Codes for Equine Businesses
Based on community input, Washoe County will be evaluating standards for horse-related businesses in unincorporated Washoe County (the areas outside the cities of Reno and Sparks). This is anticipated to be a multi-step process. View this webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
There are no upcoming engagement opportunities at this time.
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 July 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.
Past Events/Meetings
- April 2, 2026—Online Focus Groups (Phase 2 Outreach)
- April 1, 2026—Reno-Stead Airport Focus Groups (Phase 2 Outreach)
- March 30, 2026—South Valleys Library Focus Groups (Phase 2 Outreach)
- March 26, 2026—Sparks Library Focus Groups (Phase 2 Outreach)
- March 25, 2026—Online Webinar (Phase 2 Outreach)
- January 27, 2026—In-person workshop (Phase 1 Outreach)
- January 22, 2026—Online Webinar (Phase 1 Outreach)
- January 12, 2026—In-person workshop (Phase 1 Outreach)
- April 25 through May 26 2024—Online survey (Phase 0 Outreach)
- May 9, 2024—Online Webinar (Phase 0 Outreach)
- May 6, 2024—In-person workshop (Phase 0 Outreach)
- May 5, 2024—In-person workshop (Phase 0 Outreach)
Documents
- 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.
Staying Involved
Questions or comments? Email planning@washoecounty.gov or call (775) 328-6100. You can also sign up for project updates below.
SIGN UP HERE TO RECEIVE UPDATES AND EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING (Select “Animal Issues – Horses”)