Codes for Equine Businesses
Based on community input, Washoe County updated standards and permitting requirements for horse-related businesses in unincorporated Washoe County (the areas outside the cities of Reno and Sparks). The proposed equine business code amendments were approved and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on September 15, 2026.
Interested in establishing an equine business under the new code? View the equine business permitting guide to learn how.
For more information on the code update process, view this webpage.
Timeline
Image Description: A timeline showing the anticipated process to update equestrian-related zoning regulations. First is Phase 0 public outreach, which occurred in 2024 and included the consultant survey, workshops, and reports. Second is Phase 1 Outreach, which will occur in January 2026 and include kickoff meetings, sharing the Phase 0 results, and sharing the project plan. Third is drafting, which will occur February-March 2026 and include creating an initial draft and inter-agency coordination. Fourth is Phase 2 Outreach, which will occur in April 2026 and will include a webinar, survey, and public focus groups to review the draft amendments. Fifth is adoption, which will occur in summer 2026 and includes public hearings for adoption of the revised draft of proposed amendments.
Scope
The equine businesses update is focused on revising the Washoe County Development Code, which are the zoning regulations for the unincorporated county. This could include modifying provisions related to use type definitions, permitting requirements, and minimum standards for landscaping, parking, and lighting related to equine businesses. Other agencies also have requirements that apply to equine businesses, including septic, water, environmental, and building/fire regulations. Those regulations will not be impacted by this process as they are outside of the County’s authority.
Documents
- Equine Business Code Update Second Annotated Draft, which shows draft code amendments as revised after Phase 2 of public outreach. It also includes explanatory footnotes. The public has an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft amendments through an online survey open through June 5, 2026.
- Phase 2 Public Outreach Report, which summarizes feedback received during Phase 2 of public outreach and includes copies of received comments.
- Equine Business Code Update Annotated Draft, which shows draft code amendments and includes explanatory footnotes. The public has an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft code amendments during Phase 2 of public outreach.
- Phase 1 Public Outreach Report, which summarizes feedback received during Phase 1 of public outreach and includes copies of received comments.
- Research report which assesses equine business regulations in various jurisdictions across the U.S., assesses where Washoe County falls on the spectrum of regulations, and identifies common requirements from partner agencies and the purpose of those requirements.
- Washoe County Commercial Equine Code Outreach Summary on Phase 0 public outreach, which included approximately 150 workshop attendees and 1,900 survey responses.