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City of Reno seeks feedback on live entertainment regulations

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 18:44 GMT by KOLO TV
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Reno City Council Calls for Public Input on New Live‑Entertainment Regulations
Published September 22, 2025

The City of Reno has opened a public comment period on a draft ordinance that would tighten rules around live‑entertainment venues across the city. The proposed regulations—spanning everything from operating hours and noise limits to licensing fees and health‑safety requirements—are slated for a public hearing on October 15 at the Reno City Hall. City officials say the goal is to protect residents’ quality of life while ensuring that the city’s thriving nightlife economy can continue to grow in a responsible and sustainable way.

Why the New Rules?

In recent years Reno has become a magnet for music, theater, and dance, thanks in part to the city’s ongoing revitalization of downtown, the construction of the new Palms Casino Resort, and the success of the 2024 International Film Festival. That surge in entertainment activity has brought an influx of visitors, but it has also amplified concerns about noise, safety, and congestion in residential neighborhoods.

City Councilmember Maya Ortiz, who sits on the Public Safety Committee, explained that “the last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the number of venues that operate well beyond the city’s current capacity limits. Our current licensing framework does not fully address the realities of high‑volume events or the associated safety risks.”  The proposed ordinance seeks to remedy that gap by establishing clear guidelines for crowd control, fire safety, sound insulation, and hours of operation.

In a statement released on the City of Reno’s website, the council noted that the new rules would:

• Set a maximum capacity for venues based on square footage and fire‑exit configuration, with a special exemption process for established clubs that can demonstrate compliance with enhanced safety protocols.
• Define sound‑level limits that must be met throughout operating hours, including a “quiet hour” between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. in residential districts.
• Introduce a new licensing fee structure that ties the fee to the venue’s square footage and event type, with a sliding scale that offers reduced rates for community‑oriented events such as local school concerts or charity fundraisers.
• Require regular health inspections for venues that serve food and alcohol, in addition to the existing alcohol‑licensing requirements.
• Mandate a noise‑monitoring plan for venues that host events featuring amplified music, including the installation of sound meters and the submission of monthly reports to the City’s Noise Control Board.

The council has highlighted that these changes are intended to be “pro‑business,” with the aim of encouraging responsible growth rather than stifling entrepreneurship. “We’re offering a fair set of rules that will keep the city safe and vibrant. This isn’t a blanket crackdown— it’s a framework that supports sustainable development,” Ortiz said.

How to Provide Feedback

The ordinance draft is available on the city’s official “Live‑Entertainment Ordinance” page: https://www.reno.gov/Ordinances/LiveEntertainment.  Readers can download a PDF of the proposal, which includes a side‑by‑side comparison of the current regulations and the proposed changes.

The city is conducting a public comment period that runs until October 30. Stakeholders can submit written comments, participate in a live webcast of the public hearing, or attend the in‑person session on October 15. All comments are due before the city’s final decision, which is expected in mid‑November.

To streamline feedback, the city has set up an online survey—accessible at https://www.reno.gov/LiveEntertainmentSurvey—that allows residents and business owners to rate their support for each of the proposed clauses and suggest amendments. The survey will be open until October 20, and the results will be compiled in a public report that the city will publish on its website.

In addition, a separate link to the City Council Minutes for the 09‑22‑2025 meeting is available here: https://www.reno.gov/CityCouncil/Minutes.  The minutes provide context for the council’s discussion and note that a special subcommittee was convened last month to review best practices from other Nevada cities such as Carson City and Elko.

Stakeholder Reactions

Venue Operators.  Many venue owners are cautiously optimistic. John Martinez, owner of the iconic “Jazz Lounge” in downtown Reno, said, “We love what Reno is becoming, and we’re committed to meeting any new safety standards. But we’re also worried that the licensing fees might be too steep for small clubs.” The council’s proposed sliding‑scale fee structure aims to address that concern, but the debate is already heating up.

Neighborhood Groups.  The “Reno Residents Alliance” (RRA) has expressed support for stricter noise regulations. “The last few months have seen a lot of complaints from people living near the convention center. A quiet hour policy is a big win for us,” said RRA chair Emily Chen.  The RRA has requested that the city include a clause that mandates soundproofing upgrades for venues that do not already have adequate acoustic barriers.

Business Advocacy.  The local Chamber of Commerce, represented by Vice‑President Linda Patel, has urged the city to balance regulation with flexibility. Patel stated, “The city’s nightlife is a major contributor to our economy. We’re willing to work with the council to find a solution that protects public safety without hindering growth.” The Chamber is planning to attend the public hearing and will submit a joint statement that outlines potential compromises.

City Officials.  Councilmember Ortiz said that the public hearing will be “an opportunity for all voices to be heard.”  She noted that the city is working closely with the Reno Police Department’s Night‑Shift unit and the Fire Department’s Safety Inspectors to align the new regulations with existing enforcement protocols.

Economic and Community Impact

The city’s Office of Economic Development, in a brief note on the city’s news portal, projects that the revised regulations could have a neutral to slightly positive effect on the local economy. The new licensing fee structure, while adding a cost to venue operators, is designed to reflect the actual value of city services—such as emergency response and public utilities—used by live‑entertainment events.

Moreover, the proposed rules could enhance Reno’s reputation as a model city for responsible nightlife. The city’s tourism board is hopeful that the ordinance will attract high‑quality events and performers who are looking for venues that prioritize both safety and sound quality.

What Comes Next

After the public hearing on October 15, the council will consider all written and oral comments before drafting a final ordinance. The proposed text will then be posted on the city’s website, and residents will have a two‑week window to review and submit any additional feedback. The council plans to adopt the ordinance in a mid‑November meeting, after which the City Attorney will prepare the official language for publication in the Reno City Code.

The city has scheduled a follow‑up meeting on December 5 to discuss the implementation timeline and the establishment of an oversight committee—expected to include city officials, venue representatives, and community members—to monitor compliance over the first year.

Bottom Line

Reno’s push for new live‑entertainment regulations signals a deliberate effort to balance growth with safety. While the proposed rules may impose additional costs and operational changes for venues, they also promise a more predictable regulatory environment and an elevated standard of public safety. For residents, the ordinance aims to reduce noise and crowd‑control problems, especially in residential neighborhoods. Whether the new regulations will succeed will largely depend on how well the city incorporates the feedback it receives over the next few weeks and on the willingness of venue operators to adapt to the new framework.

Want to Get Involved?

Read the full draft ordinance – https://www.reno.gov/Ordinances/LiveEntertainment
Submit written comments – https://www.reno.gov/LiveEntertainmentSurvey
Watch the live public hearing – https://www.reno.gov/CityHall/LiveEntertainmentPublicHearing
View city council minutes – https://www.reno.gov/CityCouncil/Minutes

The city encourages all stakeholders—business owners, performers, community groups, and ordinary citizens—to participate in this important conversation before the final decision is made.