Cottage Court Quick Info
What is a cottage court?
A cottage court is between two and twelve small-scale single family detached dwellings on one parcel that interact together as a small community.
Where can I build a cottage court?
Allowances for cottage courts vary by zoning district (find your zoning district on the Washoe Regional Mapping System).
| Low Density Suburban | Medium Density Suburban | High Density Suburban | Low Density Urban | Medium Density Urban | High Density Urban | Neighborhood Commercial | |
| Cottage Court | P | AR | A | A | A | A | A |
P=Administrative Permit; AR=Administrative Review Permit; A=Allowed by right
How many cottages can I build?
The number of units allowed is based on density, which allows a certain number of units per acre. The table below shows allowed densities for cottage courts. Regardless of density, no more than 12 cottages can be built on a single parcel.
| Low Density Suburban | Medium Density Suburban | High Density Suburban | Low Density Urban | Medium Density Urban | High Density Urban | Neighborhood Commercial | |
| Density (units per acre) | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 21 | 42 | 5 |
The number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel depends on its size. For example, a 0.6-acre parcel zoned medium density suburban could have 3 cottages.
What are the other rules?
Cottage courts still have to meet the height, lot coverage, and setback limitations, which can be found in Article 406 of the Washoe County Development Code. Cottage courts require one off-street parking space per unit in an enclosed garage and allow a maximum of 400 square feet of garage space per unit. Cottage courts also have specific standards for site design and common open space, which can be found in Article 313 of the Washoe County Development Code and include:
- Cottages shall be at least 5’ from each other, and 10’ on sides with a main entrance.
- A minimum of 200 square feet of common open space per cottage is required and will be shared amenity of all cottage residents. It must have a minimum average width of 20’ and be composed of the amenities specified in Section 110.313.05(d)(2) of the Washoe County Development Code.
- A minimum of 60% of the cottages must be oriented around the common open space.
- Pedestrian pathways must connect parking facilities, cottages, and common open space.
- Cottage courts must be connected to sanitary sewer.
Contact us
If you are thinking about developing a cottage court, please reach out to planning@washoecounty.gov to learn more about code requirements.