BUILDING CODES

Reno Administrative Code tit. 14, ch. 14.04

in effect

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.001 Purpose.

Sec. 14.04.001. - Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to adopt uniform building codes or any portions thereof with such changes as may be necessary to make the code applicable to conditions in the city, and with such other changes as may be desirable in accordance with the Reno City Charter, Section 2.110. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.005 Authority.

Sec. 14.04.005. - Authority. This chapter is adopted pursuant to NRS 268.413, 278.580 and the Reno City Charter. (Ord. No. 6092, § 3, 2-11-09; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.007 Interpretation.

Sec. 14.04.007. - Interpretation. Exhibit A of the Ordinance referred to in sections 14.04.050, 14.04.100, 14.04.105,14.04.110, 14.04.115, 14.04.120, and 14.04.125 contains the changes to the most current adopted code Edition of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and National Electrical Code respectively, and amended by the most current Northern Nevada Amendments published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.010 International Existing Building Code.

Sec. 14.04.010. - International Existing Building Code. The 2024 Edition of the International Existing Building Code published by the International Code Council along with Exhibit A, 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: November 20, 2025 are hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (Code 1966, § 3.04.010; Ord. No. 2714, § 1, 12-11-78; Ord. No. 2812, § 1, 3-10-80; Ord. No. 2830, § 1, 4-28-80; Ord. No. 2831, § 1, 4-28-80; Ord. No. 2832, § 1, 4-28-80; Ord. No. 2856, § 1, 6-23-80; Ord. No. 2960, § 1, 10-26-81; Ord. No. 3072, § 1, 4-11-83; Ord. No. 3393, § 1, 5-12-86; Ord. No. 3812, § 1, 5-22-89; Ord. No. 4234, § 1, 6-9-92; Ord. No. 4328, § 1, 9-14-93; Ord. No. 4370, § 1, 2-22-94; Ord. No. 4452, § 1, 12-13-94; Ord. No. 4527, § 1, 6-27-95; Ord. No. 4626, § 1, 5-14-96; Ord. No. 4955, § 1, 1-26-99; Ord. No. 5659, § 1, 2-23-05; Ord. No. 6092, § 3, 2-11-09; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.020 Reserved.

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.030 Reserved.

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.050 International Building Code.

Sec. 14.04.050. - International Building Code. The 2024 Edition of the International Building Code along with Exhibit A 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full attached hereto. (Ord. No. 6092, § 3, 2-11-09; Ord. No. 6208, § 2, 9-28-11; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.100 International Residential Code.

Sec. 14.04.100. - International Residential Code. The 2024 Edition of the International Residential Code, published by the International Code Council along with Exhibit A 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (Ord. No. 6092, § 3, 2-11-09; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.105 International Mechanical Code.

Sec. 14.04.105. - International Mechanical Code. The 2024 Edition of the International Mechanical Code, published by the International Code Council along with Exhibit A, 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.110 International Fuel Gas Code.

Sec. 14.04.110. - International Fuel Gas Code. (a) The 2024 Edition of the International Fuel Gas Code, published by the International Code Council along with Exhibit A the 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.115 Uniform Mechanical Code.

Sec. 14.04.115. - Uniform Mechanical Code. The 2024 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, along with Exhibit A, the 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.120 Uniform Plumbing Code.

Sec. 14.04.120. - Uniform Plumbing Code. (a) The 2024 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, along with Exhibit the 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (b) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to sections 14.04.120.007 to 14.04.120.020, inclusive: (1) "Apprentice plumber" means a person who is subject to a written and signed agreement of indenture as a plumbing apprentice, issued pursuant to a program with an employer or with an association of employers or an organization of employees acting as agent for an employer. (2) "Apprenticeship program" means a program of training and instruction as an apprentice plumber which is registered and approved by the state apprenticeship council in accordance with NRS chapter 610. (3) "Journeyman" means a person who has satisfactorily completed an apprenticeship program. (4) "State of Nevada licensed plumber" means a person who has been qualified by the State of Nevada in accordance with NAC 624.190, and has been granted and maintains an active license as a "classification C-1". (5) "Plumbing code" means the regulatory standards adopted by the City of Reno as identified in RMC section 14.04.120 the provisions of which provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare within this jurisdiction. (6) "Pre-apprentice" means a person participating in a preparatory program of training and instruction prior to enrollment in an apprenticeship program. (7) "Residential projects" mean buildings or structures or portions thereof designed primarily for living, sleeping and dwelling purposes, including but not limited to, detached one and two family dwellings, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and similar uses not exceeding three stories in height and of Type V construction. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6400, § 1, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.120.005 Waste and garbage disposal.

