Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Reno, Nevada

Reno requires an accessory dwelling unit (adu) permit for: Property must be a single-family residential lot (zoning allowing ADU per RMC Title 18); Minimum lot size: 5,000 square feet; Maximum 1 ADU per property; ADU height shall not exceed the height of the existing primary residence; Detached ADUs must maintain principal structure setbacks; Attached ADUs must comply with single-family residential design standards and dimensional limits (e.g., SF-3 zone: ≤1,600 sq ft or 50% of primary structure, whichever is less — per RMC Tables 3-6 and 3-7); Detached ADUs must be architecturally compatible with primary dwelling (exterior materials, roof pitch, architectural features); 1 designated on-site parking space required; Front door of attached ADU shall not face the same street as primary structure's front door; Applications submitted via onenv.us; coordinate with City Planning (planning@reno.gov or 775-321-8309) before permit application; ADU is classified as a One- or Two-Family Dwelling Unit per the 2024 IRC. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division at (775) 334-2063 before starting work.

In Reno, the published Building Permit — valuation-based is: Varies — valuation-based using the Permit Fee Table and Building Valuation Table. Additional published fees: Application Fee — $45.00; Plan Review Fee — 65% of the Building Permit Fee; Permit Issuance Fee — $45.00; Regional Road Impact Fee — Approximately $3,700; Park Fee — Approximately $800–$1,000; Police Impact Fee — Approximately $100–$140; Sewer Connection Fee — Varies — typically $8,744–$13,235 depending on ADU size, attached vs. detached, and existing fixtures. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Plan review for an accessory dwelling unit (adu) permit in Reno typically runs 10–30 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division at (775) 334-2063.

You'll need: Building Permit Application (via onenv.us); Site Plan; Construction Drawings. Depending on your project, Reno may also ask for: Accessory Dwelling Unit Guide (revised Oct 13, 2025). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Apply through City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division at 1 E. 1st Street, Reno, NV 89505. Phone: (775) 334-2063, email: permits@reno.gov. Office hours: Mon–Fri (contact department for current hours). Official information: https://www.reno.gov/business-development/development-services/building-permits.php.

Yes. Reno's ADU ordinance permits both long-term and short-term rental. Effective July 1, 2026, NRS 278.257 also prohibits Reno from enacting any ordinance that prevents an ADU owner from renting the unit as long-term housing.

ADUs are allowed everywhere single-family residences are permitted. The minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft. Contact Reno Planning at planning@reno.gov to confirm your property qualifies before applying for a permit.

ADU size limits vary by zoning district per Reno Municipal Code Tables 3-6 and 3-7. As an example, in the SF-3 zone the ADU may not exceed 1,600 sq ft or 50% of the primary structure (whichever is less). ADU height may not exceed the height of the primary residence.