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More About Community Support Services
Functional Areas
Business License
Any person desiring to operate a business within unincorporated Washoe County must obtain a business license. Business licenses include several types of general businesses, as well as licenses for gaming and/or liquor distribution. This licensing requirement includes people who live in a different jurisdiction (e.g. Reno or Sparks) and provide business-related services in the unincorporated portion of Washoe County. People desiring to conduct a home-based business from property located in unincorporated Washoe County must also obtain a business license. Business License staff provides information, applications and forms, collect fees, and initiates appropriate background investigations. Business License staff also provide notice of license renewals and collect those appropriate fees. For more information, or to obtain license applications, contact Business License staff at 775.328.3733.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement provides inspections and compliance procedures to enforce the Washoe County Business License, Gaming and Liquor, and Development Code regulations. Their efforts promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the community by improving the quality of life for unincorporated County residents. Code Enforcement Officers inspect potential Business License and Development Code violations and provide license holders or property owners with a variety of means to resolve violations. The goal of Code Enforcement is to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible. However, when voluntary compliance is not achieved, then the Officers are empowered by County Code to issue citations for misdemeanor violations into the appropriate Justice Court.
To register a code enforcement complaint, call 775.328.6106 or e-mail rschebler@washoecounty.us. You will be asked to provide your name, address and phone number as part of the complaint. The complaint will be referred to a Code Enforcement Officer who will personally inspect the alleged violations. If you are not willing to provide your name, address and phone number, then the complaint will be taken anonymously; however, the Code Enforcement Officer will not be able to provide you with updates on the progress for the investigation.
Geographic Information System Support
The program supports the Geographic Information System (GIS) needs of the Community Development Department. GIS support staff maintain the official electronic files of the County`s adopted land use designations. GIS support staff also develop and maintain appropriate files and databases to support the department. Additionally, GIS support staff ensure that department staff have access to appropriate software programs to fully use the information contained in the County`s GIS. The Technology Services Department has assigned a full-time staff member to assist with the GIS needs of the department. Program contact person is Chad Giesinger at 775.328.3626 or e-mail cgiesinger@washoecounty.us