Sec. 14.04.120.005. - Waste and garbage disposal. (a) All waste in trailer parks from showers, toilets, laundries, faucets and lavatories shall be wasted into a sewer system extended from and connected to the city sewer system. Present operating courts shall be permitted the use of septic tanks when operating satisfactorily, but shall connect to the city sewers when such sewer lines become available. (b) Plans for all private sewer systems, septic tanks and disposal fields must be approved by the building official. (c) Sewer connections in unoccupied parking sites shall be closed. (d) Garbage disposal shall be provided as set forth in the ordinances of the city governing disposal of garbage in the city generally. (e) All kitchen sinks, washbasins, bathtubs or showers or toilets in any trailer coach harbored in any park shall empty into a sanitary drain located on the trailer coach space that is connected directly to the main sewer system. (Ord. No. 4536, § 1, 7-25-95; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.120.007 Certificates required under the Uniform Plumbing Code.

Sec. 14.04.120.007. - Certificates required under the Uniform Plumbing Code. (a) No person, company or corporation shall do, cause or permit to be done any installations, alterations or additions of a plumbing system, any of which would require a permit issued by the department, unless such person, company or corporation possesses a valid certificate as required by the provisions of this article. (b) Exceptions: (1) Home owners performing work in accordance with NRS 624.031. (2) Those individuals performing site utility or irrigation work which is outside of the scope-of-work of the permit issued by the department of building and safety. (c) Violations of this article shall be addressed as indicated in the current adopted edition of the International Building Code for Commercial projects and the current adopted edition of the International Residential Code for residential projects. (d) All certifications issued under the provisions of this article shall be renewed in accordance with the requirements of the issuing body. (e) Required certifications shall be made available upon the request of the building official, deputy building official, or other building and safety employees acting on their behalf. (Ord. No. 6400, § 1, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.120.010 Apprentice plumbing certificate.

Sec. 14.04.120.010. - Apprentice plumbing certificate. (a) No person shall engage in the trade of apprentice plumber who does not hold a valid apprentice plumbing certificate issued by an apprenticeship program. (b) Exceptions: (1) Individuals working on residential projects three stories and less of Type V construction and under the direct supervision of a State of Nevada licensed plumber or a certified journeyman, provided: (i) The working ratio shall be a maximum of one journeyman or State of Nevada licensed plumber to six subordinate employees; and, (ii) A written agreement shall be provided to the City of Reno Building and Safety Division indicating the names, contact information and copies of certifications of those responsible for providing direct supervision of all subordinate employees. Such agreement shall be kept up to date at all times; and, (iii) Employees working must obtain a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education credit every calendar year. Such education credit shall be directly related to the most current plumbing code. Adequate records shall be maintained by the employee and shall be made available upon request. (2) Pre-apprentices enrolled in an apprenticeship program may work with a pre-apprentice certificate while obtaining specific training prior to their full indenture into such apprenticeship program. Such certificates may only be issued by an apprenticeship program. (c) Unless exempt under subsection (b) above, all apprentice plumbers shall be certified by and actively enrolled in an apprentice program. (d) An apprentice plumber shall be an employee of a State of Nevada licensed plumber, and shall be under their direct supervision or that of a certified journeyman plumber under like employment. (Ord. No. 6400, § 1, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.120.020 Journeyman plumber certificate.

Sec. 14.04.120.020. - Journeyman plumber certificate. (a) No person shall engage in the trade of journeyman plumber who does not hold a valid journeyman plumber certificate issued by the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners, or other approved testing agency. All such journeymen shall be employed by and under the supervision of a State of Nevada licensed plumber. (b) An applicant for a journeyman plumbing certificate shall show proof of experience as required by the issuing agency and pay all required fees. (c) All testing, issuance of certificates, and renewals shall be processed by the issuing agency. (d) All reciprocal licenses require verification of experience, and a recognized Nevada journeyman certificate must be obtained within 12 months of employment. (Ord. No. 6400, § 1, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.125 National Electric Code.

Sec. 14.04.125. - National Electric Code. (a) The 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., along with Exhibit A, the 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (b) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to sections 14.04.125.005 to 14.04.125.020, inclusive: (1) "Apprentice electrician" means a person who is subject to a written and signed agreement of indenture as an electrical apprentice, issued pursuant to a program with an employer or with an association of employers or an organization of employees acting as agent for an employer. (2) "Apprenticeship program" means a program of training and instruction as an apprentice electrician which is registered and approved by the state apprenticeship council in accordance with NRS chapter 610. (3) "Journeyman" means a person who has satisfactorily completed an apprenticeship program. (4) "State of Nevada licensed electrician" means a person who has been qualified by the State of Nevada in accordance with NAC 624.200, and has been granted and maintains an active license as a "classification C-2". (5) "Electrical code" means the regulatory standards adopted by the City of Reno as identified in RMC section 14.04.125(a) the provisions of which provide practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity within this jurisdiction. (6) "Pre-apprentice" means a person participating in a preparatory program of training and instruction prior to enrollment in an apprenticeship program. (7) "Residential projects" mean buildings or structures or portions thereof designed primarily for living, sleeping and dwelling purposes, including but not limited to, detached one and two family dwellings, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and similar uses not exceeding three stories in height and of Type V construction. (Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6400, § 2, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.125.005 Certificates required under the National Electric Code.

