Most Recent Updates

This page contains up-to-date details regarding Titles 4 and 5 Code rewrite projects. 

Refer to the links below for more information.

Updates to RMC 5.23 - Massage Establishments

At the July 22, 2026, Council heard a presentation and directed staff to return with an ordinance introduction amending Reno Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 5.23 pertaining to massage establishments.

Massage therapy is a legitimate and valuable health service. However, similar to jurisdictions across the nation, regional enforcement experience has shown that some establishments operate as fronts for illegal prostitution and exhibit indicators of human trafficking. Recent investigations by the regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) unit, which is staffed by detectives from both the Reno Police Department,  the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sparks Police Department, identified illicit massage businesses operating in the region. That enforcement effort revealed gaps in how these businesses can be regulated and inspected. The City of Sparks responded by adopting code amendments that have been successful in largely eliminating illicit massage businesses in Sparks.

Staff will return to Council with a revised ordinance to amend RMC Chapter 5.23 that strengthens application, inspection, and operating requirements to better protect public health and safety, support legitimate massage businesses, and give the City and law enforcement effective tools to address illicit operations.

Accordingly, staff would like to share the proposed amendments with stakeholders to ensure the draft language meets expectations and avoids unintended consequences. This will also be an additional opportunity to share feedback prior to introducing the ordinance, which is tentatively scheduled to be heard by Council on January 6, 2027.

The existing version of RMC 5.23 is also available for reference and the redline draft can be reviewed here.

Engagement Process

Written comments must be submitted by Friday, November 20, 2026. Feedback may be submitted electronically or via email: [email protected]. Comments may also be mailed to the Business Licensing Department at P.O. Box 1900, Reno, NV 89505, or submitted in person at the City Hall Business Licensing counter (2nd Floor).

Two virtual workshops will be held to gather stakeholder feedback (register by clicking on the links):

Nonprofit Organization Engagement Process

The City is inviting community input on recommendations and potential impacts of amending and enforcing an ordinance regulating nonprofit organization (“NPO”) registration. City staff held three virtual workshops to collect feedback. The presentation is linked for reference and provides additional detail regarding the topics to be discussed.

Virtual Meeting Dates

Background

NPOs are often exempt from business licensure because they are not operating for profit, and their purpose is typically to benefit society or a specific cause. Much like the State, the City has provisions exempting nonprofits from the requirements of getting licensed. Specifically, pursuant to RMC Sec. 4.04.007, “the terms "business" or "doing business" do not include:

  1. Activities conducted by, or for the exclusive benefit of, organizations that are certified as tax exempt entities pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c), including but not limited to organizations operated for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, educational, or fraternal purposes.”

Additionally, per RMC Sec. 4.04.008, “charitable organization means an organization which:

  1. Is exempt from federal income tax pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and
  2. Has received from the Nevada Secretary of State a certificate of nonprofit corporation, association or society.”

However, historically, the registration and/or licensure of NPOs has been a topic of discussion in terms of city planning and public safety. Since NPOs are exempt from licensing, the Planning Division may not always have knowledge of an NPO’s existence and could potentially approve an incompatible use nearby. Similarly, applicable City staff is not always aware of the existence of these entities so they aren’t necessarily inspected and/or reviewed like a commercial business would be.

At the June 11, 2025, City Council meeting (Item C.3), staff presented information on the current exemptions for NPO licensing, approaches used by other jurisdictions, and the impacts of amending and enforcing an ordinance governing this matter. Ultimately, Council directed staff to conduct community outreach and return with a draft ordinance.

Updates to RMC 5.07 - Alcoholic Beverages 

At the July 22, 2026 Council meeting, Council heard a presentation and directed staff to return with an ordinance introduction amending regarding Reno Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 5.07 that governs alcoholic beverages by reorganizing, modernizing, and streamlining the regulations. In August 2024, staff began extensive outreach efforts to help draft the ordinance presented to Council today. This outreach included gathering feedback from alcohol licensees, hosting multiple stakeholder meetings, individual discussions, virtual meetings, and public comment opportunities. Proposed policy changes include, but are not limited to the following: alcohol delivery, to-go alcohol sales, locational compatibility standards, Council discretion in license approvals, noise enforcement, and exceptions to the downtown package alcohol license cap. The proposed revisions are intended to make the code clearer, more consistent, and easier to understand and enforce while removing outdated provisions. The current draft is for discussion purposes only and does not represent a final ordinance. Staff will return to Council with a revised ordinance for formal introduction and consideration.

The existing version of RMC 5.07 is also available for reference.

Engagement Process

Two virtual workshops were held to gather community feedback on these proposed changes.

 

Please email [email protected] to be added to the business licensing code rewrite stakeholder list.