SPECIAL EVENTS AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Reno Administrative Code tit. 5, ch. 5.13

in effect

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.010 Definitions.

Sec. 5.13.010. - Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this chapter unless separately defined in a specific section of this chapter: Building means any fully enclosed permanent structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of person, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. City means the City of Reno, a municipal corporation of the State of Nevada. City manager means the city manager, or his or her designee. Chief of police means the city's chief of police, or his or her designee. Closed convention, for purposes of Titles 4 and 5, means a gathering of vendors and exhibitors, involving commercial activity, for the purpose of promotion of products and services to, or education of, the members of the occupation, avocation, trade, industry or identifiable body of study or discipline specifically for which the gathering is organized. The word "convention," as used in the context of "closed convention," includes all other similar gatherings, whether referred to as "trade shows," "exhibits," or any other such terms of common usage. A closed convention shall not be open or advertised to members of the general public, shall be open only to members of the occupation, avocation, trade, industry or identifiable body of study or discipline specifically for which the closed convention is organized, shall be confined to a defined area into which the general public is not admitted, and shall be conducted no longer than seven days. If membership in the occupation, avocation, trade, industry or identifiable body of study or discipline specifically for which the closed convention is organized is offered to members of the general public, such membership shall require standards of inclusion imposed as on all other members of the occupation, avocation, trade, industry or identifiable body of study or discipline specifically for which the closed convention is organized, and not be offered on a temporary or transient basis solely for gaining admission to the closed convention. Event includes any special event and/or special activity not exempt under section 5.13.040. Event organizer means any person who conducts, manages, promotes, organizes, aids or solicits attendance at an event. Expressive activity means non-commercial conduct, the principal object of which is the expression, dissemination or communication of opinions, views, messages or ideas by verbal, visual, literary or auditory means that are religious, scientific, political, philosophical or ideological in nature, or conduct that is on a whole inextricably intertwined with opinions, views, messages or ideas of a religious, scientific, political, philosophical or ideological nature; or conduct that is inherently expressive. This definition shall be interpreted to capture conduct which is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and interpretative case law which is subject to intermediate or strict scrutiny by the courts. Fire chief means the city's fire chief, or his or her designee. Fundraiser means money-raising activity that is intended to generate money to support a nonprofit or political organization including organizations operated for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, educational, or fraternal purposes. Non-commercial special event means any special event organized and conducted by any organization created for religious, charitable or educational purposes as set forth in NRS 372.3261. Parade means any organized movement or march of persons and/or things which requires the complete or partial closure of streets to prevent a conflict with the regular flow of vehicular traffic. Permit means a temporary written license and includes all terms and conditions of the written permit issued by the city manager. Person means and includes a natural person, any form of business or social organization and any governmental entity other than the city's use of its property in a proprietary capacity. Privileged activity means any of those activities which are found by the city to require a higher demand of city services by affecting the economic, social and moral well-being of the city and its residents. Privileged activity includes, but is not limited to: (1) Sales and/or service of alcohol. (2) Secondhand merchandise sales. (3) Auctions. (4) Temporary merchants. A privileged activity does not include conduct requiring licensing pursuant to RMC Chapters 5.06 (Adult Interactive Cabarets), 5.10 (Escorts and Out Call Services), 5.11 (Gaming), 5.16 (Towing and Booting Companies), 5.17 (Vehicles for Hire), 5.18 (Right-of-Way Toll), 5.20 (Motion Picture and Television Productions), 5.90 (Franchises), 5.95 (Telecommunications). Sidewalk means that portion of a highway, other than the roadway, set apart by curbs, barriers, markings or other delineation for pedestrian travel. Special activity means any indoor or outdoor activity taking place on private property for a period of seven consecutive days or less, is open to the public and creates gross revenue through means different from activity that is otherwise licensed. This includes any privileged activity or vendor activity. Special activity does not include activity that is permitted as a special event or a fundraiser unless it includes a privileged activity or vendor activity. A business license is required for activities conducted which reflect a regular pattern of business not temporary in nature. Special event means: (1) Any planned gathering of 75 or more persons which is to assemble or travel in an organized manner on any street, park or other public property; or, (2) Any planned activity conducted by a person for a common or collective use, purpose or benefit which directly or indirectly involves the use of, and has an impact on, city street(s), park(s) or other public property or facilities which reasonably requires city management, regulation or resources to protect the health, safety, welfare or property of the city or its residents, coordinate multiple uses of public property, control traffic or address other substantial governmental interests at or around the activity. (3) Examples of special events include, but are not limited to: (a) Parades; (b) Street fairs and festivals; (c) Live commercial music events; (d) Athletic or sporting events (e.g., races, runs); (e) Circuses and carnivals; (f) Community celebrations and observances; (g) Commercial shows, trade shows, and business promotions; (h) Commercial promotional or fund-raising activities. Special event or activity alcohol permit means a permit issued under this chapter that entitles the holder thereof to distribute certain types of alcohol for on-premises consumption at a designated special event venue or special activity venue. Special event permit means a permit issued under this chapter, including any conditions imposed thereto. Special event venue means that area for which a special event permit has been issued. Special activity permit means a permit issued under this chapter, including any conditions imposed thereto. Special activity venue means that area for which a special activity permit has been issued. Street means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Street includes highway. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6081, § 1, 1-14-09; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.020 Purpose.

