Frequently Asked Questions

Your original cost x cost index - depreciation = taxable value. The Nevada Department of Taxation provides the cost index and depreciation factors used to determine the taxable values.

Taxable value is assessed at 35%. Taxable Value x .35 = Assessed Value.

EXAMPLE

Yes. Please e-mail or otherwise notify our office of any changes at any time of the year. Please include your new physical location, mailing address or the approximate date the business terminated.

Washoe County Assessor's Office Personal Property

1001 E 9th ST BLDG D

RENO NV 89512-2845

775-328-2213

declarations@washoecounty.us

The Treasurer`s Office maintains the mailing address information used by our office. The owner of a property can request a change of mailing address for your property taxes by:

Mail: Washoe County Treasurer P.O. Box 30039 Reno, NV 89520

Be sure to write legibly and include: your name, property address/parcel number, current mailing address, new mailing address, your signature.

Email: tax@washoecounty.us

Fax: (775) 328-2500

Use our online form

• Boundary changes occur when old parcels are either subdivided or combined.
• New construction includes new buildings, additions, remodeling, etc.
• Changes in use are, for example, a change from residential use to office or retail use.
• Reappraisal or factoring is done to keep values up to date with changes in individual properties, local and neighborhood trends, and inflation or recession.

• Boundary changes occur when old parcels are either divided or combined.
• New construction includes new buildings, additions, remodeling, etc.
• Changes in use can include such changes as converting a residence to office or retail use or land from agricultural use to residential use.
• Reappraisal of property is done annually. Improvements are recalculated to current cost of replacement less depreciation and land is revalued to reflect the current market.

The Assessor`s Office makes every effort to send each property owner a value notice; however  postal delays cannot be controlled.  If you would like to verify that this office has the correct mailing address please contact our office at (775) 328-2233. 
You can also verify your mailing address on line by going to Real Property Assessment Data then click on "Go To Search Page".  There you will be able to look up
your parcel using your Parcel Number, Street Address, or Owner Name.

The full secured tax roll will be printed in the newspaper, per NRS 361  , before the first day in January.  Copies will be available at the Washoe County Assessors Office and at Washoe County Libraries.

Failure to receive a value notice does not invalidate an appraisal or reappraisal.

The Partial Abatement (“Tax Cap”) legislation does not cap the tax rate, however, other legislation does.

The primary statue is Nevada Revised Statute 361.453.  Legislation may allow for some specific rates to be excluded from the limitation.

For more information on Tax Rates please visit the website for the Washoe County Treasurer.

No, if you rent by the day, your property would be considered transient lodging, which does not qualify. A better way to do the math would be:  Rent of $400 a day X 30 days in a month = $12,000 a month rent, which is above HUD median market rent, and would not qualify.

The Assessor`s Office has created a form for you to fill out to appeal the decision made on the tax cap applied to your property. You can obtain that form by calling, writing or coming in to the Assessor`s Office and asking for the Partial Abatement, "tax cap",  appeal form.  It is also available on their web site: 

Jump to Appeal Form Link
 
The deadline to appeal is June 30th.

The Assessor has 30 days to respond to your appeal.

The following situations could cause an increase of more than the prescribed cap:

An exemption, which was applied to last years tax bill, was removed for
the current year.

There was a change in use for the property such as a zoning change or mobile home conversion.

There was new construction or improvement to the property.

New voter approved increases were levied or the property was annexed into a district with a higher tax rate.

There are items billed on your tax bill that are not ad valorem taxes.  These are not affected by the tax cap, and could increase more than the prescribed cap.

All hearings before the Board of Equalization proceed as follows:

1. Assessor describes and locates the subject property
2. Petitioner's (property owner) presentation of value
3. Assessor's presentation of value
4. Petitioner's rebuttal

The Board may continue the hearing to a future date. In the event that the Board takes action on the petition, the Board may ask questions at any time. The Board's action may consist of denying the petition, upholding the petitioner's value, or deciding a different value for the property.

Action taken by the Board of Equalization on any appeal may include adding thereto or deducting therefrom a sum from any other property assessed by the County Assessor as is necessary to make it conform to the taxable value of the property on appeal.

For information related to this question, please review the information contained in the Board of Equalization Evidence Exhibits section.

The Board of Equalization may hear a petition with or with out the petitioner present. If you can't attend the hearing, but want the Board to consider your written evidence, please review the information contained in this section.

A notary public authorization will be revoked upon notification from the Secretary of State that the notary public is no longer in good standing and/or upon written notification or request from the notary or a court-appointed personal representative on behalf of the notary public.

