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City of Reno Permits & Licensing

Population: ~270,000

The Biggest Little City in the World. Northern Nevada's largest city and economic hub. Business licensing under RMC 4.04.

🌐 Official Website →🏛️ CheckPoint (Staff View)

What You Need

The City of Reno administers 10 permit and license types. Below is everything you need to know about each one — requirements, fees, timelines, and where to apply.

Business LicenseBuilding PermitSpecial Use PermitConditional Use PermitHome Occupation PermitLiquor LicenseSign PermitShort-Term Rental PermitMobile Food Vendor PermitSpecial Event Permit

Business License

RMC 4.04
Medium~14 days$50–$400

Required for all commercial activity within Reno city limits.

Required Information

  • •Business Name
  • •Business Type
  • •Owner Name
  • •Business Address
  • •Federal Ein
  • •State License Number

Required Documents

  • 📎State Business License
  • 📎Articles Of Organization
  • 📎Government Id

Building Permit

RMC Title 14
High~30 daysBased on valuation

Required for construction, alteration, or demolition.

Required Information

  • •Property Address
  • •Apn
  • •Project Description
  • •Contractor Name
  • •Contractor License
  • •Estimated Value

Required Documents

  • 📎Construction Plans
  • 📎Structural Calculations
  • 📎Energy Compliance

Special Use Permit

RMC Title 18
High~90 days$1,500+

For uses requiring special review in a zoning district.

Required Information

  • •Property Address
  • •Apn
  • •Current Zoning
  • •Proposed Use
  • •Justification

Required Documents

  • 📎Site Plan
  • 📎Justification Letter
  • 📎Traffic Study

Conditional Use Permit

RMC 18.06
Medium~60 days$1,000

Required for uses allowed in a zoning district subject to conditions. Less intensive than special use.

Required Information

  • •Property Address
  • •Apn
  • •Current Zoning
  • •Proposed Use
  • •Conditions Proposed

Required Documents

  • 📎Site Plan
  • 📎Justification Letter

Home Occupation Permit

RMC 18.08
Low~14 days$50

Allows limited business activity from residential property.

Required Information

  • •Home Address
  • •Business Type
  • •Owner Name
  • •Employees Count

Required Documents

  • 📎Floor Plan
  • 📎Business Description

Liquor License

RMC 4.04
High~60 days$500–$3,000

City liquor license required for establishments serving alcohol.

Required Information

  • •Business Name
  • •Business Address
  • •License Type
  • •Owner Name
  • •Hours Of Operation

Required Documents

  • 📎State Liquor License
  • 📎Floor Plan
  • 📎Background Check

Sign Permit

RMC 18.16
Low~14 days$100–$300

Required for commercial signage.

Required Information

  • •Business Address
  • •Sign Type
  • •Dimensions
  • •Illumination

Required Documents

  • 📎Sign Rendering
  • 📎Site Photo

Short-Term Rental Permit

RMC 18.08.405
Medium~30 days$500/year

Required for vacation rentals and short-term lodging within Reno.

Required Information

  • •Property Address
  • •Owner Name
  • •Local Contact
  • •Max Occupancy
  • •Parking Spaces

Required Documents

  • 📎Floor Plan
  • 📎Proof Of Ownership
  • 📎Insurance
  • 📎Fire Inspection

Mobile Food Vendor Permit

RMC 4.04
Medium~21 days$200–$500

Required for food trucks and mobile food operations.

Required Information

  • •Vendor Name
  • •Vehicle Description
  • •Menu Items
  • •Proposed Locations
  • •Health Permit Number

Required Documents

  • 📎Health Permit
  • 📎Vehicle Registration
  • 📎Insurance
  • 📎Commissary Agreement

Special Event Permit

RMC 8.22
Medium~30 days$100–$2,000

Required for public events, festivals, parades, and large gatherings.

Required Information

  • •Event Name
  • •Event Date
  • •Location
  • •Expected Attendance
  • •Organizer Name
  • •Security Plan

Required Documents

  • 📎Event Plan
  • 📎Insurance Certificate
  • 📎Security Plan
  • 📎Traffic Management Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

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