Lyon County, NV Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- County marijuana/medical marijuana license, Business License Division
- Zoning
- Dispensary conditional use, NC district only
- Dispensary license fee
- $15,000 initial, $7,500 renewal
- Gross revenue fee
- 2% monthly on sales
- Appeal window
- 10 business days to Business License Department
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
In unincorporated Lyon County, Nevada, no marijuana or medical marijuana establishment may operate without a county license and, where required, a special use permit. The county's land use tables allow a medical marijuana dispensary only as a conditional use in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district, giving the Board of County Commissioners case-by-case control over siting.
It is unlawful within the County, outside an incorporated city, for a marijuana establishment or medical marijuana establishment to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, process, package, deliver, transfer, transport, supply, dispense or sell marijuana for any purpose without first making application and securing a marijuana license or medical marijuana license to do so. ... ... 13. A person who has not obtained a special use permit, if required, for the operation of a marijuana or medical marijuana establishment or has had a special use permit or State license revoked.
Full Breakdown
Lyon County Code section 5.10.01(B) makes it unlawful, outside an incorporated city, for a marijuana establishment or medical marijuana establishment to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, package, transport, dispense or sell marijuana without first applying for and securing a county marijuana or medical marijuana license from the Business License Division. Applications require background disclosures on every owner and officer, and the Division has a maximum 30-day processing window under 5.10.03(C). Section 5.10.04(A)(13) separately bars any applicant who has not obtained a special use permit, where one is required, for the establishment, so licensing does not substitute for zoning approval.
The county's land use tables in Title 15 (Table 15.320-1) list a medical marijuana dispensary as a conditional use requiring a special use permit only in the NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district, and as not permitted at all in the Rural Residential, Commercial Mixed-Use, Agricultural/Resource or other listed districts under that table, cross-referencing NRS 453A. Medical marijuana license fees under 5.10.07 run from $2,500 for an independent testing laboratory up to $15,000 for a dispensary, plus a 2% monthly gross-revenue fee under 5.10.07(C); late payment triggers a mandatory 25% penalty under 5.10.07(B).
A denied applicant may file a written appeal with the Business License Department within 10 business days under 5.10.06(A), triggering a hearing before the Board of County Commissioners. Fernley and Yerington are incorporated cities with their own separate codes and licensing outside this chapter's reach.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of chapter 5.10, including operating without the required license or special use permit, is a misdemeanor under 5.10.13(A) punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in the County Jail, or both. The county may also revoke the license and pursue forfeiture of related property under NRS 453.301, with civil penalties treated as cumulative to any criminal fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a marijuana dispensary locate in unincorporated Lyon County?
Does a county business license let me skip zoning approval?
What happens if my Lyon County marijuana license application is denied?
Are Fernley and Yerington covered by this county chapter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lyon County
Compare Lyon County to another location·View the Nevada cannabis regulations overview
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