MINISTER OR CHURCH OR RELIGIOUS OFFICIAL

According to NRS 122.066, it is valid until:

(a) The county clerk has received an Affidavit of Removal of Authority to Solemnize Marriages stating that the minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages from the church or religious organization is no longer authorized to solemnize marriages for the church or religious organization;

(b) The county clerk has received a written statement that the minister to whom a certificate of permission was granted is no longer a minister;

(c) The county clerk has reason to believe that the minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages is no longer in good standing within his church or religious organization, or that he is no longer a minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages, or that such church or religious organization no longer exists. The clerk may require satisfactory proof of the good standing of such minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages. If such proof is not presented within 15 days, the county clerk shall revoke the Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages; and

(d) If any minister to whom a Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages has been issued servers ties with his church or religious organization or moves from the county in which his certificate was issued, the certificate shall expire immediately upon such severance or move and the church or religious organization shall, within 5 days after the severance or move, file an Affidavit of Revocation of Authority to Solemnize Marriages. If the minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages voluntarily advises the county clerk of the severance with his church or religious organization, or that he has moved from the county, the certificate shall expire immediately upon such severance or move without any notification to the county clerk by the church or religious organization.

Authorization for a Single Ceremony Certificate of Permission to Perform A Marriage is issued for one specific ceremony. The minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages must obtain a separate authorization for each marriage performed, and may not perform more than five marriages in this State in any calendar year.

NOTARY PUBLIC

A Certificate of Permission issued to a notary public expires at the end of the notary’s current notary commission with the Nevada Secretary of State, unless renewed within 90 days of its expiration.

There is no provision in Nevada law allowing for an out-of-state judge to perform a marriage.

There is no provision in Nevada law allowing for an out-of-state notary public to perform a marriage.

To be legally married, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any person authorized to perform a marriage in the State of Nevada. Your options are:

• Wedding Chapels
• Churches
• Commissioner of Civil Marriages

One witness to the marriage ceremony is required by law. Chapel brochures are available in the 1st floor hallway of Building A at the 9th Street complex for your selection. You may also call the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitor's Authority at (800) FOR-RENO, (888) 367-7366. The Chamber of Commerce  at (775) 636-9550. To be married at Lake Tahoe you may call the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Chamber of Commerce at (775) 831-4440.

You can request a copy of the Marriage Application online. You are not requesting a license to be married. You must be present in our offices to request a Marriage License. By clicking the "online" link above, you will be taken to our secured server. When you have completed your request, you will need to click on continue to return to our site. If you do not feel comfortable submitting your request online, you may obtain a copy by mail from:

Washoe County Clerk
1001 E. 9th Street, Bldg. A
Reno, NV 89512

When ordering a certified copy by mail, please remit $.50 per page copy charge and $6.00 for the certification (most documents are one page in which case the fee would be $6.50 for a certified copy). You will be notified if there are additional pages.

Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders or Cashier Checks only, no personal checks. Please include the date of marriage and names of the bride and groom with your request. You may also call us at (775) 784-7287 as we do accept phone orders with a Visa or MasterCard credit card only.

You can obtain a true, legal certified copy of your marriage record (marriage certificate) from the Washoe County Recorder's Office. You can download the request form and mail or fax it to the Recorder's Office. The Recorder's Office is located in the Washoe County Administration Complex, 1001 E 9th Street, Building A, Room 150. The hours of service are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM. The fee per certified copy is $15.00. When requesting certified copies through the mail from the Recorder's Office you will need to allow 10-15 working days for processing. The mailing address is WASHOE COUNTY RECORDER, 1001 E. 9th Street, Bldg. A, RENO, NV 89512. It is Nevada State law that within 10 days after you have had a marriage ceremony performed, that the minister must deliver the original marriage certificate to the Washoe County Recorder's Office for official recording. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate sooner than 10 days, check with the agency performing your ceremony, as they may be able to help expedite the processing of your certificate.

Effective October 1, 2019 persons under the age of 17 are prohibited from marrying (see AB 139). Nevada residents under the age of 18 and over the age of 17 may obtain a marriage license with parental consent AND a certified copy of a Nevada Court Order.

The fee for filing a Petition for a Minor Marriage with the court is $255.00.

A full packet is required to be completed and filed with the Second Judicial District of the State of Nevada. For your convenience, you may download the forms here:

• 1 of 3) Instructions
• 2 of 3) Petition
• 3 of 3) Declaration of Resident Witness

Alternatively, you may visit the Second Judicial District Court's website for more information below (navigate to "All Other Family Related Packets" and then to "MM Petition for Court Authorization for the Marriage of a Minor"):
https://www.washoecourts.com/Main/FormsAndPackets

For additional information about the process to obtain a court order, you may contact the Second Judicial District Court by phone at (775) 328-3110 or in person at 75 Court Street, Reno, Nevada 89501.

Once a court order authorizing the marriage of a minor has been entered, you must bring a certified copy of the Order to the County Clerk to obtain a marriage license.

Each applicant must provide government issued photo ID containing the person’s legal name and date of birth (see Marriage FAQs:  What Should I Bring for Identification? and What If I’m Not 18? for more information).  Your name and birth date will appear on your marriage license exactly as they appear on the ID you present.

