Reno's Home Business: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles home business a little differently. In Reno, Nevada, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Cottage Food Operations

Nevada NRS 446.866 allows cottage food operations to produce and sell certain low-risk foods from home kitchens up to 35000 dollars annual gross sales. Washoe County Health District requires registration but not inspection for approved cottage foods.

Key details: State Law: NRS 446.866. Sales Cap: 35000 dollars annual gross. Allowed: Baked, jams, dried herbs, candy. Excluded: Dairy, meat, canned, refrigerated. Authority: Washoe County Health District.

Selling excluded foods (dairy, meats): misdemeanor per NRS 446 and seizure. Exceeding 35000 dollars: must upgrade to commercial kitchen. Missing label disclaimer: warning then fine.

The rules around cottage food operations in Reno lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Home Daycare

Reno allows in-home child care when licensed by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health under NRS 432A. A Reno business license is also required and residential character must be maintained per Title 18.

Key details: State License: NRS 432A required. Family Home: Up to 6 children. Local Permit: Reno business license. Inspections: Fire, health, zoning. Training: CPR and first aid.

Operating unlicensed child care: state misdemeanor plus Reno business license penalties. Zoning violations can result in cease-and-desist orders.

Signage Rules

Home occupations in Reno may not display any external signage, window displays, or outdoor indicators of the business per RMC 18.08.305. The residential appearance of the dwelling must be preserved at all times.

Key details: Exterior Signs: Prohibited. Window Displays: Prohibited. Vehicle Lettering: Acceptable on personal vehicle. Interior Signs: Allowed if not visible from street. Fine: Up to 500 dollars.

Illegal exterior sign: 30-day removal notice, then up to 500 dollars. Continued display: home occupation permit revocation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reno actively enforces its signage rules requirements.

Zoning Restrictions

Home occupations are allowed in all Reno residential zones with a Home Occupation Permit under RMC 18.08.305. Business must be clearly incidental to residential use, conducted by residents of the home, and cannot alter the residential character.

Key details: Permit: Home Occupation Permit required. Home Use: Max 25 percent of dwelling area. Employees: Household only typically. Prohibited: Auto repair, kennels, manufacturing. State License: NRS 76 State Business License.

Operating without permit: up to 500 dollars per day and cease-and-desist. Excessive traffic or noise: permit revocation.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Customer visits to Reno home occupations are restricted to minimal frequency - typically no more than one client at a time and not more than a few visits per day. No retail foot traffic, classes, or events may be advertised to the public.

Key details: Visits: Few per day, appointment only. Concurrent Clients: Typically one at a time. Retail: Prohibited. Group Classes: Prohibited. Parking: Driveway or legal street.

Excess traffic complaints: warning, then permit suspension up to 500 dollars. Repeat: permit revocation and business must relocate.

Home Occupation Permits

Reno requires a business license for all home occupations under Title 5 with zoning compliance under Title 18. Home occupations must be secondary to residential use with no external evidence of business activity.

Key details: Code: Reno Title 18. Floor Area: Max 25 percent. Employees: Residents only typically. Signage: Prohibited at dwelling. State License: NRS 76 required.

Operating without a business license: fines plus back license fees. Zoning violations can escalate to citations and cease-and-desist.

The Bottom Line

Reno's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reno is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Reno's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.