UPDATE - March 17, 2026:
Washoe County is inviting people to provide feedback on a draft update to the Equine Business Code, a section of the Washoe County Development Code that governs horse-related businesses.
A draft of the updated code is now available online and can be viewed on the Equine Business Annotated Draft page. People can share feedback through multiple opportunities, including a webinar, online survey, and focus groups.
The Equine Business Code Update Webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, at 5:00 p.m. The presentation will cover the update process so far, summarize feedback from Phase 1 of public outreach, provide a broad overview of the draft, and show how to submit feedback through the online survey. The webinar will be available via Zoom at the link or by phone, one-tap at +1-(669) 444-9171.
An online survey is also available for people who want to provide feedback quickly. The survey will remain open through Sunday, April 5.
Focus groups will allow small groups of up to eight people to discuss the draft amendments and provide input. No presentations will be given during focus groups, and all sessions will cover the same material. Sign-ups are required to maintain small group sizes and can be completed on the Washoe County focus group sign-up page.
Focus group dates and locations are:
Sparks Library, Thursday, March 26, Sparks Library Meeting Room, 1125 12th St, Sparks, NV 89431
Group 1: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Group 2: 5:45-6:45 p.m.
South Valleys Library, Monday, March 30, Diamond Room, 15650 Wedge Parkway, Reno, NV 89511
Group 1: 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Group 2: 5:45-6:45 p.m. (concurrent)
Reno-Stead Airport, Wednesday, April 1, Community Meeting Room, 4895 Texas Ave, Reno, NV 89506
Group 1: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Group 2: 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Online Focus Groups, Thursday, April 2, via Zoom (attendees will receive Zoom info after RSVP)
Group 1: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Group 2: 5:45-6:45 p.m.
For more information, visit the Washoe County Equine Business Code update page or email planning@washoecounty.gov.
ORIGINAL STORY - January 12, 2026:
If you have ever wondered how horse-related businesses are regulated in Washoe County, a new public process is about to begin.
County staff is launching an update to the Equine Business Code, a component of the Washoe County Development Code that governs the operation of equine businesses.
The goal of the first round of meetings is to walk people through what was learned during earlier public outreach, explain the expected timeline, and hear feedback before any changes are drafted.
People can choose from three identical sessions, each starting at 5:30 p.m., so attending comes down to what works best for your schedule.
The first meeting is on Monday, January 12, at the South Valleys Library meeting rooms, located at 15650 Wedge Parkway in Reno.
A second session is set for Thursday, January 22, held online through Zoom, or Phone Tap +17193594580,91541164933# US
The final meeting happens Tuesday, January 27, at the Spanish Springs Library Washoe Room at 7100A Pyramid Way in Sparks.
County officials say all sessions will cover the same material, so there is no need to attend more than one.
People who want to stay involved can also sign up for “Animal Issues – Horses” email alerts through the Washoe County sign-up page and review background material on the Equine Business Code webpage.
