Sign Regulations in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign (Monument Only), Animated/Flashing Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 17, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Reno, Nevada
Sample Sign Requirements in Reno
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary On-Premises Sign (Residential Districts) | — | One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding 6 sq. ft.; on tracts of land >2 acres, sign area may be increased to 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Temporary On-Premises Sign (Urban and Employment Districts) | — | One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding 32 sq. ft.; may be increased on parcels without established uses or structures by the square footage allowed when calculating permanent freestanding signs (using street frontage as business frontage). | — |
| Drive-Through Facility Sign | 7 ft | Up to two signs per approved drive-through lane; combined 64 sq. ft. per lane | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RenoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Monument Only)
- Animated/Flashing Sign
- Temporary On-Premises Sign (Residential Districts)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Reno
Other Cities in Nevada
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Reno vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Reno, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Reno, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign (Monument Only), Animated/Flashing Sign, Temporary On-Premises Sign (Residential Districts), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Reno vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Reno are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Reno has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Reno, Nevada Sign Rules at a Glance
Reno, Nevada regulates 29 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (< 1 acre parcel)s in the MD-ED — Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District; MD-ID — Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District; MD-NWQ — Mixed-Use Downtown Northwest Quadrant District; MD-RD — Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District; MD-UD — Mixed-Use Downtown University District; MD-PD — Mixed-Use Downtown Powning District; MU — Mixed-Use Urban; MS — Mixed-Use Suburban; MU-MC — Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial; MU-RES — Mixed-Use Midtown Residential zoning district are capped at 8 ft maximum tall and 125 sq. ft. maximum, with a May project into setbacks if no hazard (18.05.103). setback (Sec. 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Urban Districts row); Table Note [3]; 18.05.103). Most commercial signs in Reno require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Reno, Nevada
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Reno (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 100 ft (Major Site Plan Review required to exceed 100 ft) | Up to two signs per approved drive-through lane; combined 64 sq. ft. per lane | — |
| LLR-2.5 — Large Lot Residential (2.5 acres); LLR-1 — Large Lot Residential (1 acre); LLR-.5 — Large Lot Residential (0.5 acres); SF-3 — Single-Family Residential; SF-5 — Single-Family Residential; SF-8 — Single-Family Residential; SF-11 — Single-Family Residential; MF-14 — Multi-Family Residential; MF-21 — Multi-Family Residential; MF-30 — Multi-Family Residential | 2 | 6 ft (monument only) | 50 sq. ft. per access; one per street frontage | — |
| MD-ED — Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District; MD-ID — Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District; MD-NWQ — Mixed-Use Downtown Northwest Quadrant District; MD-RD — Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District; MD-UD — Mixed-Use Downtown University District; MD-PD — Mixed-Use Downtown Powning District; MU — Mixed-Use Urban; MS — Mixed-Use Suburban; MU-MC — Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial; MU-RES — Mixed-Use Midtown Residential | 4 | 35 ft maximum | Up to 400 sq. ft. per business; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per business | — |
| GC — General Commercial | 4 | Allowed up to 35 ft in height if not facing residential zoning districts | Up to 400 sq. ft. per business; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per business | — |
| NC — Neighborhood Commercial; PO — Professional Office | 2 | 8 ft maximum; may be increased to 12 ft if parcel street frontage >100 ft | Up to 400 sq. ft. per business; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per business | — |
| I — Industrial; IC — Industrial Commercial; ME — Mixed Employment; MA — Mixed-Use Airport | 3 | 25 ft maximum | Up to 400 sq. ft. per business; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per business | — |