Sec. 5.13.020. - Purpose. It is the purpose of the city council to establish a consistent process for permitting special events conducted by the public or private sector to use city streets, facilities or services and for permitting special activities on private property. It is recognized that these special events and special activities enhance the lifestyle of northern Nevada residents and visitors and provide benefits to the citizens through the creation of unique venues for expression and entertainment that are not normally provided as a part of governmental services. By recognizing special event and special activity venues, this chapter is intended to supplement land use regulations, to provide a coordinated process for the regulation of certain activities to be conducted in conjunction with special events and special activities, to ensure the health and safety of patrons of special events and special activities, to prohibit illegal activity from occurring within special event and special activity venues, and to protect the rights and interests granted to a special event or special activity permit holder. It is also the intent and direction of the city council that this chapter be administered consistent with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and/or Article I, Sections 9 and 10 of the Nevada Constitution and applicable case law so as to protect the rights of citizens to engage in expressive activities and yet allow for the least restrictive and reasonable, time, place and manner regulation necessary to serve substantial governmental interests affected by those expressive activities. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.030 Permit requirements and enforcement.

Sec. 5.13.030. - Permit requirements and enforcement. A permit shall be required for all events, privileged activities, special event alcohol or special activity alcohol as set forth in this chapter. In addition: (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to register participants, sell or give away tickets to a special event without first having submitted a completed special event permit application to the city in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake, conduct, operate, maintain or manage a special event without first having obtained a special event permit from the city in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless exempt from the permit requirement. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to register participants, sell or give away tickets to a special activity without first having submitted a completed special activity permit application to the city in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (4) It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake, conduct, operate, maintain or manage a special activity without first having obtained a special activity permit from the city in accordance with the provisions of this chapter unless exempt from the permit requirement. (5) Attention is called to the fact that other laws may be applicable and other licenses and permits may be required. For example, a special event occurring in a park will also require a park permit pursuant to Reno Municipal Code Chapter 8.23 to ensure that there are no conflicting events and staff are aware of the event and all events will be subject to criminal laws and park regulations in chapter 8.23. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.035 Closed convention limited exemption.

Sec. 5.13.035. - Closed convention limited exemption. (a) The event organizer of a closed convention is not required to obtain a business license for operation as a closed convention, and may operate only by virtue of the operation being a properly conducted closed convention. (b) Vendors operating wholly within a closed convention are not required to obtain individual business licenses for operation within a closed convention, and may operate only by virtue of the operation being a part of a properly conducted closed convention. (c) Operation of a closed convention or operation by vendors within a closed convention shall not constitute an exemption from the requirements otherwise prescribed by this Code including, but not limited to, regulation by Title 5, or other local, state or federal law or regulation or administrative policy pertaining to such activities. Inclusion in this section shall constitute only an exemption from the fee and informational requirements for the business licensing of any vendor at a closed convention which may otherwise defined as a "business" or "doing business" pursuant to section 4.04.007. (Ord. No. 6081, § 2, 1-14-09)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.040 Exceptions to permit requirement.

Sec. 5.13.040. - Exceptions to permit requirement. (a) The following activities are exempt from the permit requirement set forth in section 5.13.030: (1) Funeral processions by a licensed mortuary. (2) Activities regularly conducted by the City of Reno acting within the scope of its authority. (3) Picketing, assembling and marching on sidewalks, provided that traffic and pedestrian laws are obeyed and the activity is conducted in a manner which leaves the sidewalk free for reasonable use by non-participants. (4) Gatherings in a park of 75 or fewer persons organized for expressive activities that do not involve the use of vehicles, animals, vendors, structures (other than a maximum of four tables no larger than three feet by seven feet to facilitate expressive activity), fireworks, pyrotechnics or equipment (other than sound equipment to facilitate expressive activity), provided that the chief of police is notified at least 24 hours in advance of the commencement of the gathering. (5) Motion picture and television and commercial still photography production activities. A film permit for these activities is required in accordance with Reno Municipal Code Chapter 5.20. (6) Private parties and non-commercial sporting events approved by the parks, recreation and community services department at city parks and recreation facilities including but not limited to picnics, weddings, bar mitzvahs, family reunions, graduations, baptisms and local adult/youth sports leagues. (7) Picketing, assembling, and marching on city streets such that street closures are required to preserve public safety. Event organizers of groups who want to picket, assemble or march on city streets should provide written notification to the arts, culture, and events manager, or designee, of the event so that street closures can be coordinated by the city. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any gathering or march organized as an expressive activity related to events occasioned by news or affairs coming into public knowledge within five days of such gathering or march may file the notification no later than two business days before the gathering or march. For news or affairs coming into public knowledge within 72 hours of the expressive event, the two business day requirement shall be shortened to one business day. If the notification cannot be timely submitted, the event organizer may conduct a gathering on the grounds of the city plaza, if not otherwise being used by or with the permission of the city for another event. If the notification cannot be timely submitted and the city plaza is not available, the expressive gathering may take place in a city park which is not being used for an organized recreational purpose or pursuant to a permit for another event. (b) Although not required to get a special event or special activity permit, an event organizer of an activity pursuant to subsection (a)(1)—(7) is required to comply with general regulations governing public safety and health. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12; Ord. No. 6439, § 1, 10-11-17)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.045 Free speech areas, display stands and sales of First Amendment protected expressive merchandise.

