Multi-Jurisdictional License for Reno, Sparks and Washoe County

By - Jess Traver

I recently received a note from Bob Webb, Planning Manager for the Washoe County Department of Community Development, advising me about the implementation of a multi-jurisdictional license for the three jurisdictions – Reno, Sparks and Washoe County.

The license would allow a business operator (e.g., a builder or a contractor) who performs business within two or three of the jurisdictions to obtain his/her initial license at one location; essentially, a one-stop-shop for obtaining a license.


The operator would go to the jurisdiction wherein the business office is located, submit the normal license application, and the jurisdiction will collect license fees for all three jurisdictions at that time and review/inspect the license as normal.  Once the license is approved, that jurisdiction will notify the other two jurisdictions, who will then issue their license. The process will create one primary point of contact, making the process that much more efficient.


The renewal process remains the same; however, the hope is that one single application will be of benefit to business operators who need licenses to operate within Reno, Sparks and/or the County.


The County is sharing the process with the building community and seeking feedback from business owners. You can join the process on Friday, October 7 from 9:00am to 10:00am at the Washoe County Complex on E. 9^th Street, Building A.


I hope you can join us!

Midyear Construction Review

Home sales statistics around the country continue to point to a slow recovery of the economy. History will show that after a sharp dive, it takes time, even years – for the market to turn around.

Is that true today in Northern Nevada? What does the future hold for Nevada’s housing industry?

Yesterday, the Builders Association of Northern Nevada (BANN) hosted the Midyear Construction Review. Mark Krueger, Senior Vice President of Land Division at Grubb & Ellis|NCG, discussed existing conditions and future trends in the residential market, and also provided an update on home sales and recent land purchases in the area. 

“Market conditions remain very challenging but with land prices at 25 year lows, builders and investors are finding opportunities that make sense.”

If you missed Krueger's presentation, you can download it here. 

The Review also featured a presentation from Brian Bonnenfant, Project Manager, Center for Regional Studies at UNR. Bonnenfant addressed Nevada's most recent unemployment figures and pointed to a growing population in Washoe County. To download Bonnenfant's presentation, click here. 

Bob Nielsen, Chairman of NAHB, also addressed the pent-up demand for new homes that will in turn drive the housing market, as well as the actions needed in Congress to create an upward movement in the housing industry. 

Finally, we've included video of the local media coverage from KTVN Channel 2.. 

We will post articles from KRNV News 4, the Reno Gazette Journal and the Northern Nevada Business Weekly as they are made available. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Builders at 775.329.4611.