Nevada Revised Statute 122.040(3) requires each applicant to provide the following information under oath:

1. Information about applicant:
   1. Place of residence (city and state or, if outside the U.S.A., name of country)
   2. Place of birth (city and state or, if outside the U.S.A., name of country)
   3. Social Security Number (documentation is not required). If a person does not have a Social Security Number, the person must state that fact
   4. Prior marriages (documentation is not required)
      1. Number of this marriage (1st, 2nd, etc.)
      2. How most recent marriage ended (death, divorce or annulment)
      3. Where most recent marriage ended (city and state, if outside U.S.A., name of country)
      4. When most recent marriage ended (month and year)
2. Parental Information
   1. Father's name
   2. Father's place of birth (state or, if outside the U.S.A., name of country)
   3. Mother's name (maiden)
   4. Mother's place of birth (state or, if outside the U.S.A., name of country)
3. Mailing address for the couple

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Except as otherwise provided in this section, before issuing a marriage license, the county clerk shall require each applicant to provide proof of the applicant’s name and age (NRS 122.040-2).

The marriage license must contain the name of each applicant as shown in the documents presented (NRS 122.050).

The following documents are acceptable as proof of age and name (NRS 122.040-2):

• Driver’s license
• Driver’s instruction permit
• State ID card
• Passport
• United States military ID
• United States military dependent ID
• United States certificate of citizenship or naturalization
• Permanent or Temporary United States resident ID card.

Additional documents containing the applicant’s age, name, photo, and/or date of birth may be accepted on a case-by-case basis with managerial approval.  If you do not have any of the documents listed above but would like to discuss if what you have will suffice, we recommend speaking with the Marriage & Business Division Operations Manager prior to visiting our office.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Your Marriage License and Certificate will be prepared with your legal name exactly as it appears on the identification presented. It is your responsibility to present the proper identification to have your name reflected as you desire. For example, if you want your Marriage License and Certificate to reflect your full middle name, the identification you present must contain your full middle name - not an initial.

Errors discovered after the ceremony may be corrected upon written request to this office. Marriage records WILL NOT be changed after the ceremony to reflect names that are different from the names on the identification presented at the time the license was issued unless extenuating circumstances exist and proof of the correct name is provided. Corrections of marriage records will be approved on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to a fee. No fee will be charged for corrections due to clerical errors made by County Clerk staff.

Clerk's Office location:

Note: The Clerk's Office Marriage and Business Division is located in Building A which varies from the pin on the map. Building A is found on the south entrance of the facility located on E. 9th Street.

Commissioner of Civil Marriages location:

Note: The Civil Marriage Commissioner's Office is located in Building E which varies from the pin on the map. Building E is found on the East entrance of the facility located on E. 9th Street.

Privacy Policy - Clerk's Office

Persons at least 18 years of age, not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of the half blood, and not having a living spouse, may be joined in marriage. Both parties must appear at the Marriage License Bureau in either Reno or Incline Village.

You will need a Washoe County business license if your place of business (or home if you have a home-based business):

• is located in unincorporated Washoe County; OR,
• if your business is located within the Cities of Reno or Sparks, or outside of Washoe County, and you physically go into the unincorporated areas of Washoe County to conduct your business.

Neighborhoods in unincorporated Washoe County include:  Cold Springs, Lemmon Valley, Verdi/Mogul, Incline Village or Crystal Bay, Wadsworth, Gerlach or Empire, Red Rock or Rancho Haven, Warm Springs, Geiger Grade, Spanish Springs, Washoe Valley, Golden Valley, Sun Valley (among others).

The following businesses do not require a Washoe County business license:
•Providing childcare in private homes to six or fewer children.
•Garage and/or yard sales which are less than 72 hours in duration and/or do not occur more than twice on the same property in any 6 month period.
•Telecommuting from home by employees of a business located elsewhere.
•Informal, casual, or seasonal work performed by minors (for example, babysitting or lawn mowing).
•Parades or processions

These activities may require a permit through the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and/or the jurisdiction has authority over the public road (for example, NDOT or County Roads). Please contact these agencies for more information.

Brine will significantly reduce the amount of snow that bonds to the roadway, which will allow the snow to be plowed much easier.  By applying brine, we are reducing the amount of salt and sand that would typically be applied to roadways.

Meet one-on-one with a Washoe County Planner by phone, virtually or in-person. Schedule an appointment online. You may contact our team at planning@washoecounty.gov or (775) 328-6100.  

To determine if your property is within unincorporated Washoe County or within the City of Reno or City of Sparks look up your property on the Washoe Regional Mapping System. You can look up the property with either the address or assessor’s parcel number (APN).

Centralized Washoe Regional Mapping System: 1) enter your property address or APN in the search bar 2) Select your parcel. 3) In the gray box, the “Corporate Area” will indicate your jurisdiction.

Washoe County EZ Maps are quick reference maps for our most common questions, including jurisdiction. 

Regulatory zone is a tool to divide land into sections (ie. blocks, lots, or areas) that indicate the type of use (activity) that may occur on the land, the type of development and the intensity of development. The intent of the tool is to shape the community look, feel, and use while considering community public safety, quality of life, functionality, and economic development.

Washoe County EZ Maps are quick reference maps for our most common questions, including the property regulatory zoning. 

