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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Special Event Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In order to assist with permitting your special event, we've compiled a list of FAQs to help in identifying the right forms for your event, filling out the permit applications, and following up with other agencies. The below questions are provided in an effort to provide as much information as possible about Special Event licensing and permitting in unincorporated Clark County. If your question is not answered below, please reach out to our licensing staff at BLSpecialEvents@ClarkCountyNV.gov

General Special Event Questions

How do I know if I need a special event permit?
If you are hosting a temporary event at a specific location for a limited period of time, you will most likely need special event permit(s). If the event includes admission fees, live music, include additional vendors or business participants, may serve alcohol, and/ or have more than 5,000 attendees per day, you will need multiple permits specific to the activities. 
How do I know which agency I should contact for a special event permit?
Being specific about your special event location is incredibly important and we recommend you use our jurisdiction locator to assist in determining which jurisdiction you need to contact for a film permit. The region most people consider “Las Vegas” is made up of six (6) different jurisdictions; city of Las Vegas, city of Henderson, Clark County, Boulder City, city of Mesquite, and city of North Las Vegas.
I have approval from the Clark County Special Events Team, do I need approval from any other agency for my event?
It depends on the event. Approvals may also be necessary from other County departments, as well as outside safety and health agencies depending on the specifics of your event. 
Is there a list of fees for all the permits and licenses?
Yes, all fees are listed in the table below: 
Application/ Permit Cost
Auctioneer Annual license fee $500.00 + One time permit fee of $50.00 + $45.00 non-refundable application fee.
Carnival, Circus, Tent Show Annual license fee $200.00 + $45.00 non-refundable application fee
General Promoter Annual license fee $200.00 + $45.00 non-refundable application fee
Multiple Vendor Arena Sale Indoor $6.00 per day per vendor, Outdoor $4.00 per day per + $45.00 non-refundable application fee
Music Concert Promoter Annual license fee $300.00 + $45.00 non-refundable application fee
Outdoor Festival $45.00 one-time non-refundable application fee. Prior to being granted a license the following will be due, the applicable annual business license fee for the licensing category.
Professional Promoter Annual license fee $200.00 + $45.00 non-refundable application fee
Rodeo Permit $300.00 + $45.00 non-refundable application fee
Alcoholic Beverage Tasting Permit No fee
Auction Permit $15.00
Carnival Permit Fees will vary based on event details. Please call Clark County Special Events at 702-455-4111.
Holiday Events Permit Fees will vary based on event details. Please call Clark County Special Events at 702-455-4111.
Liquor Caterer Permit $10.00 per day per liquor service location
Music Concert Permit $400.00
Off-premise Liquor Permit $50 per Beer only station; $75 per Beer and Wine service permit station; and $150 per Liquor service permit station
How do I know what kind of promoter I am (General, Professional, and/or Music Concert)?
Promoter Type License Type/ Used For
General Promoter General license; used for promoting family-friendly style events where no alcohol event will be served.
Professional Promoter Regulated license; anything to do with alcohol, nightlife, and/or adult entertainment
Music Concert Promoter General license; used by any person promoting a music concert/ musical event
If I am a charitable organization, do I need still need to apply for permits for a special event?
Yes; you will still need to apply for any applicable event permits, however certain fees may not apply. 
As a charitable organization, do I pay fees for special event permits?
No; if you have registered with our department, received necessary approvals and a Certificate of Recognition as a Charitable Organization, you will not have to pay applicable fees for special event permits with our department. However, some fees with other departments or outside agencies may still apply. 
I am planning a music event and want to include vendors, what permits do I need?
If you are planning a musical concert event with additional third-party vendors, you will need to apply for musical concert promoter, multiple vendor arena sale. If you do not apply for the multiple vendor arena sale, third-party vendors may need to apply for a business license or a Temporary Store permit if they are not licensed to do business in unincorporated Clark County.
I want to charge for admission to my event, do I need a license or permit?
Yes; in addition you the applicable event permits you will need to apply for a permit to charge admission fees.
If I am already licensed in another jurisdiction, do I still need a Clark County Business License?
Yes; anyone doing business in unincorporated Clark County must have a valid, unexpired Clark County business license.
If I am just a vendor at an event, do I need a license or permit?
Yes; if you are doing business in Clark County, you will need to apply for and maintain a business license even if you are only vending at event. If you are a business that is traveling for an event, you may only need to apply for a “Temporary Store” permit. 
I am a traveling vendor who will only be doing business in Clark County for the duration of a special event, do I need a business license?
Yes; but you may apply for a “Temporary Store” permit that will allow you to operate in our jurisdiction for the duration of the event. If you are vending at more than one event per year in Clark County, it may be a better option to apply for a full business license with our department. For more information about licensing, please visit our General Licensing webpage. 
Is a bond or insurance required to host an event?
Yes; there are several event types where a bond or a certificate of insurance will be required as part of your application packet and before any permits can be approved or issued. 
I have business insurance. Do I need a different type of insurance for my event?
You should check with your insurance company to ensure that your coverage applies to events outside of your normal business operations up to and including off-site special events or activities.
If I have multiple events, do I have to submit applications for each event?
Yes, each event will need its own separate permit(s) for any additional or separate event dates.
I am hosting an event, do I need to fill out the Large Event Gathering Notification?
It depends; if your event has an expected attendance of 5,000 or more persons per day, you will need to fill out the Large Event Gathering Notification. The notification form should be submitted at least ten (10) calendar days before the event.
How do I know which permits I need to apply for to host an event?
We have created a flow chart with the nine (9) major elements for hosting a special event in unincorporated Clark County. You can view the flow chart by clicking here
I am hosting an indoor event, do I need a special event permit?
Yes; include a location agreement as part of your application, along with a safety and security plan supplemental application.
I am hosting an outdoor event, do I need a special event permit?
Yes; an approved use permit is required from Zoning prior to applying for a special event permit. For more information on obtaining a permit from Zoning, click here to visit their webpage
I would like to serve alcohol at my event, do I need a permit? 
Yes; depending on the conditions of how alcohol will be distributed at your event, you may need any of the following: an off-premise liquor permit, a liquor caterer permit, or an alcoholic beverage tasting permit.
I would like to have live music at my event, what permits do I need?
The event organizer will need a music concert promoter license. If they have obtained that license, they may apply for a music concert permit or outdoor festival permit depending on the scope of the event. If the event is outdoors, Zoning approval would also be needed as part of the permit application. For more information on obtaining approval from Zoning, click here to visit their webpage.
If I am hosting a fundraiser, do I need an event permit?
Yes; if you are the charitable or non-profit organization you may apply for a Charitable Registration with the County. Depending on the elements of you event  various permits or licenses would also be needed. 
Do I need to make an appointment to submit for a special event permit? 
Yes; our Special Event team is available by appointment only. Please email BLSpecialEvents@ClarkCountyNV.gov to schedule an appointment.

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