Sec. 5.13.045. - Free speech areas, display stands and sales of First Amendment protected expressive merchandise. (a) Findings and purpose: The city finds that special events are often crowded to the extent that there is a substantial need to create reasonable time, place and manner regulations governing the placement of display stands and expressive merchandise by those exercising their First Amendment rights in or adjacent to congested special events to ensure safety, facilitate crowd movement and ensure access for emergency personnel and equipment. The city further finds that special events contribute substantially to the city's economic welfare and that event organizers, and therefore the city, have a substantial interest in protecting the event organizer's theme and the interests of the event organizer's sub-licensed commercial vendors justifying reasonable time, place and manner regulations governing the placement of expressive merchandise and display stands during special events. Free speech areas shall be located inside or immediately adjacent to special event venues where they will not unreasonably isolate speakers from the attending public or unreasonably interfere with permitted activities, crowd flow, or normal or emergency city functions. (b) Definitions: (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in RMC 5.14.010, including but not limited to display stand and expressive merchandise, have the meanings ascribed to them in that section. (2) Free speech area shall mean an area in or adjacent to a special event venue which shall be designated as a special area on special event venue maps available to the public from the city clerk, or which shall be designated by signage and physical means or markings at the special event area, wherein persons may exercise their First Amendment rights during a special event, including but not limited to using display stands and selling expressive merchandise. (3) Speaker shall mean a person or persons exercising their First Amendment rights in a public forum. (c) Special event boundaries: As part of the application process, an event organizer applicant shall propose, and city staff shall determine, specific boundaries and entrance-exit points for the special event venue. The boundaries of the free speech area(s) shall also be determined if the city manager determines during the special event permitting process that one or more free speech areas is necessary or desirable. The public shall be provided notice of the boundaries by the time the special event is open to the public through any reasonable means, including but not limited to special event venue maps made available through the city clerk or by mechanical means at the special event venue, including but not limited to combinations such as: physical barriers, streets, signage, paint, chalk marks and geographic features such as rivers. (d) Expressive speech and conduct: During special events, except as set forth hereafter in this section, expressive speech and conduct protected by the First Amendment shall be allowed in the free speech area(s) to the extent a speaker's conduct does not unreasonably interfere with the permitted activities of the special event or normal or emergency city functions. (e) Free speech areas: (1) The city manager shall designate and modify, as reasonably necessary, the location and size of one or more free speech areas sufficient to reasonably accommodate speakers and/or event organizers desiring a free speech area(s) at a special event. To the extent reasonably feasible, the minimum number, size and locations of the free speech area(s) shall be determined in advance of the special event. (2) Any speaker who desires space for display stands, expressive merchandise or other expressive activity within a special event free speech area may advise the city clerk of their name, contact information and plans and the city clerk shall promptly notify the city manager's designee, who shall take the request into consideration when determining the need for special event free speech areas pursuant to the previous subsection. (Ord. No. 6345, § 1, 9-24-14)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.050 Fees.

Sec. 5.13.050. - Fees. (a) Application Fee. Each application for a permit to conduct a special event or special activity shall be accompanied by an application fee. The application fee is in addition to any other fee required under this chapter, and is non-refundable. (b) City services fee. Event organizer shall pay an amount equal to the actual costs necessarily incurred by the city to reasonably ensure the health, safety and welfare of the special event or special activity. The city manager shall calculate and estimate such fee based on the information provided by the applicant. The estimated fee shall not include business license fees; fees for special permits or inspections such as building permits or fire permits; late fees; or fees levied by the Washoe County Health Department. The city manager shall send the event organizer an invoice for the estimated city services fee. The event organizer shall make full payment of the estimated city services fee along with any applicable late fee required pursuant to section 5.13.090 upon receipt, or 15 days prior to the date set for commencement of setup for the event, whichever is later. The city manager shall require the event organizer to hire reasonable additional personnel or equipment as circumstances necessarily require to secure health, safety and welfare, the cost of which shall be borne by the event organizer. In the event that the actual costs incurred by the city exceed the estimated city services fee, the event organizer shall pay the additional actual cost to the city within 60 days from the date the invoice for such fees is mailed. In the event that the actual costs incurred by the city are less than the estimated city service fee, the city shall refund the difference between the actual costs and the estimated costs within 60 days from the conclusion of the event, less any applicable late fee required pursuant to section 5.13.090. Fees shall not be based upon anticipated reaction to an event message or speaker. (c) License, inspection and permit fees. Fees for business license(s), fire inspections or other such necessary licenses or inspections shall be charged by the city at the time the permit application is accepted or prior to issuance of an event permit. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.060 When application for permit is deemed complete.

Sec. 5.13.060. - When application for permit is deemed complete. An application for a special event permit or a special activity permit is deemed complete when the event organizer has submitted a written application upon forms provided by the city, provided all of the information required in section 5.13.090, the application has been accepted by the city manager, and the event organizer has paid all application processing, licensing, and inspection fees. The city manager shall reject all incomplete permit applications. If an application is not deemed compete by the completion deadline in section 5.13.091(g), the application shall be deemed denied as of that date, unless extended by mutual agreement of the city manager and event organizer. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.070 Date of event not confirmed until permit issued.

Sec. 5.13.070. - Date of event not confirmed until permit issued. Notwithstanding the city manager's acceptance of a completed application, no date shall be considered confirmed until a special event permit or a special activity permit is issued. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.080 Issuance of a permit does not obligate city services.