Regulatory zones for every property are easily viewed online using www.washoecounty.gov

• In the search bar, type your property address
• The property will be included in the search results.
• Confirm the jurisdiction in “Area”.
• The zoning is listed under the year built.
• Zoning options include PR (public resource – example is a library),

In addition to the search function, additional information may be found within the Washoe Regional Mapping System.

Washoe County EZ Maps are also a quick reference maps for our most common questions, including jurisdiction and zoning.

The type of use or activity allowed on a property based on current zoning is readily available within Washoe County Code, Table of Uses starting on page 302-2. There are multiple tables of interest to property owners and real estate/development professionals.  Please take the time to review the tables to see the variety of development opportunities for your property by right, with an internal administrative review or with a public review process.

For example, Table 110.302.05.1 outlines the ability to have a detached accessory dwelling on properties with low density, medium density, or high-density rural zoning with an administrative review. An administrative review is an internal review process to ensure minimum standards are met with development.

Washoe County EZ Maps are quick reference maps for our most common property features, including jurisdiction and zoning.

To determine the size of a property within unincorporated Washoe County or within the City of Reno or City of Sparks look up your property on the Washoe Regional Mapping System (WRMS).

In WRMS: 1) enter your property address in the search bar 2) Select your parcel. 3) In the gray box, the square ft: indicates the size of your built property (your building/home in feet), the acreage indicates the size of the property (in acres).

There are 18 types of regulatory zones within unincorporated Washoe County that designate the use (activity) allowed within residential, commercial, industrial and tourist areas and the intensity of development within those areas.

• Low Density Rural (LDR)
• Medium Density Rural (MDR)
• High Density Rural (HDR)
• Low Density Suburban (LDS)
• Medium Density Suburban (MDS)
• High Density Suburban (HDS)
• Low Density Urban (LDU)
• Medium Density Urban (MDU)
• High Density Urban (HDU)
• General Commercial (GC)
• Neighborhood Commercial/Office (NC)
• Tourist Commercial (TC)
• Industrial (I)
• Public Facilities (PCP)
• Parks and Recreation (PR)
• Open Space (OS)
• General Rural (GR)
• General Rural Agricultural (GRA)

To view your property zoning visit Washoe County EZ Maps - quick reference maps for our most common questions, including jurisdiction and zoning. 

Setbacks are measured from the property line to the structure.

Please note that there are exceptions if there is an access easement (private or public greater than 20 ft) or a public road. Please contact Washoe County planning for additional support.  

Yes. Property information including ownership, jurisdiction, land use, land zoning, water services, fire services and more are located on the Washoe Regional Mapping System: Washoe Regional Mapping System. Development Services EZ Maps are easily referenced for our most common questions.

Building permits or land entitlement approvals are required to ensure that a proposed project meets local adopted code. All projects are different and require permits that related to the type of project and the location and zoning of the project site. It may be helpful to consider what you would like to do on your property (our project information sheet is helpful tool), and, then contact one of our planners to determine which permits you will need.  

The number of poultry and rabbits for private use are not limited by Washoe County Code; however, animal cruelty and solid waste management will need to be kept in mind. 

Please keep in mind that Washoe County is dedicated to public safety and prevention of animal cruelty. Proper family animals must adhere to waste removal regulations, proper keeping, and animal cruelty measures in Health, County, and State regulations.

• Washoe County Code Chapter 55
• Washoe Health District – Solid Waste Management
• Nevada Revised Statutes 574

• Cornices, canopies, chimneys, eaves, or similar feature maybe extended into the front, side and back yard setbacks no more than 2 feet.
• Decks less than eighteen inches in height from the finished grade are not counted as a structure for front yard setback purposes or side yard setback purposes and may extend to the property line.
• Outside stairs that are not covered may extend into the side yard no more than 3 feet and back yard no more than 5 ft.
• Accessory structures that are an average of 12 feet in height or less may be located within the side yard and rear yard (except for guest buildings (detached accessory dwelling units) which cannot be within the side yard setback) if they are more than 5 feet from the property line.
• Detached garages and accessory structures must be behind the front yard setback except for decks less than 18 inches above grade.

Please note accessory structures cannot be inhabited. Typical uses are storage building, sheds, barns and detached garages.

Setbacks from the property line to a structure on a property is determined by the property zoning. In general, front and side yard setbacks are determined by the property zoning and range between 30 and 15 feet for front yard, 50 and 5 feet for side yard, and 30 and 10 for rear yard.  For lots on a corner, all corners are considered front yards.

Manufactured homes are allowed on all residential properties (properties with residential zoning) as a primary structure. Typically the manufactured house needs to be 1,200 SF or more and 6 years or newer.

Manufactured homes may be allowed as a secondary dwelling (called detached accessory dwelling) in low density suburban, medium density suburban, high density suburban, and low density suburban regulatory zones with an approved administrative review provided the size of the Manufactured Home is 50% or less of the size of the main dwelling on the property and does not exceed a maximum of 1,500 square feet.  Please note that secondary dwellings are required to be smaller than the primary dwelling and have size restrictions based on the lot size. Please see Washoe County Code Section 110.306.10.