| PF — Public Facility | 2 | 8 ft maximum; may be increased to 12 ft if parcel street frontage >100 ft | Up to 400 sq. ft. per building; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per building | — |
| PGOS — Parks, Greenways, and Open Space | 2 | 6 ft maximum (monument only) | Up to 400 sq. ft. per building; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per building | — |
| South Meadows III PUD | 10 | Front elevation letters: 60 inches maximum; Side elevation letters: 42 inches maximum; Rear elevation letters: 30 inches maximum | 144 sq. ft. maximum | — |
| UT-5 — Unincorporated Transition Area (5 Acres); UT-10 — Unincorporated Transition Area (10 Acres); UT-40 — Unincorporated Transition Area (40 Acres) | 2 | 6 ft (monument only) | 50 sq. ft. per access; one per street frontage | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Reno(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary On-Premises Sign (Residential Districts) | — | One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding 6 sq. ft.; on tracts of land >2 acres, sign area may be increased to 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 temporary sign per street frontage. | Shall not extend into or over the public right-of-way; shall not extend into vision triangle areas; must not obstruct sight distances or impede sidewalks/driveways/bus stops/hydrants. | — | Unlock | 18.05.110(a)-(b)(1) Residential Districts temporary signs; 18.05.110(a)(1)-(5) |
| Temporary On-Premises Sign (Urban and Employment Districts) | — | One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding 32 sq. ft.; may be increased on parcels without established uses or structures by the square footage allowed when calculating permanent freestanding signs (using street frontage as business frontage). | — | — | 1 temporary sign per street frontage. | Shall not extend into or over the public right-of-way; shall not extend into vision triangle areas; must not obstruct sight distances or impede sidewalks/driveways/bus stops/hydrants. | — | Unlock | 18.05.110(a)-(b)(2) Employment and Urban Districts temporary signs; 18.05.110(a)(1)-(5) |
| Drive-Through Facility Sign | 7 ft | Up to two signs per approved drive-through lane; combined 64 sq. ft. per lane | — | — | Max two per approved drive-through lane. | On private property serving an approved drive-through lane; not oriented to a public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 18.05.108(j) |
| Canopy Copy (Over Building Entrance) | — | 20 sq. ft. of copy | — | — | — | Canopy may extend into the public right-of-way with permission of the owner of the right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 18.05.111 |
| Suspended Sign (Perpendicular to Building Front) | — | 6 sq. ft. maximum to be excluded from sign count | — | — | Not counted toward number when ≤6 sq. ft. | Suspended from building, perpendicular to front. | — | Unlock | 18.05.104 |
| General Location Rules for Permanent On-Premises Signs | — | — | — | May project into setbacks if no hazard (18.05.103). | Freestanding sign quantities per zoning table; wall signs not specifically restricted by number (18.05.104). | Signs on private property shall not extend across property lines into adjacent property or into a public right-of-way except as provided in Chapter 18.05 or with City Engineer approval. Freestanding or projecting signs may be located within, or project into, setbacks if no hazard to traffic/pedestrians/bicycles. | — | Unlock | 18.05.103; 18.05.107(a)-(b); 18.05.102; 18.05.105 |
| Use-Specific On-Premises Signs – Legally Established Nonrestricted Gaming Facility (Option 1: Freestanding) | 100 ft (Major Site Plan Review required to exceed 100 ft) | No limit | — | — | No limit on number stated in table. | On-premises at legally established nonrestricted gaming facility. | — | Unlock | 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Use Specific: Legally Established Nonrestricted Gaming Facility) |
| Use-Specific On-Premises Signs – Legally Established Nonrestricted Gaming Facility (Option 2: Wall) | — | No limit | — | — | No limit on number stated in table. | On-premises at legally established nonrestricted gaming facility. | — | Unlock | 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Use Specific: Legally Established Nonrestricted Gaming Facility) |
MD-ED — Mixed-Use Downtown Entertainment District; MD-ID — Mixed-Use Downtown Innovation District; MD-NWQ — Mixed-Use Downtown Northwest Quadrant District; MD-RD — Mixed-Use Downtown Riverwalk District; MD-UD — Mixed-Use Downtown University District; MD-PD — Mixed-Use Downtown Powning District; MU — Mixed-Use Urban; MS — Mixed-Use Suburban; MU-MC — Mixed-Use Midtown Commercial; MU-RES — Mixed-Use Midtown Residential