Sec. 5.13.080. - Issuance of a permit does not obligate city services. (a) Issuance of a special event permit or a special activity permit under this chapter does not obligate or require the city manager to provide city services, equipment or personnel in support of an event. (b) The city council may enter into sponsorship agreements with event organizers to provide city services, equipment, or personnel for special events. Approval of the city council is not required for the city manager to provide city services, equipment, or personnel for a special event, if the city manager makes provisions with the event organizer for cost recovery from the event. (c) Subject to applicable rules and regulations adopted pursuant to section 5.13.085, the city manager may provide city services, equipment or personnel in direct support of a non-commercial special event, if the cost to the city does not exceed $10,000.00 for the entire event, if the cost is within budget limitations, and if the city manager finds that a public purpose will be served. The city manager may find that a public purpose is served if all six of the following conditions are met: (1) The event is organized and conducted by a non-profit organization which operates from or provides services within the City of Reno; and, (2) The event provides a benefit to the general public; and, (3) The same or similar event has not received financial support from the city pursuant to subsection (c), or received financial support from the city on no more than one prior occasion in the last five years; and, (4) The event includes participation by the general public (notwithstanding an admission or participation fee); and, (5) Provision of city services will result in improved crowd or event control and general public safety; and, (6) The event organizer agrees to reimburse the city for the cost of city services exceeding $10,000.00. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.085 City manager authorized to adopt rules and regulations.

Sec. 5.13.085. - City manager authorized to adopt rules and regulations. The city manager is authorized to promulgate additional rules and regulations that are consistent with and that further the terms and requirements set forth within this chapter and the provisions of law that pertain to the conduct and operation of a special event, special activity or demonstration. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.090 Application for permit.

Sec. 5.13.090. - Application for permit. (a) Application submission requirements. (1) An event organizer seeking a special event permit shall submit a completed application to the city not less than 90 calendar days, nor more than 12 months, prior to the date requested for the commencement of setup for the special event. An application received less than 90 days before the date requested for the commencement of setup for the special event shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, is subject to a late fee in an amount equal to ten percent of the amount of the total estimated city service fee pursuant to section 5.13.050(b) or $100.00, whichever is greater. (2) An event organizer seeking a special activity permit that requires a privileged license requiring a background check under Reno Municipal Code Title 5, such as an alcohol license, shall submit an application to the city not less than 90 calendar days, nor more than 12 months, prior to the time indicated for the commencement of the special activity. An application received more than 12 months or less than 90 calendar days prior to the time indicated for the commencement of the special activity shall be denied. (3) An event organizer seeking a special activity permit that requires a privileged license under Reno Municipal Code Title 5, such as an alcohol license, and is or will be using the services of a business currently licensed by the city for such privileged license shall submit an application to the city not less than 30 calendar days, nor more than 12 months, prior to the time indicated for the commencement of the special activity. An application received more than 12 months in advance of the special activity shall be denied. On the first occurrence, an application received less than 30 calendar days but more than five calendar days before the special activity shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, is subject to a late fee in the amount equal to ten percent of the total applicable fees pursuant to section 5.13.050(a) and (c). An application received less than five calendar days before the special activity shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, is subject to a late fee in the amount equal to 15 percent of the total applicable fees pursuant to section 5.13.050 (a) and (c). All subsequent permit applications submitted after the deadlines listed above shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, are subject to the late fee in an amount equal to 50 percent of the applicable fees pursuant to section 5.13.050(a) and (c). (4) An event organizer seeking a special activity permit which does not require another privilege license as part of the activity shall submit an application to the city not less than 15 calendar days, nor more than 12 months, prior to the time indicated for the commencement of the special activity. An application received more than 12 months in advance of the special activity shall be denied. On the first occurrence, an application received less than 15 calendar days but more than five calendar days before the special activity shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, is subject to a late fee in the amount equal to ten percent of the total applicable fees pursuant to section 5.13.050 (a) and (c). An application received less than five calendar days before the special activity shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, is subject to a late fee in the amount equal to 15 percent of the total applicable fees pursuant to section 5.13.050 (a) and (c). All subsequent applications submitted after the deadlines listed above shall be denied if the application cannot reasonably be processed due to the delay, and if approved, are subject to a late fee in an amount equal to 50 percent of the applicable fees pursuant to section 5.13.050 (a) and (c). (5) Any late fee assessed pursuant to subsection (a)(1) to (4), above, must be paid in full in cash, check, credit card, cashier's check, or certified check at the time the permit fee is due and payable, and cannot be waived, deducted, or subtracted from any amount pledged by the city to provide services, equipment or personnel in direct support of the special event or special activity. (6) Any application received less than 15 days before a special event or three business days before a special activity shall be denied, unless the city manager finds that the applicant's delay in submission was due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control or not reasonably foreseeable. (b) Application requirements. An event organizer seeking a special event permit or a special activity permit shall submit an application to the city within the time limits established in subsection (a). The application shall: (1) Be a written statement upon forms provided by the city; (2) Require disclosure of all reasonable information that is necessary to the fair and efficient administration of this chapter; (3) Be accompanied by the full amount of the application, license and inspection fees chargeable for such permit; and, (4) Be signed by the event organizer, if a natural person; in the case of an association or partnership, by a member or partner with authority to bind the association or partnership; in the case of a corporation, by an executive officer or some person specifically authorized by the corporation to sign the application, to which must be attached the written evidence of the authority. (c) In considering an application and any conditions to be imposed thereon, the city manager shall consult with the chief of police and fire chief and such city personnel as he or she deems appropriate, and may convene appropriate city representatives for this purpose as an advisory events committee. (d) The city manager shall, in consultation with the events committee, determine whether the arrangements described in the application: (1) Reflect a realistic estimate of the expected size of the crowd or number of participants at the event; (2) Provide adequate security and crowd control measures to control potentially disruptive individuals or situations; (3) Reflect that the method to be used in preparing, selling or distributing food and/or alcohol minimizes or prevents the distribution of glass, metal, or similar containers that could be used as weapons; (4) Provide adequate measures for the proper sanitation, collection and removal of rubbish and trash during the event and at the conclusion of the event; and, (5) Provide adequate insurance or other form of indemnification that will protect the city from potential claims arising from the event. (e) If the city manager, in consultation with the events committee, is satisfied that the arrangements made by the event organizer as set forth in the application provide a reasonable assurance that the special event or special activity will be properly supervised and managed so as to ensure reasonable levels of health, safety, property protection and welfare, he or she shall issue the permit. In so doing, he or she shall require specific additional measures or commitments from the event organizer as shall be reasonable and necessary to address the specific issues mentioned in subsection (d). (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 5883, § 1, 10-11-06; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12; Ord. No. 6439, § 2, 10-11-17)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.091 Denial of permit issuance

