Recent concerns from members of the Reno community regarding live entertainment have prompted the city to hold virtual meetings next week and conduct a survey of residents and business owners.
The City says live entertainment is unique and encompasses many things, whether it be a trivia night, a DJ playing music, a concert, or any type of activity where people gather to watch a performance or be a part of something.
Assistant Director of City Development Services Angela Fuss says current regulations within city zoning codes require the acquisition of a permit at a cost if live entertainment goes past a certain time.
"Any live entertainment after 11 p.m. requires a conditional use permit, and a conditional use permit is about $5,000 to apply. It does not guarantee you'll be approved, and it takes about three months to go through the process," said Fuss.
This creates issues, as feedback they have heard from local businesses call the process expensive and time-consuming. The City of Reno wants to be business-friendly but also understands residents could be impacted by the entertainment.
"We're trying to protect the residents that are impacted by the kind of, the downtown and midtown noise and obviously live events," said Fuss.
Hearing from both business owners and community members will allow the city to figure out its next steps.
"We're just getting feedback and the next step in the process is we'll take that information and we'll go back to City Council and let them know what the community thinks about live entertainment, whether it's working, whether it's not, and areas that we can improve upon," she said.
They say they want to hear from everyone, and anyone can sign up to be a part of next week's digital meetings or participate in the ongoing survey.
"It's not just residents of downtown and midtown, it's the entire city," said Fuss. "You know, maybe you live in Sparks, but you come to downtown. Maybe you live somewhere in one of the suburbs of Reno, and you frequent places that have live entertainment after midnight or after 11. We want your opinion. And your feedback as well."