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (< 1 acre parcel) | 8 ft maximum | 125 sq. ft. maximum | — | May project into setbacks if no hazard (18.05.103). | Per Table Note [3]: one per frontage; add one if parcel >10 acres; plus one 16 sq. ft. gas station sign. | On private property; may be located within/project into setbacks if no hazard. | — | Unlock | 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Urban Districts row); Table Note [3]; 18.05.103 |
| Freestanding Sign (≥ 1 acre parcel) | 35 ft maximum | Up to double the 125 sq. ft. base (i.e., ≤250 sq. ft.) | — | May project into setbacks if no hazard (18.05.103). | Per Table Note [3]. | On private property; may be in setbacks if no hazard. | — | Unlock | 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Urban Districts row: ≥1 acre provisions); Table Note [3] |
| Wall Sign | — | Up to 400 sq. ft. per business; minimum 40 sq. ft. allowed per business | — | — | Not specifically restricted by number (18.05.104). | On building wall. | — | Unlock | 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Urban Districts row); 18.05.104 |
| Animated/Flashing Sign (Location-Specific Allowance) | — | Animated/flashing sign area shall not exceed 125 sq. ft. on specified streets | — | — | — | On parcels fronting specified streets; elsewhere requires Major Site Plan Review. | — | Unlock | 18.05.113 Table 5-1 (Urban Districts row, Flashing/Animation column); 18.05.114 |
South Meadows III PUD
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign — Office/Industrial Parcel Identification | 6 ft maximum (including 1.5 ft pedestal) | — | 8 ft maximum | Not within 5 ft of back face of curb; not within vision triangle (RMC 18.06.050(c)(3)b). | — | May be located in landscape easement; not within 5 ft of back face of curb; not within vision triangle. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 61–62 (Parcel Identification Signs — Office/Industrial) |
| Freestanding Sign — Retail Center Identification | 25 ft maximum | — | 12 ft maximum | Not within 5 ft of back face of curb; not within vision triangle (RMC 18.06.050(c)(3)b). | 1 per street frontage, not to exceed 2 total. | May be located in landscape easement; not within 5 ft of back face of curb; not within vision triangle. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 62 (Parcel Identification Signs — Retail Center) |
| Freestanding Sign — All Other Parcels in Planning Unit S (S1 Overlay; not visible from US-395) | 8 ft maximum | 60 sq. ft. maximum | — | — | 1 per building frontage, not to exceed 2 per project. | On-premises within Planning Unit S; not oriented to US-395. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 69–71 (S1 Overlay — All Other Freestanding Signs) |
| Freestanding Sign — Freeway-Visible (S1 Overlay; adjacent to US-395 right-of-way) | Bottom of sign shall not extend more than 10 ft above elevation of guardrail or travel lanes of US-395 (whichever is higher), measured perpendicularly | 80 sq. ft. maximum per sign | — | — | Maximum 3 signs. | Within 10 ft landscape area adjacent to US-395 right-of-way; visible from US-395 travel lanes. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 69–70 (S1 Overlay — Freeway-Visible Signs) |
| Freestanding Sign — Community Commercial Area (S1 Overlay; southern ~1,200 ft of Planning Unit S adjacent to Double R Blvd) | 25 ft maximum | 144 sq. ft. maximum | — | — | 1 sign maximum. | Southern portion of Planning Unit S, adjacent to Double R Boulevard. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 70 (S1 Overlay — Community Commercial Area) |
| Wall Sign — Major Tenant (S1/S2 Overlay; ≥ 50,000 sq ft) | Front elevation letters: 60 inches maximum; Side elevation letters: 42 inches maximum; Rear elevation letters: 30 inches maximum | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot per elevation; total area shall not be combined across elevations | — | — | 1 per elevation facing street or main parking lot. | Building elevations facing public street or main parking lot. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 72 (Wall-Mounted Building Signs — S1/S2; Major Tenants) |
| Wall Sign — In-Line Tenant (S1/S2 Overlay; < 50,000 sq ft) | Letters: 30 inches maximum | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot; total area shall not be combined across elevations | — | — | 1 sign, front elevation only. | Front elevation only. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 72 (Wall-Mounted Building Signs — S1/S2; In-Line Tenants) |
| Wall Sign — Pad Building (S1/S2 Overlay) | Letters: 30 inches maximum | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of building facade per frontage | — | — | 1 per building/street/parking lot frontage. | Per building/street/parking lot frontage. | — | Unlock | South Meadows PUD Phase III Handbook 1, p. 72 (Wall-Mounted Building Signs — S1/S2; Pad Buildings) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Reno — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Reno — start freeProhibited Signs in Reno
- Signs that constitute a hazard to traffic or pedestrians are prohibited.
