Fences and Walls
Reno Annexation and Land Development Code § 18.04.809
in effect18.04.809 - Fences and Walls
(a) Purpose These standards regulate walls, fences, retaining walls, and vertical combinations of those items in order to:
(1) Provide safety and security for private property;
(2) Enhance the visual appearance the built environment in the city;
(3) Establish an attractive streetscape;
(4) Ensure visual compatibility with public spaces; and
(5) Promote street and neighborhood character.
(b) Permit Required Construction of walls, fences, retaining walls, and vertical combinations of those items in the City of Reno shall require a permit in compliance with the provisions and standards stated in this article and in Chapter 14.
(c) General Standards The following fence and wall standards shall apply in all zoning districts:
(1) For purposes of this article, on through lots, the front yard shall be the yard adjacent to the street on which the property is addressed and the rear yard shall be the yard opposite the front yard, and walls or fences six feet or less in height may be erected on the rear lot line, except as provided in Section 6.06.090, Same - Designation of Crosswalks and Safety Zones.
(2) All fencing shall maintain a clear vision triangle in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials AASHTO.
(3) Where a fence or wall is constructed on top of a retaining wall, the height of such fence or wall shall be measured from the top of the retaining wall.
(4) Barbed wire, razor ribbon, or razor tape fencing is prohibited, except in UT zoning districts, in conjunction with a public detention or correctional facility, or unless exempted by this Title.
(5) Public utilities in any zone may be enclosed by a fence six feet in height with barbed wire used above it if the total height thereof does not exceed nine feet. Arms carrying barbed wire shall extend inward or straight up.
(6) Projects shall be developed so all walls and fences are located on private property or common areas. Fences and walls shall not be placed in the City right-of-way or easements without written approval by the City Engineer. Fences and walls within City right-of-way or easements shall require written agreement with adjacent property owner or applicable maintenance organization.
(7) Walls or fences adjacent to major drainageways and open space areas shall incorporate open fencing for any portion of a fence or wall that is more than four feet above grade. Chain link is not allowed except where specified.
(8) Fences or walls proposed outside of a setback area shall be limited to 10' in height limited to side, rear, and secondary front yards.
(9) Fencing and/or walls used to retain water for flood management and protection are exempt from the height requirements listed in this title.
(d) Employment Districts (I, IC, ME, and MA) In Employment zoning districts only, the following standards shall apply:
(1) Walls or fences six feet in height or less may be erected in the required front yard, except as provided in Section 6.06.090, Same - Designation of Crosswalks and Safety Zones.
(2) Barbed wire may be used above any conventional six-foot fence if the total height does not exceed nine feet. Arms carrying barbed wire shall extend inward or straight up.
(3) Battery Charged or Electric Fencing Battery charged or electric fencing shall only be permitted on a property that is not designated for residential use, per NRS 268, and shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Use a battery that is not more than 12 volts of direct current;
(b) Be surrounded by a nonelectric perimeter fence or wall that is at least five feet in height;
(c) Not be higher than ten feet in height or two feet higher than the height of the nonelectric perimeter fence or wall described in paragraph (b) whichever is greater; and
(d) Be marked with conspicuous warning signs that are located on the battery-charged fence and intervals of not more than 40 feet and that read: "WARNING ELECTRIC FENCE"
(e) All Other Zoning Districts (Residential, Urban, Special Purpose) In all zoning districts, except the employment districts, the following fence and wall standards shall apply:
(1) Walls or fences six feet or less in height may be erected on lot lines and extending in a generally perpendicular direction from lot lines to buildings in any zone except in required front yards.
(2) Walls or fences four feet or less in height may be erected in the required front yard area in any zone.
(3) A fence not to exceed six-feet may be built on front yards not providing primary access with a minimum five-foot setback from the sidewalk or planned sidewalk. The fence setback area shall be landscaping requirements set forth in this Title. For purposes of this subsection the primary access frontage shall be determined by the Administrator based on surrounding characteristics including consistency with adjacent neighbor's yard orientations.
(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph c., above, if primary access is provided from an alley, a minimum of one front yard setback shall be maintained without fencing over 4 feet in height.
(5) In residential zoning districts, fence posts may extend up to two feet higher than the fence itself, if the posts area at least six feet apart.
(6) Where the property abuts an arterial, expressway, or freeway, or any part thereof, fences or walls exceeding six feet in height may be constructed on the property line between the property and the arterial, expressway or freeway, except as provided in Section 6.06.090, Same Designation of Crosswalks and Safety Zones.
(7) Where side and rear yards in Urban Districts are not located adjacent to a street or residentially zoned property, the Administrator may approve taller fences with barbed wire in accordance is Subsection 18.04.809(d)(2).
(f) Fencing Standards for Properties/Uses Abutting Water Supply Ditches
(1) Property Abutting Water Supply Ditches Property abutting or adjoining any water supply ditch shall have 4 ½ foot or taller fencing, approved by the Administrator as reasonably non-climbable and safe, such fencing to have tension wires along both top and bottom, or other adequate means of protection to the specifications of the Administrator, where any water supply ditch constitutes a hazard to the life, limb and safety of the people of the city, such installation to be completed and approved prior to any occupancy other than purely for the purpose of construction.
(2) Park, Recreation, or Public Use Area Abutting Ditches Where property abutting or adjoining any water supply ditch is a park, recreational area or is otherwise open to public use, the Administrator may, for good cause consistent with public health and safety, waive or modify the requirements in Section 18.04.809(f)(1),above.
(g) Permit Required Construction of fences and walls in the City of Reno shall require a permit in compliance with the provisions and standards stated in this Title. Some fences may also require a building permit, as specified in Chapter 14.18, Fences, and Title 14.
(Ord. No. 6692, § 1(Exh. A), 1-8-25)
Source: City of Reno, Nevada, Administrative Code, City Charter and Annexation and Land Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/reno/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=CH18.04DEST_ART8LABUSCFE_18.04.809FEWAFetched: 11/1/2026