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Reno is Committed to Supporting Local Business

City skyline of Reno
Improvement • Beautification • Safety • Development • Support

Reno is one of the most business-friendly cities

We offer NO corporate income taxes, personal income taxes, estate and/or gift taxes, unitary taxes, franchise taxes, inventory taxes and franchise taxes on income. That’s right – zero, zip, none.

City skyline of Reno
Improvement • Beautification • Safety • Development • Support

Reno is Committed to Supporting Local Businesses

Reno is one of the most business-friendly cities

We offer NO corporate income taxes, personal income taxes, estate and/or gift taxes, unitary taxes, franchise taxes, inventory taxes and franchise taxes on income. That’s right – zero, zip, none.

Reno is Refreshed, Renewed, and Serious About Revitalization

Reno woke up from its slumber several years ago and started focusing on renewing this great destination city with strong support from our Redevelopment Agency. With the addition of our Triple-A Baseball Stadium and the thriving downtown community, complete with the Brewery District and the River Walk District, Reno is marching forward at full speed. Not only do we have state-of-the-art sports and entertainment to offer, but our vibrant downtown area is bustling with activity and attractions that captivate residents and visitors alike. From the icon Reno Arch to the charming walking and bike paths along the Truckee River, Reno is a city that is alive with energy and excitement.

The Business Improvement District covers 110 blocks and represents 1,500 property owners.

The DRP is the only BID in the state of Nevada.

Opening A New Business?

Check out the DRP Blue Carpet Treatment.

Street View of the Brewery District on Fourth Street.

Business First Program

The Business First Program helps prospective business owners or existing businesses to obtain or expand their business license in the City of Reno. The program allows the ability to schedule an appointment with our license professionals and essential resources to facilitate obtaining your City of Reno business license.

Business Recognition Program

The City of Reno has launched a Business Recognition Program to spotlight local businesses that add to creating a community that people are proud to call home and embody the spirit of the City of Reno.

Reno businesses are the heart of The Biggest Little City. They bolster the economy, provide quality jobs, and most importantly, create community and culture. Through the Business Recognition program, we can give due credit to the remarkable contributions these businesses have given our city.

Apply for a Business License

A business license is required in the City of Reno if:

  • The business location address is located within the City of Reno.
  • Any business activity will be physically conducted within City of Reno limits.

Prior to applying for a business license, applicants must first obtain the following items:

  • Register for Nevada State Business License. You may register online at www.nvsilverflume.gov or in person at 202 North Carson Street, Carson City.
  • Register with Nevada Department of Taxation. You may register online at www.nvsilverflume.gov or in person at 4600 Kietzke Lane, Bldg L #235.
  • Submit proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance. You may register online at www.nvsilverflume.gov or submit a State Industrial Insurance Affirmation of Compliance included with your business license application packet.
  • Register your Fictitious Name (or DBA) with Washoe County Clerk’s Office at 1001 E 9th Street, Bldg A, in Reno.

For more information on our business license process, please download our Business Licensing Guide.

You can apply for a business license online.

Business Licensing Contracts

Building Division

Contact the Building Department if you are making any construction changes to the space or changing the use of the previous business (if any) in that location.

Call 775-334-2063 or visit City Hall, 1 East First Street, 2nd Floor for more information.

Fire Department
Contact the Fire Department if your business will be occupied by several people at one time or if your business uses fire/pyrotechnics.

Call 775-334-2300 or visit City Hall, 1 East First Street, 4th Floor for more information.

Environmental Control
Contact Environmental Control if your business might produce hazardous waste that can damage sewer and storm drain systems (i.e. auto repair, manufacturing, restaurant, painting).

Watch an informational video about environmental control.

Call 775-334-4230 or visit City Hall, 1 East First Street, 7th Floor for more information.

Washoe County Health Department
Contact Washoe County Health Department if you are going to be serving or selling food to the public.

Call 775-328-2434 or visit 1001 E. 9th Street, Reno, NV for more information.

Planning Division

Planning review is required for every business license application with a physical address in Reno. The Planning Division will review the address provided to ensure that your business description meets zoning code requirements for that location.

Certain uses may require a Special Use Permit, subject to review and approval by the City Planning Commission.

Call 775-321-8309 for more information.

City Council
Council review is required for business whose activities include gaming, liquor, medical marijuana, pawnbroker, secondhand merchandise, escort services, and interactive cabarets.

After you receive all of the necessary approvals and pays the required fees, the business license will be issued.  

  • A minimum of four weeks should be allowed for a non-regulatory license.
  • A minimum of sixty days should be allowed for regulatory-privilege businesses requiring police and City Council approval.
  • All accounts with the City must be kept current.

For more information, please see the Nevada Revised Statutes and Reno Municipal Code websites.

Business License Contact

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1900 Reno, NV 89505

Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Phone:
775-334-2090

Fax:
775-334-1212

Email:
businesslic@reno.gov

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