Type of business determines county licensing

The requirements to get a business license in Clark County vary widely depending on the type of business to be started.

On the business license section of the county's website, clarkcountynv.gov/depts/business_license, there is a list of business types and requirements. The list covers the gamut from A (acupuncture, adult novelty and art gallery) to Y (yogurt shop and yard maintenance).

Many businesses require only a simple application fee and a separate annual license fee. Others are more complicated. Opening a restaurant can involve licenses for liquor, amusement machines (including pool tables), brew pub, portable bars and many other items. Gaming licenses break down into dozens of categories. The fees can run from a few hundred dollars to thousands. One requirement for anyone applying for a business license in any Nevada municipality is that they be current on child support.

The county site also includes a jurisdiction locator. Depending on the location of your business, you may need licenses from the county, state and/or one of the three cities in the valley.

According to Clark County spokesman Dan Kulin, the county is in the process of trying to further streamline the process. For now, most of the answers for applying for county licenses are online. The county clerk's office is available for clarifications by phone at 455-0000 or in person at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

Even established businesses can benefit from information found on the county website. A special search feature makes it easier for entrepreneurs to find new businesses that may need services.

The clerk's site enables searches for businesses by the date they file their fictitious firm name with the county, one of the first steps in getting a license.

Using this search, an entrepreneur could create a list of the newest businesses in the county.

"A new business can have various needs, ranging from accounting and advertising to printing and web design," Clark County Clerk Diana Alba said. "This search feature makes it easier for established businesses that provide those services to identify potential clients."

To perform this search, visit clarkcountynv.gov/depts/clerk. Select "Records Search" on the left side of the page, then click on "Fictitious Name Search."

Click "Continue to search page" and then select the "Document Type" tab. Enter the beginning and ending dates you want to search. Under "Allowed Document Types" click on the "+" sign next to "General." When the drop-down menu appears, check the box for "Fictitious Firm Name." Then select "Search."

- F. Andrew Taylor