Are there rental limits in Sparks?

Unincorporated Washoe County rules DO NOT apply in Sparks city limits.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Sparks?

Unhosted rentals are generally PROHIBITED in purely residential (RL/RM) zones.

What should Sparks hosts know about bed and breakfast status requires?

Bed and Breakfast status requires the owner to be physically present on-site during stays.

What are the key requirements for Sparks hosts?

Lodging tax (13.5%) is higher than standard state sales tax and must be remitted via RSCVA.

Sparks, NV Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing Guide

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

The City of Sparks regulates short-term rentals primarily through its business licensing and zoning codes, requiring a city business license and limiting operations to specific mixed-use or commercial zones, or as owner-occupied bed and breakfasts.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Low permit fee

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Sparks, you must obtain a City of Sparks Business License and a Nevada State Business License. Standard residential zones typically only allow short-term rentals if they are owner-occupied 'Bed and Breakfasts' (max 4 rooms), while unhosted rentals are generally restricted to commercial and mixed-use districts. Hosts must also collect a 13.5% lodging tax remitted to the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$80

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Sparks does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Sparks: Unhosted rentals are generally PROHIBITED in purely residential (RL/RM) zones.
•Sparks prohibits STRs in the following property types: ADU (unless as a B&B), Recreational Vehicles (outside of RV parks).

Requirements(11)

•Sparks STR warning: Unhosted rentals are generally PROHIBITED in purely residential (RL/RM) zones.
•Sparks requires STR registration. The permit is called "City Business License". Apply through Business License Division. Processing time: 4-6 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Sparks: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(9)

•Sparks STR permit - Step 4: Submit City of Sparks Business License Application. Apply for the city business license through the OneNV portal or at the City Clerk's office. Required documents: State Business License, Notarized Owner Affidavit, Liability Insurance Certificate. Time: 4-6 weeks. Cost: 105.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Sparks charges a registration fee of $80 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $25 (A $25 non-refundable processing fee applies to new applications.).

Taxes(3)

•Sparks charges a Transient Lodging Tax of 0.135%. This applies to stays under 28 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo remit most components of the RSCVA tax directly.
•Nevada has a state sales tax of 0.08265% that applies to STR rentals.
•Sparks: Lodging tax (13.5%) is higher than standard state sales tax and must be remitted via RSCVA.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Sparks enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Sparks limits stays to a maximum of 27 nights.
•Sparks limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2 (standard fire code policy)
•Sparks occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2 (standard fire code policy). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Sparks requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Fire Self-Inspection form required with renewal, Interconnected smoke alarms, Emergency exit plan, Emergency lighting in path of egress.

Penalties(2)

•Sparks: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Sparks enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 for operating without license. Second offense: Variable daily fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Sparks: Unincorporated Washoe County rules DO NOT apply in Sparks city limits.
•Sparks: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Sparks exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels/Motels, Stays 28 days or longer.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Nevada Markets

Las Vegas

Nevada

Strict

Short-term rentals are highly regulated in the City of Las Vegas under Chapter 19.12. Hosts must obtain a specific business license, maintain $1M in insurance, and adhere to a strict 660-foot separation distance between rental properties.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Henderson

Nevada

Strict

Short-term rentals in Henderson are permitted in most residential zones subject to a strict 1,000-foot distance requirement between licensed units and mandatory host certification.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Washoe County

Nevada

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Washoe County (including Incline Village) require an annual permit and mandatory inspections for fire and building safety. The county uses a tiered system based on occupancy, with Tier 1 being the most common for standard residential homes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

North Las Vegas

Nevada

Moderate

North Las Vegas requires a Short-Term Rental Business License and imposes strict 660-foot separation distances between rental properties.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.2% total tax

Sparks

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Nevada Markets

Las Vegas

Henderson

Washoe County

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Sparks

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Sparks?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Sparks?

3Are there rental night limits in Sparks?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Sparks?

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Other Nevada Markets

Las Vegas

Henderson

Washoe County

North Las Vegas