Reno, NV Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Special event permit, RMC § 5.13.030
- Vendor ID
- Business license or temp vendor license
- Fine
- $100 per violation, § 5.13.230
- Application window
- 90 days to 12 months ahead
Summary
Reno requires a special event permit before any street fair or festival, and every vendor selling inside the venue must carry a City of Reno business license or a temporary vendor license.
Vendors authorized to sell, resell or offer for sale any goods, food, beverages, or services in the special event venue or special activity venue shall display their authorization in the manner required by the event permit. Only vendors displaying the required authorization shall be allowed to sell goods, food, beverages or services in the event venue.(c)The event organizer shall ensure and certify that vendors authorized to sell goods, food, beverages or services in the event venue have a current City of Reno business license. Upon request of the city manager or chief of police, the event organizer shall provide evidence that any vendor authorized pursuant to subsection (a) has a current City of Reno business license.(d)It is unlawful for any person to sell, resell or offer for sale, any goods, food, beverages or services in a special event venue or a special activity venue without having a City of Reno business license or obtaining a temporary vendor license from the city.(e)Vendors participating in a closed convention as defined by RMC 5.13.010 are exempt from the requirements of this section. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6081, § 3, 1-14-09; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Street fairs and festivals are named examples of a "special event" under RMC § 5.13.010. Once a special event permit issues, the permit holder controls and regulates the sale of goods, food, beverages and services in the venue. Vendors must display the authorization the event permit requires, and only authorized, licensed vendors may sell. Selling without a City of Reno business license or a temporary vendor license, or without permit authorization, is unlawful, whether the seller operates from a building or from an authorized tent, booth or temporary structure.
Violations & Fines
Selling without authorization or a business/temporary vendor license (RMC § 5.13.150(d), § 5.13.170) draws a $100 administrative fine per violation under § 5.13.230, plus possible criminal penalty under § 1.04.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a booth at a Reno street fair without a city business license?
Who decides which vendors can sell at a Reno festival?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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