Manufactured homes require inspections and/or building permits to ensure that the structure meets minimum public safety standards. Inspections and permitting are a shared responsibility between unincorporated Washoe County, the State of Nevada, and, within Sun Valley, the General Improvement District. Please visit the Washoe County Building site for more information related to your specific installation.

Regulations for a detached accessory structure are outlined in Washoe County Code Section 110.306.10 (page 306-1). If the detached structure is larger than the residence an Administrative Permit is required.

Please contact Washoe County Planning for additional information on the submission process, review process and payments. You may email planning@washoecounty.gov or contact (775) 328-6100.

Accessory dwelling units (guest house, mother-in-law, tiny home) are allowed within residential areas in unincorporated Washoe County with an administrative review. Residential zoning areas include low density rural, medium density rural, high density rural, and low density suburban. An application and process for an administrative review is available online. 

They are also allowed within medium density suburban zoning upon approval of a special use permit.

Please contact Washoe County Planning for additional information on the submission process, review process and payments. You may email planning@washoecounty.gov or contact (775) 328-6100.

"Recreational vehicle" means a vehicular structure (it has wheels) and is licensed by DMV.  The vechicle is primarily designed as temporary living quarters for travel, recreation, and camping uses. A recreational vehicle can be self-propelled, mounted on, or towed by a separate vehicle. RV’s may be used temporarily as living quarters during construction of a permanent structure. The timeframe is limited to 18 months with a possible extension to 37 months with the original date of issuance of a building permit. An active (issued) building permit is required (Washoe County Code, Section 110.310.35).

Please contact Washoe County Planning for additional information. You may email planning@washoecounty.gov or contact (775) 328-6100.

For properties within unincorporated Washoe County, less than an ¾ an acre - the number of livestock is limited by the size of the parcel.

• Parcels between 21,780 square feet (.5 acres) and 35,000 square feet (just over 3/4 acre), two adult livestock may be kept on the property.
• For parcels 35,000 square feet or more (just over ¾ of an acre), there is no restriction on the number of animals kept for private/personal pet use.

Please contact Washoe County Planning for additional information. You may email planning@washoecounty.gov or contact (775) 328-6100.

Washoe County allows dogs and cats on all Washoe County private property and the number pets (more than 7 cats and more than 3 dogs within congested areas) is regulated by Regional Animal Services (RAS). RAS follows Washoe County Code Chapter 55 and includes regulations on noisy animals, waste disposal, the number of animals, animal abuse, animal restraint/confinement, licensing, and vaccinations. For more information please call (775) 322-DOGS (3647) or visit them online.

Animals, for personal pets, including horses, chickens, fowl may be kept on private property within unincorporated Washoe County depending on zoning and the size of the property.

• Poultry and rabbits are allowed on rural and low and medium density suburban regulatory zones with lot sizes greater than 12,000 square feet (.28 acres).
• Livestock: Cows, pigs, sheep, goats and horses (or mutations thereof) are permitted in all rural zones, and low and medium density suburban regulatory zones with lot sizes (21,780) square feet or (.5 acres) or greater.

Please contact Washoe County Planning for additional information. You may email planning@washoecounty.gov or contact (775) 328-6100.

Please contact our Planner of the Day for additional information on temporary camping on private property at planning@washoecounty.gov. 

Temporary use of private property for personal camping and recreation in unincorporated Washoe County is permitted without the addition of non-permitted infrastructure or buildings (effluent (ie. installing a bathroom facility or kitchen, using an accessory structure as a dwelling (shed), permanent shade over 10 feet tall and/or greater than 200 square/ft); and there is no discharge of litter, sewage, or effluent. Temporary camping is for nonpaying guests or relatives within Residential, general rural, parks and recreation and open space zones. Temporary camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. A self-contained travel trailer or recreational vehicle may be used.

*Please note, if you are considering a self-contained travel trailer to care for the infirmed, there are additional time frames and options available through the administrative review process. Please contact planning@washoecounty.gov for additional support.

Planning applications and instructions are centrally located on the Washoe County CSD Planning webpage. Please note that there are various checklists and information contained within the application.

Applications may be submitted on the 8^th of each month (or following business day if the 8^th is not a working day). The submission days are noted on the “intake calendar”.  Applications are submitted in person at the Washoe County Community Services Department – Planning Division, 1001 E. 9^th Street, Building A.

Application fees are determined by the type of application submitted. The fee list is available online and most fees may be paid online at OneNv.us or in person by check or credit card.

Washoe County has two types of reviews for development projects. The first is a pre-application. The second is a predevelopment meeting. 

For projects that are being conceptualized but are not concrete enough for a full review, a pre-application meeting is available with our planning team to discuss the use, the type of project and ideas or considerations for development. To participate, please complete the application online  

For projects that have had a pre-application meeting or are more concrete (have a site plan) a pre-development meeting is available. A pre-development meeting includes a cross representation of regional agencies that review the project and provide common strategies, pitfalls, and references to avoid prior to submission.

Visit us online to learn more and to participate in a predevelopment meeting.

