Temporary Changes to Community Development Department Operations During COVID-19 (5 11 20)
Business Operations
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Governor Sisolak called for sheltering-in-place, we made quick modifications to the day-to-day operations of City Hall. The good news is that the Community Development Department is still 100% open for business! The second floor of City Hall has been set up to allow the public to submit and pick up hard copy applications anytime during normal business hours. This is inclusive of the majority of Community Development applications and permits including business licenses, building permits, mapping applications and planning/zoning applications. Please note, there is no face-to-face contact and all meetings are done either virtually or by phone. A detailed list of these changes and contact information is attached for your reference.
In addition to hard copy submittals, applicants now have the option to submit all types of building permit applications electronically through the Electronic Document Review (EDR) process. Transitioning to electronic permit submittal has been in process for the past 18 months, with the final step having taken place in March, just as the COVID shutdown was occurring. Thanks in part to the electronic submittal process, building permits have been coming in at a steady rate and are able to be reviewed electronically by staff, while working remotely. For more information on electronic document review, please refer to the City website: Electronic Building Permit Submittal Information
The Planning and Engineering Departments have updated zoning and mapping applications to allow for greater flexibility in digital submittals and have reduced the number of copies needed for hard copy submittals. Be sure to review the most up-to-date application forms before submitting. Applications can be downloaded off the City website: Planning and Mapping Applications
ReIgnite Reno
The City of Reno has also started a new initiative called ReIgnite Reno. This is a coordinated COVID-19 relief and recovery program. The initial phase focuses on immediate actions that can be taken to help businesses and residents during the State of Emergency. These initiatives will be temporary in nature and focused on preserving businesses, jobs and personal well-being. The second phase will focus on community assistance and job recovery as emergency directives are relaxed and lifted. Examples of this initiative include deferring fees for certain types of applications, new grant application opportunities, securing housing funds to help protect those entering homelessness, regulatory changes, changing the way we do special events, and modifications to parks and recreation activities with social distancing regulations. More details about the ReIgnite Reno initiative can be viewed here: ReIgnite Reno
The Reno City Council has made it clear they want to find ways to assist our business community during the recovery phase of the pandemic, while ensuring public health continues to be of the highest priority. In an effort to help businesses operate under social distancing requirements and to aid in the economic recovery from COVID-19, the City of Reno is temporarily easing certain regulations, including outdoor dining, outdoor retail and modifications to hours of construction for indoor activities, to name a few. You can view the guidelines on the City website: ReIgnite Reno – Temporary Outdoor Operating Guidelines
Zoning Code Update
Prior to COVID, adoption of the zoning code update was targeted for summer, however, COVID created a temporary pause in that process. The good news is that City Council has given direction to keep the zoning code update moving forward and we are now targeting adoption in the fall. More information will be forthcoming on the next steps in that process.
Building Permits
Submittals
All types of building permits can now be submitted either
electronically or in-person.
● Instructions for electronic building permit submittal can be found
on the City of Reno website under Electronic Building Permit
Submittal.
○ Apply for building permits and submit plans
● Paper copy building permits can also be submitted to the 2nd
floor of City Hall.
○ Applicants must enter City Hall on the 1st floor main
entrance (the 2nd floor parking garage entrance is closed
to the public).
○ Several drop-off and pick-up stations have been set up in
the 2nd floor lobby area of Reno City Hall. Please see the
appropriate station for:
■ New Building Permits
■ Plan Revisions
■ Single-Family Repeats
■ EZ Permits
■ Approved Plans/Ready for Pick Up
***There are no City staff available for in-person questions, but permits
can be picked up on Tuesday and Thursdays at the appropriate station
in the lobby. Please call 334-2063 with plan pick-up questions.
Business License
Application
Submittals and
Renewals
Customers are encouraged to complete as many transactions as
possible online. Use the following links to help you complete your
requests online using aca.accela.com website. Application forms and
guides are also available at reno.gov/businesslicense.
● Hard copy business license applications can also be submitted to
the 2nd floor of City Hall.
○ Applicants can enter City Hall on the 1st floor main
entrance (the 2nd floor parking garage entrance is closed
to the public).
○ Several drop-off and pick-up stations have been set up in
the 2nd floor lobby area of Reno City Hall. There is a
separate drop-off station for business licenses.
● Business License Economic Relief Program
○ Businesses can check eligibility and apply for fee
relief/deferral of payments at reno.gov/businesslicense.
Planning and
Mapping
Applications
All Planning and Mapping applications are to be submitted on the
2nd floor of City Hall.
● Applicants can enter City Hall on the 1st floor main entrance (the
2nd floor parking garage entrance is closed to the public).
● Drop-off and pick-up stations have been set up in the 2nd floor
lobby area of Reno City Hall for Planning and Mapping
applications.