City Cuts Permitting Rules to Boost New Music Spots

Reno’s planning board decided on Thursday to try a new rule that makes it easier for fresh music venues to open in downtown and Midtown. The plan removes the need for a conditional‑use permit when a new business wants to host indoor live shows after 11 p. m. The city still requires permits for outdoor venues that play past 10 p. m. , and existing businesses are not affected. The old process forced applicants to pay a $5, 000 fee, hold public hearings, and wait two or three months for approvals. The new pilot will skip these steps for newcomers in the city’s “entertainment core. ”Officials say the goal is to attract more small businesses and speed up their opening times, while still keeping some safeguards. All new venues must submit a detailed security plan that will be checked by city staff, the code enforcement team and police. Neighborhood residents have mixed feelings. Naomi Tsuda worries that eliminating hearings will reduce community input and weaken the rules that protect locals. She fears the change could lead to more problems if businesses don’t follow existing standards. The city will monitor complaints and service calls for 18 months, then decide whether to make the relaxed rules permanent. The final decision will rest with the Reno City Council.