The Reno City Planning Commission meeting on August 6, 2025, focused on key discussions regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and their regulation in relation to private restrictions and parking requirements.

During the meeting, officials clarified the distinction between public and private restrictions. Public restrictions are enforced by the city, while private restrictions, such as those set by homeowners' associations (HOAs), are not within the city's jurisdiction. This has led to confusion about how to handle permits for ADUs, particularly when private restrictions may conflict with city regulations. The commission acknowledged that while they can regulate public aspects, they cannot enforce private restrictions, which can include anything from the color of a house to the use of an ADU.

A significant point of discussion was the parking requirements for ADUs. The current ordinance mandates that each ADU must provide one additional parking space on-site. This requirement was established after public outreach indicated a community desire for parking availability. The commission noted that previous iterations of the regulations had proposed eliminating parking requirements altogether, but the final ordinance reflects a compromise that allows for one parking space per ADU.

Additionally, the commission addressed concerns regarding short-term rentals. Under the new regulations, ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals, although homeowners can still rent out their primary residences. The commission discussed the potential for a broader short-term rental ordinance but decided to focus on ADUs for the time being.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the complexities of regulating ADUs in Reno, particularly in balancing public regulations with private restrictions and addressing community needs for parking and rental options. The commission plans to continue refining these regulations to ensure clarity and compliance with state laws.