ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated WashoeTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Washoe, NV
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
61,200
Owner-occupied
60%
Zoning districts
88
Avg Home Value
$522,723
Median Lot Size
0.44 acres
Avg Income
$128,826
Residential Types:
61,200 housing units
Single Family
8%
2-3 Family
59%
Apts (4+ units)
3%
Condos
23%
Other
7%
Zoning Districts:
61,853 parcels · 88 districts
MDS
36%(22,034)
LDS
22%(13,704)
GR
10%(6,362)
HDR
4%(2,677)
Other
28%(17,076)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Washoe, NV?
Unincorporated Washoe, NV follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size for an attached/internal ADU: in the Tahoe Planning Area—residential lots ≥1 acre are limited to the lesser of 50% of the main dwelling and 1,500 sq ft; residential lots <1 acre are limited to 1,200 sq ft; non-residential primary use is limited to 1,500 sq ft. Outside Tahoe—on parcels with a duplex, triplex, or multifamily, limit is 800 sq ft; on single-family parcels, the lesser of 80% of the main dwelling and 1,500 sq ft (or 1,200 sq ft in MDS, HDS, and urban zones).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum area for a detached ADU: 1,500 sq ft or 80% of the main dwelling (whichever is smaller); 1,200 sq ft or 80% in the MDS zone; 800 sq ft on parcels with a duplex, triplex, or quadplex.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per parcel (single-family; attached or detached)
- –1 ADU per parcel (duplex/triplex/quadplex; attached or detached)
- –0 ADU per parcel for cottage court or multifamily
Parking
- –Minimum 1 off-street space per ADU (tandem allowed in Tahoe). Tahoe max = 110% of min (≈1.1). Minor ADU: >0.5 ac no space; ≤0.5 ac require 1 space (Director may waive via modification).
Rental Restrictions
- –STRs require a valid permit; only one STR per parcel (second STR may be allowed outside Tahoe). In Tahoe, new ADU STRs are prohibited (existing STRs allowed only while ownership remains); operational limits include one group at a time, no advertising without a permit, required ad disclosures, and no on-site signage.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
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ADU rules in other Nevada municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Washoe County
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