Business Licenses 

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The Office of the City Clerk administers the City Business License Program. These are the types of business licenses issued within the City:


There are other specific forms that must be completed for each type of business license. All forms / application packets are available from the City Clerk's Office at 595 Silver Lace Boulevard, or may be viewed below. Before you begin the City of Fernley business license process, please complete your Common Business Registration at the State of Nevada Secretary of State at SilverFlume Nevada's Business Portal. In addition to the business license application, please complete all documents in the list below the corresponding application.

  • Commercial Business License (PDF)
    • Issued to commercial businesses located within the City limits, including commercial property rentals.
  • Home Occupation License (PDF)
    • Issued to those operating businesses out of residential property within the City limits. Restrictions on this type of business are outlined in the City of Fernley Development Code.
    • Zoning and Development Code are available on the Documents Folder under the Planning and Development tab. Chapter 28 provides an outline of zoning allowances and Use definitions.
  • Handyman License (PDF)
    • Issued to those operating businesses out of residential property within the City limits. Restrictions on this type of business are outlined in the City of Fernley Development Code (PDF).
    • Zoning and Development Code are available on the Documents Folder under the Planning and Development tab. Chapter 28 provides an outline of zoning allowances and Use definitions.
  • In-Home Child Care License
    • Issued to those operating small child care operations out of residential property within the City limits. Restrictions on this type of business are outlined in the City of Fernley Development Code.
    • Please see this step by step guide to obtain an In-Home Child Care license.
    • All child care applicants must go through a background check at a Nevada Department of Public Safety authorized fingerprint agency and submit a Child Care license application to the City Clerk. Obtain a Fingerprint Request Form and Fingerprint Background Waiver from the City Clerk prior to obtaining fingerprints. Fingerprints will be submitted electronically through Livescan and May take 30 days or more to obtain results.  
  • Residential Rentals License (PDF)
    • Issued to landlords of 4 or more units.
    • A unit is considered a single family residence: a home is 1 unit, a duplex is 2 units, a four-plex is 4 units.
  • Out of Town License (PDF)
    • Issued to those conducting operations or providing services within the City of Fernley, but not physically located within the City of Fernley.
  • Liquor license
    • Liquor License Applications require fingerprinting and a background check prior to issuance of the license. Please see the Liquor License Instructions for license requirements and fees. All Liquor License Applications (PDF) must be submitted in person at the City Clerk’s office at 595 Silver Lace Blvd. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (775) 463-6600.
  • Solicitors/Peddlers
    • The City of Fernley Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 2 requires anyone who is selling, offering for sale or soliciting on the streets, sidewalks or alleys of the City, or by going from dwelling to dwelling unit by foot or by other means of transportation, obtain a Peddlers/Solicitors License. See this step by step guide for instructions on obtaining this type of license.
    • All solicitors must  go through a background check at a Nevada Department of Public Safety authorized fingerprint agency and submit a Solicitor license application to the City Clerk. Obtain a Fingerprint Request Form and Fingerprint Background Waiverfrom the City Clerk prior to obtaining fingerprints. Fingerprints will be submitted electronically through Livescan and may take 30 days or more to obtain the results.

      A business license does NOT authorize door to door solicitation or peddling under this Chapter. For additional information regarding Solicitors License, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (775) 784-9830 or visit us at 595 Silver Lace Blvd., Fernley, NV.

Temporary Business Permits

  • Special Event Permit - Issued to event coordinators (including craft fairs, farmers market, fundraisers, non-profit events, etc.)
  • Vendor Permit - Issued to vendors that participate in special events such as craft fairs, farmers market, fundraisers, non-profit events, etc.

Additional Resources

Legal Information 

The City code regarding business license is title ten. Title ten has been amended from time to time and fees have been set in resolutions of the City Council. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for specific ordinances and resolutions pertaining to the City Business License Program by calling 775.784.9830  or email cityclerk@cityoffernley.org