- Signs located within any stream or drainage canal are prohibited.
- Mobile, A-framed, or portable signs are prohibited except as expressly allowed for temporary signs.
- Inflatable or other temporary or wind signs are prohibited except as otherwise provided.
- Signs that imitate or simulate official signs, or that use yellow or red blinking intermittent light resembling danger or warning signals, are prohibited.
- Signs on public property or in public rights-of-way, or attached to utility poles, street-light standards, fences, sheds, trees, hydrants, or similar structures, are prohibited except as otherwise provided in the sign regulations.
- Roof signs are prohibited (on-premises and off-premises).
- Wall signs that extend above the top of the wall or beyond the ends of the wall are prohibited unless they meet the requirements for projecting or freestanding signs.
- Signs that emit or produce noise, odor, sound, smoke, fire, or other emissions are prohibited (on-premises and off-premises).
- Signs within 100 feet of a freeway right-of-way that exceed 20 square feet and have faces visible from freeway travel lanes are prohibited.
- Temporary on-premises signs may not be internally or externally illuminated.
- Temporary signs may not extend into or over the public right-of-way, may not intrude into vision triangles, and may not be attached to trees, shrubbery, utility poles, or traffic control signs/devices.
- The City shall not issue permits authorizing construction of new permanent off-premises advertising displays except as specifically provided in the chapter.
- Permanent off-premises digital advertising displays are prohibited within the City of Reno and the City of Reno Sphere of Influence.
- Prohibited off-premises display types include: stacked signs; wall signs; signs with more than two faces; building wraps; computer-controlled variable message electronic signs; and signs emitting noise via artificial devices.
Exempt Signs in Reno
- Address numbers/plates and residential nameplates required by NRS 278.0231 are exempt from permit and application requirements and from aggregate area computations.
- Changes in copy or advertising display on an existing sign that do not alter the structure, size, or configuration are exempt.
- Flags displayed from permanently located freestanding or wall-mounted flagpoles (one flagpole per parcel; maximum height 30 feet) are exempt.
- Signs or tablets cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material not exceeding 8 square feet in area when located within commercial zones are exempt.
- Official traffic-control signs, signals, devices, and street name signs are exempt.
- Signs that notify the public of the location or access of emergency medical services are exempt.
- Public safety signs that notify or warn the public about hazardous or dangerous conditions are exempt.
- Signs located within a building that are not oriented to be visible from any public right-of-way are exempt.
- Drive-through facility signs are exempt (up to two signs per lane; combined 64 square feet per lane; maximum height seven feet; copy not oriented to or visible from public rights-of-way; subject to brightness and display limitations).
- Any sign owned by, or erected by or at the direction of, the City of Reno or Washoe County in furtherance of official duties is exempt.
- Temporary on-premises signs are allowed without fee, permit, or application subject to general standards (no illumination, not in right-of-way or vision triangle, maintenance and placement rules) and district-based limits (Residential: one per frontage up to 6 square feet for up to 95 days per year; larger area allowed on tracts over two acres; Employment/Urban: one per frontage up to 32 square feet for up to 95 days per year, with possible area increases on parcels without established uses or structures).
- Temporary off-premises advertising displays are allowed without permit on private property in any zoning district within one-half radial mile of the event site, up to six square feet, stable under weather conditions, not obstructing vision triangles or access, and displayed for less than 12 hours per day between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Reno
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| All sign permits | Major Site Plan Review | $4,668.75 ($3,383 base + $785.75 code enforcement + $500 noticing) | — |
| Other | within five working days of the date the completed application is accepted by the Development Services Department | — |
| See all Reno sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: other municipal code