Henderson plans to streamline process for business licenses

The streamlined program would allow new businesses based in Henderson to obtain their business license through the city of Henderson while indicating which other jurisdictions the business plans to operate in.

"We are trying to relieve the burden for businesses that have to apply for up to four licenses," said Margaret Glad, the supervising business license technician for the city of Henderson.

Glad said when the new program is expected to start on June 17, someone seeking a business license in Henderson can indicate that they plan to operate in other jurisdictions such as Clark County, Las Vegas or North Las Vegas. An update will be sent to those places.

Right now, Glad said, the city is trying to get the word out about the new process.

After the process is implemented, a new license showing all the jurisdictions the business can operate in will be sent to the current owners.

When a potential entrepreneur approaches the city to obtain a business license, the city first determines what type of business he is trying to start and helps decide which licenses best fit his needs.

"We ask what they plan on doing and if they are in Henderson," Glad said.

The department provides a checklist indicating which forms and paperwork people might need, whether it’s proof of registration with the State of Nevada Department of Taxation or the Clark Country Assessor’s form.

Applicants pay $25 to submit the business registration form along with a $90 semiannual fixed fee.

During the application process, applicants indicate whether they will have a commercial-based business or a home-based business.

Glad said home-based businesses are allowed if it is reasonable.

"The essential criteria is, if what you’re doing isn’t going to annoy your neighbors, if it isn’t going to change the residential nature of the neighborhood, then generally we’re going to allow it," Glad said.

Customer traffic or multiple employees coming to the business might be some of the issues that licensing would consider.

"If you have five people showing up to work every day, that’s going to block the parking, and neighbors are going to be mad because there are too many cars on the street," Glad said. "On the other hand, if you have a meeting with a client and one client comes and they leave, that’s not really disruptive. An occasional meeting at the house is allowed."

Glad also said people can’t start businesses, such as an automotive repair shop, out of their garage. However, someone could list his home as the base of operation.

"That’s with the understanding you’re not doing the repairs there," Glad said. "You’re going to your customer for roadside assistance."

Glad said when granting licenses, the city tries to determine what is fair for all parties.

"It is a fine line between allowing businesses to operate and not causing a problem for everyone around," Glad said.

For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com/business/index.php.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.