Middle Housing
Middle housing includes duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and cottage courts. View this webpage to understand if middle housing might be possible where you live.
How do I know if I can develop a middle housing type?
Allowances for middle housing types vary by zoning district (find your zoning district on the Washoe Regional Mapping System). Where it is allowed by right, no special permits are required. In other areas, a planning permit is required prior to development.
| Low Density Suburban | Medium Density Suburban | High Density Suburban | Low Density Urban | Medium Density Urban | High Density Urban | Neighborhood Commercial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duplex | P | AR | A | A | A | A | A |
| Triplex | -- | AR | A | A | A | A | A |
| Quadplex | -- | AR | A | A | A | A | A |
| Cottage Court | P | AR | A | A | A | A | A |
How many units can I build?
The number of units allowed is based on density, which allows a certain number of units per acre. The number of units allowed per acre is sometimes different for middle housing types and attached single family than it is for detached single family. The table below shows allowed densities for middle housing types and attached single family.
| Low Density Suburban | Medium Density Suburban | High Density Suburban | Low Density Urban | Medium Density Urban | High Density Urban | Neighborhood Commercial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (units/acre) | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 21 | 42 | 7 |
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 three middle housing units (e.g. a triplex).
What are the other rules?
Middle housing types still have to meet the height, lot coverage, and setback limitations, which can be found in Article 406 of the Washoe County Development Code. Middle housing types require one off-street parking space per unit (e.g. 3 spaces required for a triplex) and do not have any specific landscaping requirements.
What is a cottage court?
A cottage court has multiple small, detached homes that are oriented around shared open space and designed to be a small community. A cottage court can contain 2 to 12 dwelling units (subject to density limits above) and the maximum dwelling unit size is 1,200 square feet (not including garages). For more information, see our Cottage Court Quick-Info page.
References
Code sections specifically relating to middle housing are located within table 110.302.10 and section 110.302.10 (Division Three - Regulation of Uses), table 110.406.05, and table 110.410.10.1 for parking (Division Four - Development Standards).
Contact us
If you are thinking about developing a middle housing type, please reach out to planning@washoecounty.gov to learn more about code requirements.