Please note: prior to submission, many development projects require a neighborhood meeting. Additional information is available on the neighborhood meeting website.

Violations on a property are noted in a centralized database publicly visible through OneNv.us.

For other public documents, please submit an online request for service for public document to Washoe311. You may also call 311 at 3.1.1. or 775.328.2003.

Structures may be rebuilt if destroyed according to current adopted building code. Please visit www.washoecounty.us/building for additional information. If the structure is non-conforming (i.e. does not meet current requirements) and is destroyed a building permit needs to be acquired within six (6) months of the damaging event.

In unincorporated Washoe County, private residences may be rented nightly in their entirety or a portion of the home for less than 28 days at a time (as in air bnb or similar tool) with a Short-Term Rental permit.  Short Term Rental Permits and require application, approval, inspections, and annual renewals. The intent is to protect public safety by ensuring compliance with minimum codes (ie. emergency exits operating, fire alarms, access etc.).

Private property sign requirements are outlined in Washoe County Code 110.505. Signs that are under two (2) square feet in size and posted to warn against trespassing, security or dangerous conditions are not subject to sign requirements. Election signs are limited by time frames (first day of filing to ten days after the general election).

For more information, please contact Washoe County Planning at planning@washoecounty.gov. 

Subdividing properties is allowable in certain areas within unincorporated Washoe County based on the regulatory zoning, size, location, and the plan for community development within the area. Land that is sub-divided will be recorded with either a final map, parcel map or a division of land into large parcels. New parcels must meet minimum design standards. Washoe County Code of interest when considering subdividing is listed below.

• Lot Standards (Article 404, Washoe County Code Chapter 110)
• Subdivision Regulations

Please contact planning@washoecounty.gov for additional information or schedule an appointment online.

Violations on a property are noted in a centralized database publicly visible through OneNv.us.

Please contact planning@washoecounty.gov for additional information or schedule an appointment online.

A property violation remains open with the property if the violation still exists at the time of sale. In such circumstances, the new owner becomes responsible for correcting the violation and any new Penalty Notices (i.e. fines) issued as a result of the continued violation.  If a code enforcement lien has been recorded against a property you are considering buying, or have already purchased, please contact code enforcement at 775-320-6106 to discuss.  The lien can only be removed by the code enforcement program after confirming the violation has been corrected. 

All construction permits are included on a centralized platform for Washoe County and partners OneNV.us. There are multiple ways to review construction permits issued for a project.

OneNv.US: On the online platform, please use the “Building Tab”, select Washoe for the agency and building permit for the record type. Complete the form specific to the area of concern.

Washoe County Search Tool: At www.washoecounty.gov use the search tool bar to find the property. Enter the address and the search function will pull up address details including permits.

If you have any questions about active permits, please submit a request to Washoe311 at (775) 328-2003 or submit a service request online.

Land use, building, engineering or business license complaints may be submitted to Washoe311 at (775) 328-2003 or contact Washoe County Code Enforcement at (775) 328-6106 or code-enforcement@washoecounty.gov. All complaints received will be investigated by code enforcement. 

Washoe County Community Services Department Planning is responsible for the public review process with the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment. If you are interested in providing public comment on an item being heard before those boards, you may do so prior to the meeting or during the meeting itself.

Prior to the meeting, submit your public comment in writing to washoecounty311@washoecounty.gov.  

During the meeting, you may provide public comment before the Board at the dias in person or virtually using zoom. Information on public comments and submission of supporting materials is included at the top of the meeting agenda.

Washoe County permits new and improvements to current construction. Construction built prior to ownership is grandfathered in as long as public safety concerns are addressed. New or rebuilt construction must meet current code.

Claim forms can be obtained by calling the Risk Management office at 328-2665.

Some STDs are easily treated and some STDs stay with you for life. Other STDs are more of a nuisance than a health risk. Pubic lice, or 'crabs,' for example, itch a lot but don`t do any permanent damage. If you get an infection and you want to know how serious it could be, talk with your health care provider. There are four serious health consequences of some STDs:

• Blockage of the fallopian tubes which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy
• Pregnancy loss and increased newborn deaths caused by transmission of the infection to the infant during pregnancy and childbirth
• Genital cancers for males and females
• Enhanced transmission of HIV/AIDS

Social and Psychological Consequences: The psychological impact of having a sexually transmitted disease can be difficult. Some persons become depressed or anxious. They fear recurrent outbreaks, transmission to sex partners, and difficulties in developing new relationships. Fortunately, proper treatment and knowledge about the true risks can greatly lessen all these effects.

Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective and reliable in reducing the risk of transmitting HIV and most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms should be used EVERY TIME during sex when transmission of HIV (or other STDs) is possible. When condoms fail to work properly, it is most often because of improper and/or inconsistent use.

Condoms may not work as well against STDs spread through skin-to-skin touching, like herpes and genital warts, because condoms may not cover the infected areas.