Sec. 5.13.091. - Denial of permit issuance (a) The city manager shall deny issuance of a permit if any of the following exist: (1) The event organizer fails to meet any condition imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (2) The proposed event will be held in a manner or location not meeting the health, zoning, fire or building and safety standards established by the ordinances of the city or the laws of the State of Nevada. (3) The event organizer has knowingly made a false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the application for a permit. (4) Except for an expressive activity, the event organizer, his employee, agent or any person connected or associated with the event organizer as partner, director, officer, stockholder, associate or manager has, within the previous five years, conducted the type of event indicated in the application which resulted in the creation of a public or private nuisance. (5) Except for an expressive activity, the event organizer has, within the previous five years, failed to conduct a previously authorized or exempted special event or special activity in accordance with law or the terms of a permit, or both. (6) Except for an expressive activity, the event organizer, his employee, agent or any person associated with the event organizer as partner, director, officer, stockholder, associate or manager has, within the previous five years, been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction, by final judgment of: a. An offense involving the presentation, exhibition or performance of an obscene production, motion picture or place, or of selling obscene matter; b. An offense involving lewd conduct; c. An offense involving the use of force and violence upon the person of another; d. An offense involving misconduct with children; or e. A felony. (7) The application is materially deficient so as to reasonably raise substantial doubt as to the event organizer's ability to properly manage, supervise and control the event to prevent or minimize the occurrence of a public disturbance (other than hostile reaction to an applicant's message or identity), nuisance or other threat to public health, property, safety or welfare. (8) The event will require the diversion of so many public employees from their normal duties that the city, with its available city resources, would be unable to reasonably provide for public safety protections and/or provision of public services to the remainder of the city. (9) The concentration of persons, animals or vehicles will unreasonably interfere with the movement of police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency vehicles on the streets. (10) The conduct of the event will substantially obstruct or interfere with any construction or maintenance work scheduled or necessarily required to take place upon or along the public streets or event venue. (11) The event substantially interferes with any other special event or special activity for which a permit has already been granted or with the provision of city services in support of other scheduled events or unscheduled governmental functions such as visits of chiefs of state. (12) The event organizer has not provided sufficient off-site parking or shuttle service, or both, when required to minimize substantial adverse impacts on general parking and traffic circulation in the vicinity of the event; (13) The event will have an adverse impact which cannot be mitigated upon residential or business access and traffic circulation in and around the special event venue or special activity venue. (14) The noise generated by the event will unreasonably disturb the peace of persons of reasonable and ordinary sensibilities outside the event venue. (15) The non-payment of any amounts owed by the event organizer to the city that are more than 90 days past due. (16) Failure by the event organizer to participate in a post-event review of a previously authorized special event with the city manager within 75 days of being requested to do so following the conclusion of the previous special event. (17) The event will unreasonably jeopardize the health, safety, welfare or property of the public or the city and the risk cannot be reasonably mitigated. (b) The city manager shall either deny the application or issue a permit within the following time frames following receipt by the city of a completed application. Failure to grant the event within the following time frames shall be deemed a denial for purposes of appeal or judicial review. The city manager and the event organizer may extend these time frames by mutual written agreement. (1) At least 20 days before the event date if the application is completed 45 or more days before the event. (2) At least ten days before the event date if the application is completed 20 to 44 days prior to the event. (3) At least five days before the event date if the application is completed ten to 19 days prior to the event. (4) Event applications shall not be accepted less than ten days before the scheduled event date, unless specifically authorized by another section. (c) Notwithstanding the forgoing deadlines, the city manager shall use reasonable efforts to complete the application review process promptly. (d) Where the application is denied, the city manager shall mail to the event organizer written notice of denial within three business days, which notice shall include a statement of the reasons the application was denied. Failure to grant the permit within the forgoing time frames shall be deemed a denial for purposes of judicial review. A denial may be appealed in accordance with section 5.13.220. (Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.092 Special event reviews and advance or future permit denials.

