Block / Screen Wall and Fence Permit in Reno, Nevada
Required for construction of fences and walls (including block walls, screen walls, retaining walls, and rockery walls) in Reno. Governed by Reno Municipal Code Section 18.04.809 (General Standards for Fences and Walls). Residential fences ≤6 ft are typically flat-rate permits; larger or complex walls may be flat-rate or valuation-based.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- All fences and walls in Reno require a permit (Reno Municipal Code Section 18.04.809(g) and Title 14)
- Fence (residential, ≤6 ft): flat-rate permit
- Fence (commercial, ≤6 ft): flat-rate permit ($221.50)
- Fence greater than 6 ft (commercial): flat-rate permit ($586.00)
- Retaining wall (residential): flat-rate permit ($371 base + $40.00 per additional 50 LF)
- Retaining wall (commercial): flat-rate permit ($371 base + $40.00 per additional 50 LF)
- Rockery wall: flat-rate permit
- Plot plan required showing: existing structures, all easements, location/length/height/materials of fence, gate locations, property lines, adjacent street speed limits
- Fences 4 ft or less may be placed in front yard; fences over 4 ft not permitted in required front yard (except per specific exceptions)
- Barbed wire, razor ribbon prohibited in residential zones
- Vision triangle clearance required per AASHTO standards
- HOA approval (if applicable) must be provided
Required documents
- Req
Fence / Wall Permit Application (via onenv.us)
Online application through ONE Regional portal — select Fence or Retaining Wall permit type
- Req
Plot Plan
CADD or line-type drawing showing existing structures, all easements, fence location/length/height/materials, gate locations, property lines, adjacent street info, and HOA approval if applicable
- Opt
General Standards for Fences and Walls (Jun 1, 2026)
Reno's reference document for fence standards per RMC 18.04.809 — review before applying
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence — residential (flat rate) | $135.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Types — Residential Flat Rate: 'Fence' = $135.00 |
| Fence — commercial, 6 ft or less (flat rate) | $221.50 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Types — Commercial Flat Rate |
| Fence — commercial, greater than 6 ft (flat rate) | $586.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees) | — |
| Retaining Wall — residential (flat rate) | $371.00 base + $40.00 per each additional 50 linear feet (includes application and permit issuance fees) | City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Types |
| Retaining Wall — commercial (flat rate) | $371.00 base + $40.00 per each additional 50 linear feet | — |
| Rockery Wall — residential (flat rate) | $291.00 base + $40.00 per each additional 50 linear feet | — |
| Rockery Wall — commercial (flat rate) | $291.00 base + $40.00 per each additional 50 linear feet | — |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Reno building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing
Before concrete pour for retaining walls and structural walls — depth and reinforcing
- 2
Final
Fence or wall constructed per approved plans — height, materials, location, gates, vision triangle compliance
Tips
- Reno requires a permit for all fences and walls — there is no height threshold below which permits are not required (unlike some cities).
- Fences over 4 ft are NOT allowed in required front yard areas in residential zones. Fences 4 ft or less are allowed in front yards.
- Fences outside a setback area are limited to 10 ft in height (side, rear, and secondary front yards) per RMC 18.04.809.
- In residential districts, fence posts may extend up to 2 ft higher than the fence itself if posts are at least 6 ft apart.
- Where property abuts an arterial or freeway, taller fences may be allowed on the property line — consult the general fence standards document.
- Vision triangle clearance per AASHTO is required at all street intersections and driveways.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a fence in Reno?
- Yes. All fences and walls in Reno require a permit per the Reno Municipal Code. Residential fences are a flat-rate permit at $135.00 (includes application and permit issuance fees). Apply at onenv.us.
- What is the maximum fence height allowed in Reno residential zones?
- In residential zones, fences up to 6 ft are permitted on lot lines (side and rear yards). Fences in the required front yard are limited to 4 ft. Fences outside setback areas in side, rear, and secondary front yards may be up to 10 ft. Specific exceptions and HOA rules may apply.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Reno Development Services — Building and Safety Division — official building department
- City of Reno General Standards for Fences and Walls — RMC 18.04.809 (Jun 1, 2026)
- City of Reno FY27 Flat Rate Permit Fee Schedule — Fence, Retaining Wall, Rockery Wall
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Reno building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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