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 5.07 - Alcoholic Beverages 

In late 2024, the City met with alcohol related business owners several times to discuss modifications to Reno Municipal Code Chapter 5.07 – Alcohol Beverages.  At that time, code amendments were discussed with the intention of streamlining regulation for ease of compliance and enforcement alike.  Since then, the project has been on hold while staff evaluated next steps; however, we are now ready to move forward with updates.

Accordingly, staff would like to revisit the changes with stakeholders to ensure the proposed language meets business community expectations and avoids unintended consequences.  This will also be an additional opportunity to submit feedback prior to sharing this project with City Council on July 22. Redline and clean drafts can be found here:

*Please note that the agenda item scheduled for July 22 will be a presentation, discussion, and request for direction.  This will not be an ordinance introduction.*

Engagement Process

Two virtual workshops will be held to gather community feedback on these proposed changes

Options for Submitting Feedback

Staff plans to present this draft and any incorporated feedback to Council on July 22 with a request for direction on any other potential changes.  An introduction and adoption of the ordinance would take place at future meetings if directed by Council.

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.

Please email BLCode@reno.gov to be added to the business licensing code rewrite stakeholder list.