Sec. 5.13.092. - Special event reviews and advance or future permit denials. (a) Within 75 days following a special event, the event organizer shall meet with the city manager to review the event. The city manager may extend this time for good cause. The review shall primarily focus on procedures to enhance future events. (b) Following review of the event, or after the period set forth in subsection (a) if the event organizer fails to meet for a review, the city manager shall notify the event organizer that no permit will be issued to the event organizer for the same or similar event for a period of three years, provided the city manager finds the following: (1) The event was conducted in violation of this chapter or in violation of the permit; (2) Substantial doubt exists as to the ability of the event organizer and the organizer's associates to conduct the future event in compliance with this chapter and consistent with the health, welfare and safety of the public; and (3) Good cause exists to believe event participants or visitors will suffer hardship if the future event application is not denied in advance. (c) If the city manager denies a permit in advance, he or she shall send written notification to the event organizer notifying the event organizer that they and/or the event shall not be granted a special event permit for the same or similar event for a period of three years from the conclusion of the event in question. The notification must specify the basis for the decision and be sent within the first 90 days following conclusion of the event in question. (Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.095 Computation of time.

Sec. 5.13.095. - Computation of time. If any permit application deadline in this chapter falls on a weekend, holiday or non-business day, the application shall be allowed to be submitted no later than close of business on the next business day. (Ord. No. 5883, § 2, 10-11-06; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.100 Event alcohol permit.

Sec. 5.13.100. - Event alcohol permit. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute any alcoholic beverage for consumption at any special event or special activity without first obtaining a special event or special activity alcohol permit from the city. (b) Any event organizer desiring to obtain a special event or special activity alcohol permit shall submit an application to the city not less than 90 calendar days before the date of the special event or special activity. Alternatively, if the event organizer will be using the services of an alcohol vendor currently licensed by the city to manage the sales and service of alcoholic beverages at the special event or special activity, the application shall be submitted to the city not less than 30 calendar days before the date of the special event or special activity. The application shall: (1) Be a written statement upon forms provided by the city; (2) Require disclosure of all reasonable information that is necessary to the fair and efficient administration of this chapter; (3) Be accompanied by the full amount of the fees chargeable for such permit; and, (4) Be signed by the event organizer, if a natural person; in the case of an association or partnership, by a member or partner with authority to bind the association or partnership; in the case of a corporation, by an executive officer or some person specifically authorized by the corporation to sign the application, to which must be attached the written evidence of the authority. (c) The application shall include: (1) Designated entry and exit points to the event venue(s), and a plan detailing how the event organizer will prevent the off premise consumption of alcohol; (2) Whether entry to the event alcohol service area(s) is restricted to invited guests or open to the public; (3) Type of alcohol to be sold or dispensed and the means or method which will be used to sell, dispense or distribute the alcohol to the crowd; (4) The identity of the on-site supervisor(s) of alcohol service; (5) The exact number and location(s) of alcohol service booths; and (6) Such other information as is deemed appropriate by the city manager, and/or the chief of police. (d) If the city manager, in consultation with the chief of police, is satisfied that the arrangements made by the event organizer as set forth in the application provide a reasonable assurance that the event will be properly supervised and managed so as to minimize or prevent the possibility of a public disturbance, he or she shall authorize the issuance of the special event or special activity alcohol permit. In so doing, he or she shall require such specific additional measures or commitments from the event organizer as is necessary to ensure the event is safely and reasonably managed, supervised and controlled. (e) The city manager shall deny an application which is materially deficient so as to raise doubt as to the event organizer's ability to properly manage, supervise and control the event to prevent or minimize the occurrence of a public disturbance. A denial may be appealed in accordance with section 5.13.220. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.110 Form and condition of event permit.

Sec. 5.13.110. - Form and condition of event permit. (a) For the protection of the health, safety and property of local residents and persons attending special events or special activities, the city shall require the following conditions: (1) A minimum number of law enforcement officers employed at the permittee's expense. (2) Adequate drinking water. (3) An adequate sewage system. (4) Adequate food supplies. (5) Adequate toilet facilities. (6) Adequate medical facilities, including doctors and supplies. (7) A minimum amount of parking space for vehicles. (8) Indemnity or performance bonds. (9) Adequate fire protection at the permittee's expense. (10) Financial statements. (11) A communication system. (12) Adequate measures addressing business access and traffic circulation. (13) Pursuant to section 5.13.140, timely and adequate impacted neighbor notification. (14) Conditions or restrictions on the use of alcoholic beverages and authorization for and conditions of the exclusive control or regulation of vendors and related sales activity by the event organizer during the event. (15) As a condition of the issuance of a special event permit, the event organizer shall be required to make adequate provisions for cleaning up the area or route of the event both during and upon completion of the event and to return the area or route to the same condition of material preservation and cleanliness as existed prior to the event. (16) If the event is a firearm or gun show, adequate compliance with firearm and gun show regulations set forth by the chief of police. (17) Conditions or restrictions to prevent unreasonable noise outside the event venue. (18) Conditions or restrictions on the hours of operation. (19) Other reasonable conditions necessary to protect the health, safety, welfare, and property of local residents and persons attending the event. (b) It is unlawful for any event organizer to use a facsimile of the seal of the City of Reno, without the city's express written authorization. (c) If requested by an applicant of an event organized as an expressive activity, the city shall provide a written explanation of the need for any condition within seven days of the request or, if the condition is imposed less than ten days before the event, within two business days of the request. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.120 Insurance and indemnification.

