Henderson, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Separation from schools/parks/churches
- 1,000 feet
- Separation from residential zoning
- 1,500 feet
- Separation from another SOB
- 1,000 feet
- Waiver path
- Conditional use permit
- License required
- Per location, city-issued
Summary
Henderson requires a license for any sexually oriented business and imposes strict spacing: 1,000 feet from schools, parks, churches and another such business, and 1,500 feet from residential-zoned land.
The applicant shall provide evidence certified by a professional land surveyor licensed in the State of Nevada that the proposed sexually oriented business will be separated from other uses a minimum distance as follows:
(a) A minimum separation of 1,000 feet from the following:
(1) A child care facility;
(2) A religious assembly use;
(3) A property designated with a mixed-use zoning designation;
(4) A hospital;
(5) A school (public or private);
(6) A governmental office;
(7) A public park;
(8) A teenage dancehall;
(9) A teenage nightclub; and/or
(10) Another sexually oriented business.
(b) A minimum separation of 1,500 feet from a property with a residential land use category as designated by the Henderson Strong Comprehensive Plan.
ii. The distance requirements may be waived or reduced through CUP approval when the approving body finds that there is clear and convincing evidence that a waiver or reduction of the separation requirement will not compromise the purpose and the general intent of this Code and the HMC to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City.
b. IG and IP Districts. Sexually-oriented businesses are limited to adult bookstores, adult novelty businesses, and adult video stores as defined in HMC Section 4.110.010.
c. Other Requirements.
i. The use shall conform to the requirements of HMC Section 4.110 for Sexually Oriented Businesses.
Full Breakdown
Under the Development Code, a sexually oriented business must be surveyor-certified as separated at least 1,000 feet from child care facilities, religious assemblies, mixed-use zoned property, hospitals, schools, government offices, public parks, teenage dancehalls/nightclubs, and other sexually oriented businesses, plus 1,500 feet from residentially zoned property. The Municipal Code requires a separate business license for each location and bars operation from a residential premises; the Planning Department and a use-permit review confirm the site meets these Title 19 zoning and distance rules before a license issues.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or from a residential premises, is unlawful under HMC 4.110.030-.040. Licensees who violate Title 4 or allow prostitution, minors, alcohol or gambling on-site face license denial, suspension or revocation under HMC 4.110.250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Henderson reduce the 1,000/1,500-foot spacing?
Does the license requirement apply per business or per location?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henderson
Compare Henderson to another location·View the Nevada business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Clark County handle adult entertainment.