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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sidewalk Vendor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The below questions are provided in an effort to provide as much information as possible about Sidewalk Vendors in unincorporated Clark County. If your question is not answered below, please reach out to our licensing staff at BLSidewalkVendor@ClarkCountyNV.Gov.

Business License Requirements for a Sidewalk Vendor License

Why do I need a business license?

The Clark County Department of Business License makes sure that each business within the unincorporated area of Clark County is zoned correctly, that the business location meets all health and safety code standards, that it ensures the safety of others and that the business is regulated properly per Clark County Code 6.04.010.  See contact information below:  

Fire Prevention Department: (702) 455-7316 (select 0 for general information)        

Southern Nevada Health District: (for food and other establishments):  702-759-1000

Why do I need to check the Jurisdiction Locator, to apply for a business license?

A jurisdiction is an area with a set of laws under the control of a system of courts, which are different from neighboring areas. The location from which you conduct your business determines the jurisdiction in which you must file for your business license. Clark County comprises of 6 jurisdictions, each with its own licensing agency – the City of Henderson, the City of Las Vegas, the City of North Las Vegas, Boulder City, the City of Mesquite and Unincorporated Clark County. The Jurisdiction Locator will help you identify the jurisdiction of the location for which you are opening your business.

Do I need a Nevada State business license?

Yes. NRS 76 requires all businesses, corporations, and partnerships operating in the state of Nevada to have a state business license.  Please visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website for more information. You may apply online at nvsilverflume.gov, or apply in person at the Secretary of State located at 2250 N. Las Vegas Blvd, Suite 400 North Las Vegas, NV 89030.  Telephone: (702) 486-2880

How do I apply for a permit/license?

Please visit our Sidewalk Vendors page and read a tutorial on how to apply for a sidewalk vendor license.

How long will the licensing/permitting process take?

It can take up to 45 days after the Department receives a complete application to obtain a license. Public safety inspections are generally conducted and approved for the business during this time.

Do I need a Health Permit?

Yes. Per Senate Bill 92, passed by the State of Nevada Legislature in 2023, the local board of health is required to adopt regulations to establish a process for a person to apply for a permit, license or other authorization from the local board of health to operate as a sidewalk vendor. Contact: Southern Nevada Health District for food and other establishments: (702) 759-1000

Why do I need a Health Permit?
The Health District regulates food establishments to ensure a safe and sanitary food supply for our residents and visitors. A sidewalk vendor who sells food is considered a food establishment and must have a health permit from the Health District to operate.

Sidewalk Vendor-Specific Requirements

What is a sidewalk vendor?

A sidewalk vendor is a person selling food items and/or non-alcoholic beverages upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path from a conveyance, including, a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase or rack. The term includes a nonstationary sidewalk vendor and a stationary sidewalk vendor.

Is sidewalk vending currently permitted in Unincorporated Clark County?

Yes.  Sidewalk vending is now permitted subject to the provisions of Clark County Code Title 7, Chapter 7.200.  This chapter has established regulations pertaining to the licensing and operation of sidewalk vendor businesses within Unincorporated Clark County.   If your Jurisdiction location is not in Unincorporated Clark County, you will need to contact the correct entity below for the best response to your needs.”

Henderson: BLCompliance@cityofhenderson.com

Las Vegas: License@lasvegasnevada.gov

North Las Vegas: Businesslicense@cityofnorthlasvegas.com

When will Clark County begin issuing sidewalk vendor licenses?
Clark County Business License has started accepting applications for sidewalk vendor licensing as of April 30th, 2024.
Will I need to submit a Social Security Number with my application?
No.
Will I need to disclose my immigration status with my application?
No.
Do I need a general liability insurance?
Yes.  Having a general liability insurance is essential because it provides protection against destruction of property, bodily injury, accidents or death of a person caused by your business.  Please note that Clark County Code Title 7, Chapter 7.200 requires proof of general liability insurance for sidewalk vendors.
What are the general liability insurance requirements?
Please note that “Clark County” should be named as an additional insured in the insurance policy and the policy limits shall not be less than:

  • $250,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
  • $500,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more
  • $50,000 for injury to or destruction of property in any one accident
What is the penalty for violating the Clark County Code?