Sec. 5.13.120. - Insurance and indemnification. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), below, it shall be a condition of the issuance and continued validity of any special event permit granted pursuant to this chapter that the event organizer first obtain, pay for and maintain a policy of general liability insurance approved as to form by the city manager which shall insure the city, its officers and employees against any liability, or claims of liability, brought or made by or on behalf of any person for personal injury or property damage caused by or arising out of any negligent act or omission of either the event organizer, agents or employees, including any officers or employees of the city, or caused by or arising out of the condition of any city-owned or controlled property, whether real or personal, and occurring during the period and as a result of the activities for which such event permit was issued. The amount of coverage to be provided by such policy shall not be less than $1,000,000.00 combined single limit. The event organizer may satisfy the requirement imposed by this section through the presentation of a certificate of insurance, for at least the required amount of coverage, which indicates that, by endorsement thereto, the city, its officers and employees have been added as additional insureds. Such certificate shall additionally provide that the required insurance will not be modified, changed or terminated without ten-day advance written notice delivered to the business license office. (b) This subsection (b) shall be deemed to be incorporated in its entirety in any permit issued under this chapter unless expressly modified in writing in the permit. It shall be a condition of the issuance of any special event permit granted pursuant to this chapter that the event organizer, on behalf of himself or herself and on behalf of any legal entity he or she represents in seeking a special event permit, shall agree to indemnify, defend and hold the city, its officers, employees, and agents harmless from all claims and liabilities of any kind whatsoever (including costs and reasonable attorneys and experts fees), resulting from or arising out of the acts or omissions of the event organizer, the participants, except that the event organizer will not be held liable for the actions or omissions of spectators as long as the spectators' acts or omissions were not authorized or ratified by or on behalf of the event organizer or the event organizer's agents or employees. (c) Insurance exceptions. A special event permit shall be exempt from the insurance requirements of subsection (a) if the following exist: (1) The special event is organized for expressive activity; and (2) The applicant or an officer of the sponsoring organization of a non-athletic event has filed a verified statement along with the initial application stating that he or she believes the event's purpose is First Amendment expression; and (3) Either: a. The applicant or officer of the sponsoring organization has determined and presented a verified statement with the initial application that the cost of obtaining insurance is financially burdensome and would constitute an unreasonable burden on the right of the organization's First Amendment expression. The statement shall include the name and address of one insurance broker or other source for insurance coverage contacted to determine premium rates for coverage; or b. The applicant, if not representing an organization, provides reasonable evidence that his or her individual (or family if living with a spouse) gross annual income falls below 125 percent of the current poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2); or c. The applicant presents a verified statement that it is objectively impossible to obtain insurance coverage. The statement shall be accompanied by statements from at least two independent licensed insurance brokers demonstrating the insurance is unavailable in the market place; and (4) The event will not involve the use of equipment (other than sound equipment), vehicles, animals, fireworks or pyrotechnics; and (5) No fee or donation is charged or required as a condition of admission or participation in the event. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.130 Business hours of regularly conducted businesses during events.

Sec. 5.13.130. - Business hours of regularly conducted businesses during events. During a special event or special activity, the chief of police may alter the normally established business hours of any business licensed by the city. The decision to change business hours shall be reasonable and based upon public safety, health and welfare necessary to preserve the public peace. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.140 Impacted neighbor notification.

Sec. 5.13.140. - Impacted neighbor notification. All special event permit applications requesting full or partial closure and/or restriction of a street or sidewalk shall include an impacted neighbor notification statement ("INNS") upon forms provided by the city which shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days before the date of the special event. In the sole discretion of the city manager, an INNS received less than calendar 30 days before the special event may result in the denial of the permit. An INNS received less than 30 days before the special event shall result in the denial of the permit application, unless the city manager finds that applicant's delay in submission was due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control or not reasonably foreseeable. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.150 Authorized event vendors.

Sec. 5.13.150. - Authorized event vendors. (a) The issuance of a special event permit or a special activity permit confers upon the permit holder or event organizer the right and duty to control and regulate the sale of goods, food, beverages and services within the event venue in accordance with the terms and conditions of the event permit. (b) 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)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.170 Unlawful to sell goods in event venue without authorization.

Sec. 5.13.170. - Unlawful to sell goods in event venue without authorization. (a) It is unlawful for any person with a City of Reno business license to sell, resell, or offer to sell or resell, any goods, food, beverages or services in a special event venue or special activity venue, except: (1) From any building; or, (2) From any tent, booth or temporary structure expressly authorized pursuant to a special event permit or special activity permit. (b) It is unlawful for any person without a City of Reno business license to sell, resell, or offer to sell or resell, any goods, food, beverages or services in a special event venue or special activity venue. (c) 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)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.180 Unlawful to interfere with event.

Sec. 5.13.180. - Unlawful to interfere with event. It is unlawful for any person to obstruct, impede or interfere with any permitted event. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.190 Expiration.

Sec. 5.13.190. - Expiration. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, every permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall expire on the date specified in the application as the date on which the activity will conclude. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.195 Transfer.

