Business License Process & Requirements

If you are conducting business within the city limits of Sparks, you will need to obtain a business license.

Per SMC 5.04.020, “Business” means and includes all professions, trades, occupations and callings of every kind carried on for profit, including labor unions, labor organizations and trade unions, but excepting activities conducted as a hobby or for the purpose of supplementing a person’s major income and which gross receipts do not exceed one thousand dollars per year. “Business” includes the renting or leasing of any commercial or industrial property or more than ten separate residential units or four or more residential units under one roof in the city.

You will be required to obtain a City of Sparks Business License if:

• Your business occupies a commercial location within the city limits of Sparks.
• You travel into the city limits of Sparks in order to conduct your business or provide services.
• You or your company delivers goods within the city that are not delivered via common carrier.
• You are renting or leasing commercial/industrial property within the city limits of Sparks.
• You are renting more than ten residential properties or more than four residential units under one roof within the city.
• You are using your residence located within the city as an office to conduct your business.

The penalties for failure to obtain a business license can be very large, so we encourage you to contact our office if you have any questions about whether or not you are required to obtain a City of Sparks Business License, please contact our office.

If located within the City of Sparks, prior to submitting your business license application, please check with Planning & Zoning, 775.353.7895, to ensure the business you plan to conduct meets all zoning requirements for the chosen location.

Each Of The Following Documents Must
Accompany Your Business License Application.
Individual links to each agency can be found below.

You may also complete all of these requirements by visiting the State of Nevada Business License Portal

State of Nevada Business License

Applicable Nevada Revised Statutes: NRS 244.335 and NRS 268.095

All applicants must file for a State of Nevada Business Registration before applying for a City business license. If your company is exempt, you must provide proof of exemption from the Nevada Secretary of State.

Nevada Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701

Phone: (775) 684-5708
Website: Nevada Secretary of State

Nevada Department of Taxation

All applicants must obtain a Nevada Department of Taxation compliance document before applying for a City business license.

9850 Double R Boulevard, Suite 101
Reno, NV 89521

Phone: (775) 687-9999
Website: My Nevada Tax

Important Notice

The Nevada Department of Taxation uses the My Nevada Tax e-Services website for Sales and Use Tax, Consumer Use Tax, Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Tax, Liquor Tax, and Live Entertainment Tax. Businesses should register through the My Nevada Tax website before applying for a City business license.

Register your business with My Nevada Tax

Proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance

Applicable Nevada Revised Statutes: NRS 244.35505 and NRS 268.0955

Anyone conducting business within the City of Sparks, with or without employees, must provide proof of workers' compensation coverage. To satisfy this requirement, upload one of the following:

• If you do not have employees: a completed State of Nevada Division of Industrial Relations form (print and complete the form, then upload it).
• If you have an existing workers' compensation policy: either the completed State of Nevada Division of Industrial Relations form, or the liability page of your policy.

 

Supplemental or Additional Documents
In addition to the Business License application and the required documentation, depending on your business circumstances, one or more of the following may also be required:

• Using a fictitious firm name? Provide your DBA (Doing Business As) filing from Washoe County.
• Operating from a home within Sparks city limits? Provide a Home Occupation Permit application.
• Operating from a commercial location within Sparks city limits? Provide a Supplemental Zoning Form.

Note: If your business is physically located in Reno or unincorporated Washoe County, you must have a valid business license from that jurisdiction before your City of Sparks license can be issued.

Business License applications take a minimum of 4 weeks to process when located within the City limits and up to 2 weeks when located outside the City.  Please plan accordingly.  Please ensure that all forms included in the packet are complete, legible and submitted with the application to avoid delays in processing.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Initial application and department review fees can vary depending on reviews required and the type of business you are conducting.  Please call the Business License Division for an accurate fee quote.  Appropriate fees must be submitted with the application packet.  Complete application packets can be submitted in person at Sparks City Hall, located at 431 Prater Way, during regular business hours.

Completing the Business License Application Process

Once your application is complete and has been accepted, the business license staff will notify the appropriate departments to review your application.  If a site visit is required, department staff will contact you to schedule an inspection(s). The Business License Division will complete the final approval once all reviews and inspections are finished and City fees are paid in full.  The license will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the business license application.

The following departments are required to sign off on your business license application prior to issuance:

Planning Division – a review is required for every business license application. For commercial business locations within the City Limits of Sparks, the Supplemental Zoning Application must be completed and approved prior to the submittal of your business license application.  The Planning division will review the address provided and the business description to ensure that the business meets zoning code requirements for the specified location. A site visit may also be required.   For questions, please contact the Planning and Zoning division at 775-353-2300

Fire Department – a review is required for every business license application.  An inspection may be required for businesses located at a commercial location as well as certain home based businesses.  For questions, please contact the Fire Prevention division at 775-353-2266

Environmental Control – a review is required for every business license application.  An inspection may be required for businesses located at a commercial location as well as any business that may impact the sewer and storm drain systems. (i.e. food service, auto repair, car washes, dry cleaners, etc.)  An environmental control permit may also be required.   For questions, please contact the Environmental Control Division at 775-861-4152

Washoe County Health Department – a review is required for every business license application.  An inspection may be required for businesses that are conducting food service or otherwise impacting public health. (i.e. childcare, schools, recycling centers, hotels/motels, etc.)  If you have already completed the Health Permitting Process, this review will verify the approved health inspections and the issuance of the required health permits.  If health permits are still required, the business license application will not be approved until all permits have been finalized.  For questions, please contact the Washoe County Health Department at 775-328-2434.

Police – a background check is required only for businesses who wish to conduct privileged business activities per Chapter 5 of the Sparks Municipal Code, (i.e residential house cleaning, gaming, liquor, pawnbrokers, etc.)  Please contact the Work Cards division, only if your business is considered a privileged business activity, at 775-353-2243 to request the paperwork required or for more information on background checks.

City Council – approval is required by the Sparks City Council for all new Gaming, Marijuana, and Wholesale/Distribution or Manufacturing Alcohol applications.