What is a sidewalk vendor license?  

A sidewalk vendor license allows a person to sell merchandise, food items and/or non-alcoholic beverages upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path from a conveyance, including, without limitation, a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase or rack. The term includes, without limitation, a nonstationary sidewalk vendor and a stationary sidewalk vendor. 

Senate Bill 92 (SB92), effective January 1, 2024, established requirements for the regulation of sidewalk vendors. Furthermore, the bill aims to lessen the barrier to entry for sidewalk vendors. The City of Reno created RMC Chapter 4.08 to be in compliance with the new law and simplify the process for sidewalk vendors to acquire a sidewalk vendor license in Reno.

Sidewalk Vendor Permitting Steps

Requirements

• State of Nevada Business Registration
  • State of Nevada Business License (775) 684-5708
  • State of Nevada Tax Permit (866) 962-3707
  • Affidavit of Compliance with D-25 Industrial Relations (775) 684-7270

• General liability insurance policy 
  • No less than $1,000,000 coverage 
  • City of Reno must be listed as the additional insured 

If applicable

• Washoe County Fictitious Name (DBA) Filing (775) 784-7287 
• Northern Nevada Public Health Permit (775) 328-2434
• Environmental Services (775) 328-2434 

All of the above items are required to obtain a City of Reno sidewalk vendor license. Once ready to apply, visit our Accela website. 

Special Considerations for Sidewalk Vendors 

Sidewalk Vendors may not operate:

• Within 1,500 feet of a Resort Hotel, as defined by NRS 463.01865 or a Convention Facility operated by a county fair and recreation board. 
• Within 300 feet of a permitted special event.
• Within 100 feet of an established business which sells the same type of food product or other merchandise 

Refer to the online and interactive City of Reno Sidewalk Vending Map below for a detailed depiction of permitted areas. This map has been created to identify the zones where sidewalk vending is prohibited, based on distancing requirements established by Senate Bill 92.

NRS requires that criminal enforcement shall not be imposed on the act of sidewalk vending in residential areas. Criminal, civil, or administrative penalties may be imposed when violating required distancing restrictions. 

Consequences for operating without a license include the issuance of administrative citations with penalties of up to $1,000.00 per day. 

Additional Resources 

If you have questions or need help with the sidewalk vendor permitting process or identifying where you can operate your business, please reach out to our Business Licensing team. We are here for you and happy to help. 

Address: Reno City Hall (Second Floor) | 1 East First Street, Reno, NV 89501 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Phone: 775-334-2090 

Email the Business Licensing Department

Spanish assistance available / Asistencia en español disponible 

Helpful Links

• Senate Bill 92
• City of Reno Business License Department   
• State of Nevada Business License 
• Northern Nevada Public Health
• Reno Municipal Code Ordinance 6667 - Adopted 01/17/2024
• Reno Municipal Code Ordinance 6668 - Adopted 01/17/2024