Sec. 5.13.195. - Transfer. A special event permit or special activity permit issued to any person pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall not be transferred to any other person nor apply to any other location(s) than that specified in the permit application without the consent of the city manager. Failure to comply with this section shall constitute good cause to revoke or suspend the permit. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.200 Suspension or revocation of permit.

Sec. 5.13.200. - Suspension or revocation of permit. (a) Any special event permit or special activity permit issued pursuant to this chapter is subject to suspension or revocation pursuant to this section. (b) An event permit shall be suspended or revoked if the city manager, fire chief or chief of police reasonably determines the existence of one or more of the following subsections, except that technical violations shall be waived where they do not harm the policies furthered by the requirement: (1) That the event cannot be conducted without violating the standards or conditions for event permit issuance; or, (2) The event is being conducted in violation of any material condition of the event permit; or (3) The event poses a threat to health or safety; or (4) The event organizer or any person associated with the event has failed to obtain any other permit required pursuant to this chapter; or (5) The special event permit was issued in error or contrary to law; or (6) The non-payment of any amounts owed by the event organizer to the city that are more than 90 days past due. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d), notices of suspension or revocation shall be in writing and specifically set forth the reasons for the suspension or revocation. (d) If there is an emergency requiring immediate suspension or revocation of an event permit, the city manager, fire chief or chief of police may notify the permit holder verbally of the revocation and it shall be effective immediately. The city manager shall provide written reasons for the suspension or revocation within 24 hours. (e) A suspension or revocation may be appealed in accordance with section 5.13.220. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.210 Cost recovery for events.

Sec. 5.13.210. - Cost recovery for events. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, or when funded by city council, for any special event or special activity the city manager shall charge for the actual cost of: (1) The salaries of city personnel requested by the event organizer or reasonably and necessarily involved in permit compliance, event traffic control, fire safety or other facility or event support; and (2) The standard rental fee for use of city equipment and any other non-personnel expense requested by the event organizer or necessary to provide reasonable permit compliance, event traffic control, fire safety or other facility or event support. (b) The city manager shall require payment of fees required pursuant to subsection (a), or a reasonable estimate thereof as provided in section 5.13.050. (c) If the event organizer fails to comply with section 5.13.110(15), the event organizer will be billed for actual city costs for clean-up and repair of the area or route occasioned by the event. In the event organizer failed to comply with section 5.13.110(15) under a previously issued event permit, the city manager may require the event organizer to deposit adequate surety in the form of cash or bond. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.220 Appeal.

Sec. 5.13.220. - Appeal. (a) Except to the extent stated hereafter, any denial, suspension, revocation of a permit, imposition of a fine or grievance of an administrative decision may be appealed in accordance with Reno Municipal Code, section 4.04.160. (b) If an application which has been clearly designated by the applicant as one involving First Amendment activity and is intended to respond to an imminent current event, the city clerk shall place such an appeal on the hearing officer's agenda for a hearing, which will be held within three days from the filing of the notice of intent to appeal, unless a greater time is agreed upon by both parties. If an administrative hearing within this time frame cannot be scheduled or will not address the issues of the appellant in a timely manner, the appellant may appeal directly to the appropriate state or federal court. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 6231, § 1, 5-23-12)

Reno Administrative Code § 5.13.230 Penalty.

Sec. 5.13.230. - Penalty. (a) Any person in violation of any of the following provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided in section 1.04.010; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the city from recovering the amount of any fine imposed or fee required by this chapter in a civil action brought for such purpose. (1) Holding a special event or special activity without a valid permit (5.13.030); (2) Serving, providing or allowing alcohol without or contrary to the conditions of a special event alcohol permit or a special activity alcohol permit (5.13.100); (3) Using a facsimile of the seal of the City of Reno, without the city's express written authorization (5.13.110(b)); (4) Failure to close a business when ordered by the chief of police under the authority of section 5.13.130; (5) Selling, reselling or offering 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 (5.13.150(d)); (6) Selling or reselling in violation of section 5.13.170; (7) Obstructing, impeding or interfering in violation of section 5.13.180; or (8) Continuing a special event or special activity after revocation or suspension of the permit (5.13.200). (b) In addition to, or in place of, any other remedy or penalty, a violation of this chapter or of the terms or conditions of a permit issued under this chapter shall subject the event organizer to administrative fines of $100.00 for each separate violation. The fine may be imposed by any enforcement official as defined in Reno Municipal Code 1.05.020 by issuing an administrative citation in a form approved by the city manager containing the following information: (1) Date and location; (2) Name and signature of issuing officer; (3) Description of the violation(s); (4) Identification of the chapter section(s) or permit condition(s) violated; (5) Amount of the fine(s); and (6) Statement that pursuant to Reno Municipal Code section 5.13.220, the fine may be appealed by filing with the administrative hearing officer at the city clerk's office, within ten business days of issuance, a written statement setting forth fully the grounds for the appeal. (c) In the event that any provisions of this chapter are violated by a firm or corporation, the officer or officers, or the person or persons responsible for the violation shall be subject to the penalty herein provided. (Ord. No. 5695, § 2, 4-27-05; Ord. No. 6030, § 1, 6-11-08)

Source: City of Reno, Nevada, Administrative Code, City Charter and Annexation and Land Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/reno/codes/administrative_code?nodeId=PT2READCO_TIT5PRLIPEFR_CH5.13SPEVSPACFetched: 11/1/2026