Applying for a City of Sparks Business License
Please read the instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will not be accepted . We encourage you to apply for your business license online.
*** If located within the City of Sparks, prior to submitting your business license application, please check with Planning & Zoning, 775.353.2300, to ensure the business you plan to conduct meets all zoning requirements for the chosen location. ***
Supplemental Zoning Information (for new commercial businesses located within City of Sparks limits only)
Home Occupation Permit (for business conducted in a home within City of Sparks limits only)
State of Nevada Business License (per NRS 244.335 and NRS 268.095)
All applicants must file for a State of Nevada Business Registration prior to applying for a city license. If your company is exempt, you will need to provide proof of exemption from the Nevada Secretary of State. They can be contacted at:
Nevada Secretary of State
202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
775.684.5708
http://www.nvsos.gov
Nevada Department of Taxation All applicants must obtain a Nevada Department of Taxation compliance document prior to applying for a city license. They can be contacted at:
4600 Kietzke Ln Bldg L Ste 235
Reno, NV 89502
866.962.3707
http://www.nevadatax.nv.gov/web
Proof of worker’s compensation insurance (per NRS 244.35505 and NRS 268.0955)
Anyone doing business within the city of Sparks, with or without employees, MUST complete the State of Nevada, Division of Industrial Relations form. Print and complete this form. This document may be signed in the presence of a Sparks Client Relations employee or it must be signed before a Notary Public.
Fictitious Firm Name filing for Washoe County (per NRS 602.010).
If you plan to use an assumed or fictitious firm name (doing business as) that is in any way different from the legal name of each person who owns an interest in the business, you must first file with the County Clerk of each county in which the business is being conducted, a certificate containing the information required by NRS 602.020.
Washoe County Clerk’s Office
1001 E 9th Street
Building A, 1st Floor
Reno, NV 89512
775.784.7260
http://www.co.washoe.nv.us/clerks/
**NOTE** If you have a home based business, you must also submit a Home Occupation Permit.
Submitting the Application Packet 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.
You may also apply online at onenv.us
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 completed. 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.
Notice – City Council approval is required by the Sparks City Council for all Gaming License applications.