The male condom should be put on after erection and before any sexual touch. Remember that pre-cum is also infected with HIV. The Reality condom should go in before sex - it can be inserted up to 8 hours before use. Never use the Reality and the male condoms together or two male condoms at the same time. - Some male condoms have a reservoir tip; some don`t. In either case, the tip of the condom should be squeezed while rolling it down onto the penis in order to leave an airless pocket to collect semen. If the penis is natural and has a foreskin, try pulling back the foreskin before unrolling the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. Some men don`t like to pull back the foreskin because they`ve found that the condom slides off when the foreskin is pulled back. If you have trouble with this, consider keeping the foreskin down before putting on the condom or try using a Reality condom with your partner. - After intercourse, withdraw the penis while still erect, holding the base of the condom to prevent it from slipping off or spilling semen. Remove the condom and wash the penis with soap and water. - Use a condom only once and dispose of it in the garbage; do not flush condoms down the toilet. Never reuse a condom. - Use a condom EVERY TIME during sex when transmission or acquisition of HIV is possible.

Casual Contact. HIV is a fragile virus outside the body. It quickly becomes inactive when exposed to air, soap and common disinfectants such as bleach.

There is no risk of getting HIV from: donating blood, mosquito bites, toilet seats, shaking hands, hugging, sharing eating utensils or drinking containers, food or objects handled by people with HIV or AIDS, spending time in the same house, business or public place with people who have HIV or AIDS.

The best way to avoid HIV infection (and other blood-borne infections like hepatitis B and C) from injection drug use is to stop injecting drugs. Drug treatment can help. If treatment is not available or you cannot quit on your own, use a brand new sterile syringe and needle every time you inject or divide drugs. Do not share drug using "works" with anyone else. This includes needles, syringes, cookers, cottons, mixing and bleaching water, and all other supplies. If you do not have new clean equipment, thoroughly disinfect all drug use tools with bleach before re-use. It is also important to dispose of used works safely. Discarding needles in the trash, on the street, or flushing them down the toilet is dangerous.

Drug use (including use of alcohol) can impair judgment and decision-making. This can increase risk for HIV, especially if you have sex while high. High or not, you can successfully use condoms and clean injection works. Plan ahead, carry condoms and stick to your prevention plan. *A person does not need a prescription to purchase syringes in Nevada. However, a pharmacist may refuse to sell to people based on their own judgment.

The only way to completely avoid the sexual transmission of HIV is to abstain from anal, oral and vaginal sexual. If you choose to have sex, it is safest when you practice monogamy with an uninfected partner. Monogamy is when two people have sex only with each other. For those with a new sex partner, both can abstain from sex, or use condoms every time during anal, vaginal and oral sex for at least 3 months and then get tested for HIV and other STDs. At that time, if both partners are HIV negative AND both partners are completely avoiding other risk behaviors (e.g., sharing needles or having other sex partners), then unprotected sex with each other is not a risk for HIV transmission. For someone with an HIV positive partner or a partner who does not know his/her HIV status or multiple sexual partners, touching, dry kissing, body rubbing, and mutual masturbation are the safest sexual activities. However, simple, skin-to-skin touching can spread other STDs. For any penetrative sex acts such as vaginal, anal or oral sex, condoms are highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly - every time, from beginning to end of each sex act. For more information on condom use see the answer to the question, "Do condoms provide 100% protection from HIV?"

HIV can be transmitted when blood, semen (including pre-seminal fluid or pre-cum), vaginal fluids, or breast milk from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. HIV must get into the bloodstream or body in order to cause infection. Transmission most often occurs during unprotected sex or during injection drug use when equipment is shared. An infected woman who becomes pregnant can transmit HIV to her baby during pregnancy or during birth, but this risk is significantly less if the woman takes antiretroviral drugs. She can also pass HIV to her newborn if she breastfeeds. Anyone infected with HIV can transmit it, whether or not they appear sick, have an AIDS diagnosis, or are successfully treating their infection with antiretroviral drugs. HIV is spread in the following ways: Unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex HIV can enter the body during sex through the anus, vagina, opening at the end of the penis or mouth and through cuts, sores and abrasions on the skin. Unprotected anal and vaginal sex have the highest risk of infection. There are a growing number of reported cases where HIV has been transmitted during oral sex (mouth to genital contact), but oral sex is much less risky than anal or vaginal sex.

Anyone having unprotected sex (inserting or receiving partner) with an infected person is at risk of getting HIV. The person most at risk is the receiving partner. Heterosexually, women are at higher risk than men.

Blood exposure. Sharing needles or drug injection equipment can transmit HIV (and other viruses like hepatitis). After use, small amounts of blood can remain in the used needles, syringes, cookers, cottons, and water. This remaining blood can enter the body of the next user when any of these items are shared. If this blood is HIV infected, transmission can easily occur.

There is a very small but real risk of health care workers getting HIV from infected patients as a result of needle stick accidents or when blood gets into a worker`s open cut or a mucous membrane in their eyes, mouth or nose. The risk for health care workers is greatly reduced when universal precautions are carefully followed, such as safe disposal of sharps, wearing latex gloves, etc. Universal precautions also protect patients.

