Las Vegas officials make some rules easier to start business

The city of Las Vegas is making it easier to open a business, streamlining the business licensing process by 60 percent to 75 percent, Business Licensing Department manager Karen Duddlesten said Wednesday.

Duddlesten explained the new streamlined process for privileged licenses to about 30 people at a seminar at City Hall. Privileged licenses are for businesses deemed by the City Council to require a high degree of regulation such as liquor, gaming, pawn shops and second-hand businesses.

Previously, business owners had to fill out 18 pages of personal history and 15 pages of financial history and undergo a suitability investigation by Las Vegas police. That process could take six months or more, Duddlesten said.

Now it's down to five or six pages of personal history and four pages of financial history, the licensing manager said.

"It was truly frustrating on the part of businesses to make their way through the process, as well as understand what's needed," she said. "It took a bold move for the city to say, 'You know what, we need to do more. We're going to make major changes in how we serve our customers.' "

Business owners can now apply for a license from their personal computer. They can find forms on the city's website, www.lasvegasnevada.gov, download the forms, fill them out, print and sign them and make an appointment to bring them in. For security reasons, the forms are not yet accepted online, Duddlesten said.

Financial forms include information such as principal partners in the business, ownership structure, officers and key employees, ownership history and funding sources.

The city has not performed a cost analysis on how much businesses will save with the streamlined process, she said. Fees remain the same, starting with $200 to register with the state, plus Nevada Department of Taxation identification and workers' compensation insurance.

The processing fee for a business license with the city is $50, plus the standard fee for that business and $100 for a personal background check by Las Vegas police. Privileged business licenses are $100 for processing.

"What we're trying to do is let you help yourself," Duddlesten told the business class. "This is all new, and we appreciate everyone who sends an email identifying problems.

"Just let us know, and we'll keep working on it. Your feedback is really valuable."

The program is one of a number of initiatives the city has undertaken to make it easier to do business in Las Vegas, Duddlesten said. Customers can also pay their application fee or renew their current business online.

In June, local officials introduced the first phase of a multijurisdictional business license program for contractors that does away with separate permits for each municipality. Previously, contractors had to obtain business licenses from each jurisdiction in which they plan to do business.

Last year, the city opened its Development Services Center at 333 N. Rancho Drive, a "one-stop shop" for the businesses doing home additions or construction.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.