating scale. The escalating scale for residential properties is $100 for the 1st Citation, $250 for the 2nd Citation, and $500 for the 3rd Citation, which may be issued multiple times.  For commercial properties, there is a $1,000 for the 4th citation, which may be issued multiple times. 

When code violations are not an imminent threat to public health, a Notice of Intent to Record the violation may be issued, and ultimately, the property will receive a recorded notice of violation lien with the Washoe County Recorder’s Office. Corrective action of the violation must be completed, and all fines and fees must be paid before the recorded document is released. 

Property owners may exercise their due process and file a timely appeal upon receipt of any citations during this punitive enforcement process.

Code Enforcement Officers are not required to make actual contact with the responsible party when initiating enforcement activities. Notices are sent to property owners and/or responsible parties through regular and certified mail as required by Nevada law. Notices may also be posted at the location of the violation. 

Code Enforcement authority has been granted through Chapter 1.05 of the Reno Municipal Code (RMC). The intent, and the spirit of the law, set minimum standards to protect health, safety and welfare of the public. When appropriate, Code Enforcement may pursue other enforcement tactics provided within the RMC, including criminal sanctions or judicial actions, when appropriate.

If you have been issued a Notice of Violation, Notice of Intent to Record, administrative citation, or Notice to Abate, you have the right to appeal. Complete the form, and follow the instructions on the Administrative/Enforcement appeal form.

Shopping carts are valuable, and rolling one away from a store's property is stealing. The loss of shopping carts costs stores money. They may resort to increasing prices to recoup this loss. 

To file a complaint or if you need code enforcement to investigate a possible violation please contact Reno Direct.

No, motor homes or trailers cannot be connected to residential utilities or lived in unless they are in a RV park regardless if parked in front or rear yard. Motor homes can only be used for living purposes in mobile home parks.

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish a building or structure like a shed, patio cover and includes all fences. Sheds must be a minimum distance away from fences and structures for fire safety.

Any junk or inoperative vehicles on private property must be fully screened behind a fence or inside a garage, to avoid being viewed from any public or private property when standing at ground level with the property.

The City of Reno doesn't regulate chickens. If you're planning on building a coop, it's recommended it be about 3 to 4 square feet per bird. If you plan on it being more than 200 square feet, you'll need to get a building permit from the city. Please reach out to Washoe County Regional Animal Services for animal-related questions at 775-353-8900

Commercial vehicles cannot weigh more than 10,000 lbs. in a residential area or be used to transport hazardous materials in a residential area.

Vehicles cannot be parked in the front yard area; all vehicles must be parked in the paved driveway area. Vehicles can be parked on an area directly adjacent to the paved driveway and the nearest property line if that same area has been "improved" with a gravel bed, pavers or concrete pad. (A gravel bed, pavers and concrete flat work do not require a permit.) You cannot drive over a city sidewalk/curb as a driveway access.

You cannot store junk vehicles or unregistered vehicles on the street. Vehicles stored on the street for an excess of 48 hrs. are reported to the City of Reno's Parking Enforcement. Please contact Reno Direct to report abandoned vehicles left on the street.

This information varies depending on the severity of the issue reported. You can check the status of the request through the onenv.us website.

Temporary garage sales may be conducted on the premises of a residential property only if a principal dwelling is located on the same premises. No more than four garage sales shall be conducted on the same premises within one year. Garage sales shall not exceed three days in duration per event.

You can file a complaint at Reno Direct at 775-334-4636 or online at www.reno.gov/renodirect.

When you are lacking in the required essential services, meaning there is no hot water, the toilet does not work because there is no water supply, there is the presence of raw sewage, or you have no permanent heat supply to keep your place warm, please report those conditions immediately if your landlord is not working on fixing those issues by calling Reno Direct at 775-334-4636 or report online. Otherwise, for non-essential services, like a cracked window, door knobs or handles missing, and no insect screens, you are required to submit a written 14-day demand letter to your landlord and allow them 14 days to repair your issues prior to reporting the violation to Code Enforcement. While most Code Enforcement complaints can be submitted anonymously, the exception is a housing complaint. This is because Code Enforcement will need the permission of the tenant to enter their private property. The officers do not release who the reporting party is to a landlord, but in cases that are brought before a court or judge, defendants have a right to that information. If you should receive any form of retaliation and believe it is because you filed a code case, you should follow up with Northern Nevada Legal Aid. They are a free service with a division set up for renter's rights and will be able to advise further. You may reach them by calling 775-329-2727 or visiting their website at nnlegalaid.org

Unfortunately, Code Enforcement Officers do not have the authority to dismiss or reduce any fines or fees. An administrative appeal can be submitted with the City Clerk's Office. For more information please visit Reno.gov/cityclerk or call their office directly at (775) 334-2030.