Washoe County Requires STR Permits via OneNV.us - Reno and Sparks Hosts, Read This

If you rent a property in unincorporated Washoe County and you do not have a county Short Term Rental Permit, you are out of compliance. Full stop. The county's permitting program is live, the online portal is open, and the rules are clear: no permit, no legal operation. The only question is whether your property actually falls under county jurisdiction, and the answer to that determines everything about what you do next.

Who This Applies To - and Who It Does Not

Washoe County's permitting program covers unincorporated areas of Washoe County only. The county has published a map showing the eligible area in orange. If your property falls inside that highlighted zone, a permit is required. If your STR is within the City of Reno or the City of Sparks, the rules are completely different: Washoe County Planning and Building Department has no jurisdiction over those cities, and you cannot obtain a county permit for a property located there. Reno and Sparks hosts need to look to their respective city governments for permitting requirements.

This is not a technicality. The county is explicit: hosts in Reno or Sparks who attempt to apply through the county system will be turned away. If you are unsure which jurisdiction your property falls under, check the county's orange-highlighted map before doing anything else.

The Portal, the Process, and What You Need to Submit

Applications are submitted online through OneNV.us. The county recommends using Chrome or Firefox as your browser. The process follows a specific sequence: create a user account on OneNV.us, then click on the "Short Term Rentals" tab to begin. Application fees are also paid through the portal.

Before you log on, the county wants you to prepare all required documents as outlined in the STR Application Guide. There is also a Step-by-Step Instructions for Online Submittal document available to walk you through the process. Getting your paperwork together before you start the application will save you from stalling mid-submission.

One important timing note for a specific permit tier: the STR Administrative Review Permit Application, known as the Tier II application, is accepted on the 8th of each month only. If you need a Tier II permit, missing that date means waiting another full month.

Inspections Are Part of the Deal

A building code inspection is required as part of the permitting process. The county has published an STR Home Inspection Check List so hosts can prepare their property before an inspector arrives. This is not optional and not a formality. Hosts should review the checklist carefully and address any issues before scheduling an inspection.

What the Rules Require of Your Property

Beyond the permit itself, Washoe County's STR rules set specific operational standards. Parking is required. Occupancy is calculated based on bedrooms: two occupants for each legally permitted bedroom, with the remainder of the home calculated at one occupant for every 200 square feet of habitable space. Liability insurance is also required, with a minimum coverage of $500,000 per occurrence. These are not suggestions. They are conditions of holding a valid permit.

What Hosts Should Do Right Now

• Check the county's orange-highlighted map to confirm your property is in unincorporated Washoe County, not within Reno or Sparks city limits.
• Download and review the STR Application Guide and the Step-by-Step Instructions for Online Submittal before opening the portal.
• Go to OneNV.us, create an account, and navigate to the "Short Term Rentals" tab to begin your application.
• If you need a Tier II (Administrative Review) permit, mark the 8th of the month on your calendar. That is the only day those applications are accepted.
• Review the STR Home Inspection Check List and make sure your property is ready before an inspector visits.
• Confirm your liability insurance meets the $500,000 per occurrence minimum and that your occupancy limits are correctly calculated by bedroom count.

For the complete Washoe County compliance guide including tax calculator, checklist, and daily monitoring, see Washoe County, NV STR Regulations.