Per Clark County Code 7.200.210:

(a)        Any person, firm or corporation violating the terms of this chapter outside a residential zone is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be sentenced to serve a term in the county jail or not more than six months or to pay a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or shall be punished by both such fine and imprisonment.

(b)        Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), any person, firm or corporation violating the terms of this chapter outside a residential zone may be issued, in lieu of a criminal penalty, following the penalties, which are cumulative and may be exercised in any order or combination and at any time:

(1)        a written notice of violation by any person authorized to prepare, sign and serve written citations on persons accused of violating a county ordinance; or

(2)        a civil administrative citation by any person authorized to prepare, sign and serve written citations on persons accused of violating a county ordinance. Each administrative citation shall contain the information required by Section 1.14.020 of this code and assess a corresponding fine amount of not more than five hundred dollars for each offense.

(c)        Any person, firm or corporation violating the terms of this chapter in a residential zone shall be subject to following the penalties, which are cumulative and may be exercised in any order or combination and at any time:

(1)        a written notice of violation by any person authorized to prepare, sign and serve written citations on persons accused of violating a county ordinance;

(2)        a civil administrative citation by any person authorized to prepare, sign and serve written citations on persons accused of violating a county ordinance. Each administrative citation shall contain the information required by Section 1.14.020 of this code and assess a corresponding fine amount of not more than five hundred dollars for each offense.

Why are vendors prohibited from vending 1500 ft from a resort hotel, some event facilities, the convention center, and medians of highways that are adjacent to a parking lot?

Per Senate Bill 92, passed by the State of Nevada Legislature in 2023, it is prohibited to operate as a sidewalk vendor 1500 ft from a resort hotel, some event facilities, the convention center, and medians of highways that are adjacent to a parking lot.

Is there a map for approved locations for sidewalk vending?

Please use this map to determine if your location for sidewalk vending is eligible or not. 

Will a health permit be needed?

Yes. Per Senate Bill 92, passed by the State of Nevada Legislature in 2023, the local board of health is required to adopt regulations to establish a process for a person to apply for a permit, license or other authorization from the local board of health to operate as a sidewalk vendor. Southern Nevada Health Permit Southern Nevada Health District for food and other establishments:  702-759-1000

Can a sidewalk vendor vend or park a conveyance within 150 feet of a mobile food truck?
Yes.
Can I attach a trailer to a conveyance?

Any conveyance operated by a licensee must not exceed twenty-five square feet. All equipment, food, materials, and signs used for vending must be contained on or within the conveyance. Trailers may be allowed only if approved by the appropriate public safety agencies.  Trailers will be part of the twenty-five square feet limit. In addition, the Southern Nevada Health Department must issue a health permit to legally operate a conveyance.

Can I sell liquor?

No, sale of liquor requires a separate license per Clark County Code 8.20.270 License required when—Exceptions the sale and service of liquor will not be allowed.(a) It is unlawful within the county, outside the incorporated cities and towns, both within and without the unincorporated cities and towns, for any person, social club or association or persons of any kind whatsoever to sell, serve, allow consumption, give away or distribute, or cause or permit to be sold, offered for sale, served, given away or distributed, any alcoholic, spirituous, vinous, malt or intoxicating liquor, or any of the alcoholic liquors mentioned in this chapter, without first making application for and securing a license.

Can I sell cannabis?

No, the sale of cannabis requires a separate license per Clark County Code 8.65.040 License required. It is unlawful for anyone to operate a cannabis establishment without first obtaining a county business license. In order to obtain a business license, a special use permit must be obtained from the county comprehensive planning department and a cannabis establishment license must be obtained from the compliance board.

Can I submit a complaint?

Yes, a complaint can be submitted by calling 702-455-6562, or by emailing CCBLEnforcement@ClarkCountyNV.gov. You can also complete the online complaint form by clicking here.

Additionally, a complaint can be submitted to Fix It Clark County: FixIt Clark County (clarkcountynv.gov)

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