Sparks Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 5.08 requires any person who transacts or conducts any business in the City to first obtain a business license from the City. The minimum price of a regular business license is currently $109, and the City does not offer a temporary business license option.

In connection with special events held pursuant to SMC Chapter 9.34 (i.e., events held in public right-of-way and approved by the Parks and Recreation Department), the City of Sparks offers temporary vendor permits to crafters, farmers, and other sellers participating in City-sanctioned special events. The fee for a temporary vendor permit is $15. A temporary vendor permit is effectively a temporary business license connected with a special event.

This proposed amendment to the SMC Chapter 5.08 would add a temporary business license similar to a temporary vendor permit, but the temporary business license could be obtained by vendors holding or participating in events on private property.

Temporary business licenses have been requested by numerous persons, including private event sponsors such as churches, as well as vendors at farmers’ markets and craft fairs that only participate in a handful of events per year. These persons see the expense of a regular City business license as a barrier to their participation in such events. Staff is also aware that some vendors participate in such events without a City business license due to the cost.

A temporary business license would provide small crafters, farmers, operators of events such as carnivals, and others who infrequently do business in Sparks the ability to obtain a business license at a cost that is more consistent with the scope of their operations in Sparks. Accordingly, staff anticipate that offering a reduced-cost temporary business license would encourage participation in events on private property and fuller compliance with City business licensing requirements. 

This code amendment proposes to revise SMC Chapter 5.08 by adding Section 5.08.025 (Exhibit 1). Staff is proposing creation of a temporary business license for persons who infrequently or temporarily engage in business activities in Sparks to do so legally at a cost more conducive to conducting business sparingly during a 12-month period. As proposed in SMC 5.08.025(E), the fee for a temporary business license would be $15, plus the $2 technology fee required by SMC 5.12.103, for a total of $17.

1. Council can adopt Bill 2775 (to approve CA-5-19) as presented.
2. Council can change Bill 2775 and approve CA-5-19 with modifications.
3. Council can reject CA-5-19.

I move to adopt Bill 2775 to amend Title 5 of the Sparks Municipal Code to create a Temporary Business License.