Three jurisdictions cover most of the Truckee Meadows, and each has different fence rules. First find out whether your parcel is in the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, or unincorporated Washoe County (the county’s regional GIS map shows this). This is a plain-language summary of official sources; always confirm with the jurisdiction before building.
City of Reno
- Permit: Reno’s planning FAQ says a building permit is required for all fences. Fence and shed permits require plans and a 10-day review. Apply through the OneNV regional portal.
- Height: fences 6 feet or less may be built on lot lines and extend toward buildings, except in required front yards, where the limit is 4 feet. A fence up to 6 feet may be allowed on a front yard that isn’t the primary access, with a 5-foot setback from the sidewalk.
- Posts: in residential zones, posts may extend up to 2 feet above the fence if at least 6 feet apart.
- Retaining walls: fence height is measured from the top of the retaining wall.
- Open space and drainageways: fence portions more than 4 feet above grade must be open fencing.
- No barbed or razor wire on most property.
- Plans must show fence location, height, material, gates, property lines, easements, and (for fences over 6 feet) post embedment and footing size. Fire hydrants need 36 inches of clearance. Check with your HOA for separate approval.
- Right-of-way and easements: fences can’t go in city right-of-way or easements without City Engineer approval.
City of Sparks
- Permit exemptions: fences up to 30 inches; residential interior fences up to 6 feet in rear yards without permanent foundations; repair or replacement of under 100 linear feet in the same material, location and height. Pool barriers and required screening are not exempt.
- Height: up to 6 feet in any zoning district where no sight issue is created. In the required front or exterior side setback: 3 feet, or 4 feet if at least 50% open construction. Residential exterior side yards may go to 6 feet if the Administrator finds no visibility issue.
Unincorporated Washoe County (Sun Valley, much of Spanish Springs, Washoe Valley, parts of Verdi)
- Permit exemptions: fences up to 30 inches in the front yard, up to 6 feet elsewhere (not pool barriers or required screening), replacement of under 100 linear feet with the same material, and certain wire fences on parcels over 2 acres.
- Height: 4.5 feet in the required front yard setback; 6 feet on the rest of a residential lot.
- Visibility triangles: obstructions can’t exceed 18 inches above curb within the triangle (30 feet at intersections, 10 feet at residential driveways).
- Architectural committees: where one is active, it must sign off on plot plans before the permit.
Pools
Pool and spa barriers need a permit in all three jurisdictions and must meet the pool code: generally at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. See pool fences.
HOAs
HOA rules are separate from city and county code, and are often stricter on height, material and color. Get written approval first.
Before you dig
Call 811 (Nevada’s one-call system) before any digging, and confirm your property lines.
Request a free estimate to talk with a trusted local fence pro.
Reno Fence Contractors connects Reno, Sparks and Washoe County homeowners with an independent local fence contractor. Work is performed by that contractor, not by this website. Cost figures on this site are published ranges from the sources listed, not quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to replace a fence in Reno?
The City of Reno says a permit is required for all fences. Sparks and Washoe County exempt replacements under 100 linear feet in the same material, location and height.
How tall can my backyard fence be?
Generally 6 feet on side and rear lot lines in all three jurisdictions. Taller may be possible in specific situations with approval.
How tall can a front-yard fence be?
Reno: 4 feet in the required front yard. Sparks: 3 feet, or 4 if 50% open. Washoe County: 4.5 feet.