Washoe County, NV Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Floor-area cap
- 33% of principal dwelling
- Employees
- Residents plus one non-resident
- Visitors/day
- Three (six students for classes)
- Outdoor storage
- None beyond 72 hours
- Modification fee
- $100 board application
Summary
A Washoe County home-based business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use, occupy no more than 33 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area, and is limited to one non-resident employee and three business visitors per day. A county license is required.
The use of the dwelling for the home-based business shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes. The home-based business may be conducted in the principal dwelling or permitted detached accessory structure associated with a residential use provided that the business area does not exceed thirty-three (33) percent of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling.
Full Breakdown
WCC 25.4425 sets the development standards: the business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use and may not exceed 33 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area. Only one non-resident assistant or employee is allowed beyond residents. Visitors and customers may not exceed three per day or at any one time (up to six students for approved classes). No on-site sale of merchandise except artist's originals or made-to-order items; no outdoor storage over 72 hours. Applicants file with the license division (WCC 25.4423); modifications require a $100 board application under WCC 25.4426.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the standards or operating without a license violates WCC 25.4422 and 25.4425, enforced under Chapter 25 penalties and civil remedies retained by the county; annual inspections may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my home can the business use?
Can I hire employees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
How Washoe County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada home business overview
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