Feb. 13, 2024. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – The City of Reno Business Licensing Department and Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) are teaming up to host a Sidewalk Vending Permit Public Forum. The event will include bilingual presentations about the permitting steps for sidewalk vendors and recent changes to Reno Municipal Code (RMC) following the passage of Nevada Senate Bill (SB) 92 in 2023. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and get support from City and NNPH staff on the permitting process.
What: Sidewalk Vending Permit Forum
When: Thursday, February 22, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: City of Reno Council Chambers, 1 E. First St., Reno, NV 89505
Permits and rules for sidewalk vendors have been in place with the City of Reno for several years; however, an update to RMC was needed to comply with the new state law. The recently updated City ordinance reclassifies sidewalk vending as a standard license and removes assigned locations, background checks, and fingerprints, making it easier for residents to get a business license and operate as a sidewalk vendor.
The City has also created an interactive map posted on Reno.gov/SidewalkVendors . This map identifies the zones where sidewalk vending is prohibited, based on distancing requirements established by Senate Bill 92.
The Sidewalk Vendor Public Forum will go over the steps to obtain a business license from the City, and the needed qualifications such as a health permit from Northern Nevada Public Health, formerly called the Washoe County Health District.
“The goal of this new state law is to lessen the barriers for sidewalk vendors and we’re doing our best at the City to do just that,” said Lance Ferrato, Director of the Business Licensing Department. “This bilingual public forum in collaboration with NNPH is a great opportunity for us to present some of the recent changes and permitting steps to those interested in a sidewalk vendor license.”
“While SB92 didn’t impact food safety regulations, we understand the importance of, and are committed to working with community members on health permitting,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Northern Nevada Public Health. “We’re happy to collaborate with the City of Reno on the public forum and provide helpful information so that sidewalk vendors can sell food that meets all of our food safety standards.”
Background:
To conform with state law and lessen the barrier to entry for sidewalk vendors to operate in the City of Reno, the Reno City Council adopted a new Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance on January 17, 2024. Senate Bill (SB) 92 was passed during the 2023 Nevada Legislative Session and it requires specific guidelines for vendors starting in 2024. These guidelines include rules about getting a license, where they can operate, and the conditions to follow. For more information visit: Reno.Gov/SidewalkVendors
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About the City of Reno
The City of Reno government’s mission is creating a community that people are proud to call home. In order to achieve that purpose, the Reno City Council has established six overarching goals for the City of Reno. To learn more about the City of Reno, visit Reno.gov or call 775-334-INFO (4636).
About Northern Nevada Public Health
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here. Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023.