Sec. 14.04.125.005. - Certificates required under the National Electric Code. (a) No person, company or corporation shall do, cause or permit to be done any installations, alterations or additions of electrical wiring or equipment, any of which would require a permit issued by the department, unless such person, company or corporation possesses a valid certificate as required by the provisions of this article. (b) Exceptions: (1) Home owners performing work in accordance with NRS 624.031. (2) Those individuals performing site utility work which is outside of the scope-of-work of the permit issued by the department of building and safety. (3) Installations and connections of branch circuits by state licensed, heating or air-conditioning contractors to their respective equipment, provided that such branch circuits do not exceed ten feet in length and comply with all other provisions of this chapter. (4) Installations of non-power or power-limited wiring within any residential dwelling unit where such installations are independent of other dwelling units and do not exceed 50 volts. (c) Violations of this article shall be addressed as indicated in Sections 114 and 115 of the most current adopted edition of the International Building Code for Commercial projects and Sections 113 and 114 of the most current adopted edition of the International Residential Code for residential projects. (d) All certifications issued under the provisions of this article shall be renewed in accordance with the requirements of the issuing body. (e) Required certifications shall be made available upon the request of the building official, deputy building official, or other building and safety employees acting on their behalf. (Ord. No. 3539, 8-24-87; Ord. No. 3960, § 1, 6-12-90; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6400, § 2, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.125.010 Apprentice electrical certificate.

Sec. 14.04.125.010. - Apprentice electrical certificate. (a) No person shall engage in the trade of apprentice electrician who does not hold a valid apprentice electrical certificate issued by an apprenticeship program. (b) Exceptions: (1) Individuals working on residential projects three stories and less of Type V construction and under the direct supervision of a State of Nevada licensed electrician or a certified journeyman, provided: (i) The working ratio shall be a maximum of one journeyman or State of Nevada licensed electrician to six subordinate employees; and, (ii) A written agreement shall be provided to the City of Reno Building and Safety Division indicating the names, contact information and copies of certifications of those responsible for providing direct supervision of all subordinate employees. Such agreement shall be kept up to date at all times; and, (iii) Employees working must obtain a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education credit every calendar year. Such education credit shall be directly related to the most current electrical code. Adequate records shall be maintained by the employee and shall be made available upon request. (2) Pre-apprentices enrolled in an apprenticeship program may work with a pre-apprentice certificate while obtaining specific training prior to their full indenture into such apprenticeship program. Such certificates may only be issued by an apprenticeship program. (c) Unless exempt under subsection (b) above, all apprentice electricians shall be certified by and actively enrolled in an electrical apprentice program. (d) An apprentice electrician shall be an employee of a State of Nevada licensed electrician, and shall be under their direct supervision, or that of a certified journeyman under like employment. (Ord. No. 3539, 8-24-87; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6400, § 2, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.125.015 Maintenance certificate.

Sec. 14.04.125.015. - Maintenance certificate. (a) No person shall engage in the trade of maintenance electrician who does not hold a valid maintenance certificate issued by the department. All such maintenance electricians shall be under the supervision of an employer possessing a maintenance certificate as an employer. Both such certificates shall be issued by the department upon application for registration and payment of the prescribed fees. (b) A maintenance electrician shall not be permitted to install new wiring or equipment, except where the installation is repairs, replacement or maintenance of existing equipment; or replacement of equipment equal to or like in kind. (Ord. No. 3539, 8-24-87; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.125.020 Journeyman electrician certificate.

Sec. 14.04.125.020. - Journeyman electrician certificate. (a) No person shall engage in the trade of journeyman who does not hold a valid journeyman electrician certificate issued by the International Code Council, or other approved testing agency. All such journeymen shall be employed by and under the supervision of a State of Nevada licensed electrician. (b) An applicant for an electrical journeyman certificate shall show proof of experience as required on the City of Reno application form and pay all required fees. (c) All testing, issuance of certificates, and renewals shall be processed by the issuing agency. (d) All reciprocal licenses require verification of experience, and a recognized Nevada journeyman certificate must be obtained within 12 months of employment. (Ord. No. 6400, § 2, 5-11-16, eff. 12-1-16)

Reno Administrative Code § 14.04.130 International Energy Conservation Code.

Sec. 14.04.130. - International Energy Conservation Code. The 2024 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, published by the International Code Council along with Exhibit A, 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments, published by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council: February 20, 2025 is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. (Ord. No. 6092, § 3, 2-11-09; Ord. No. 6241, § 1, 7-11-12; Ord. No. 6297, § 1, 6-5-13; Ord. No. 6391, § 1, 2-10-16; Ord. No. 6491, § 1, 11-28-18; Ord. No. 6712, 6-4-25)

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/administrative_code?nodeId=PT2READCO_TIT14BUCO_CH14.04BUCOFetched: 11/1/2026