Very rarely in this country is HIV transmitted when receiving a blood transfusion, blood clotting factors, an organ or tissue transplant (the risk of acquiring HIV from a blood transfusion is approximately 1 in a million). Before 1985, there were no tests to screen blood and organ donations for HIV. Now, blood, organ and tissue banks extensively test all specimens for HIV and other blood-borne germs.

Mother to child If a woman is infected with HIV, she can give it to her baby during pregnancy, during birth, or by breastfeeding. Early in the epidemic, 25% (1 out of 4) of babies born to HIV-infected women in this country became infected with HIV. Now, in developed countries where early detection of HIV is possible, treatment with the latest antiretroviral medications can reduce this rate to about 1% (1 out of 100). All pregnant women should see a doctor, be tested for HIV, and if infected, obtain the best treatment.

Not at this time. Medical providers have become much better at identifying, monitoring, and treating HIV infection and AIDS. In 1995, a new class of drugs known as protease inhibitors became available. These new medications, used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, have dramatically improved the health and quality of life for many people living with HIV/AIDS. While there is not currently a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS, there are many things that people living with HIV/AIDS can do to remain healthy and to live longer. The first step for anyone who has HIV infection is to see a knowledgeable, experienced medical provider. This provider will be able to assess and monitor the infection, and, if appropriate, prescribe antiretroviral drugs. People at increased risk for HIV infection need to be tested for HIV antibodies every 3-6 months. This way they can seek medical care at the earliest possible opportunity if they become infected with HIV. Early detection can also reduce the chance of HIV transmission when people are most infectious. Although medical care and drugs are expensive, programs exist to ensure that people with HIV infection and AIDS can get the treatment and care they need.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases that are spread through anal, oral or vaginal intercourse. Sharing drug injection equipment can also transmit some STDs such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Common STDs include: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Herpes Simplex Virus (Herpes), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papilloma Virus (Genital Warts), Molluscum Contagiosum, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Pubic Lice, Scabies, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis.

Between 50-90% of people with new HIV infections have mild to severe "flu-like" symptoms 2 weeks to 3 months from the time of HIV exposure. Others do not have any symptoms. In general, symptoms are not a reliable way to tell if someone has been infected with HIV; the only way to know for sure is to get tested. Many of the symptoms of early HIV infection are the same as for other, less serious illnesses. People who may have been exposed to HIV should see a doctor promptly if the following symptoms occur within 3 months of the exposure:

• A persistent fever of over 101 degrees that lasts more than 2 days without a known cause
• Constant tiredness
• Night sweats that soak your pajamas or sheets
• A persistent rash of unknown cause
• Persistent swollen glands (lumps under the skin) which occur in several places at once (especially the neck, armpits and groin)
• Sore throat

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a medical condition resulting from HIV infection, usually after many years. By the time a person is given an AIDS diagnosis by a doctor, HIV has seriously damaged the body`s immune system. There are effective treatments to prevent, as well as treat, these serious illnesses.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV kills specific white blood cells (T cells), which are an important part of our immune systems. Without treatment, HIV gradually destroys the body`s defenses against disease (it takes an average of 8-10 years), leaving it vulnerable to many infections and cancers. But treatment with antiretroviral drugs can slow or stop the harmful effects of retroviruses like HIV, so that many people with HIV are living longer, healthier lives.

There are several types of HIV antibody tests used today. All are highly accurate at detecting HIV antibodies (HIV antibodies are specific proteins made in response to an HIV infection). After infection with HIV, however, it can take up to 3 months for enough HIV antibodies to develop to be detected by the test.

A negative HIV antibody test result means that a person does not have detectable HIV antibodies at the time of the test. Since it can take up to 3 months after HIV infection for enough antibodies to develop, a negative test result is reliable only if the person has not had any sexual or needle-sharing risk behavior (or other exposure to infectious body fluids) during the 3 months prior to testing. Some people with recent risk behavior will test HIV antibody negative, yet may have actually been infected during the previous 3 months. These people will be highly contagious and may easily transmit HIV to their sex and needle-sharing partners. A high proportion of HIV transmission may occur when people are unaware of their infection. Finally, a negative test result does not mean that a person is safe from future HIV infection. People who test HIV antibody negative are urged to continue to follow HIV prevention guidelines to avoid becoming infected. People who continue risk behaviors are advised to re-test at least every 6 months.

A positive HIV antibody test result means that HIV antibodies are present because the virus is present - the person is infected with HIV (with the exception of newborn babies who are born with their mothers` antibodies). A positive test does not mean the person has AIDS, although many HIV-positive people may develop AIDS in the future. Anyone who tests HIV-positive can transmit the virus to others, regardless of how long they have been infected, whether they have AIDS or other symptoms, or whether their HIV infection is being treated with antiretroviral drugs. It is extremely important that HIV-positive people follow HIV prevention guidelines, not only to protect their partners from getting HIV infection, but also to protect themselves from other germs that could cause HIV/AIDS-related disease. People at increased risk of HIV infection should NEVER donate blood, plasma, or other organs, or go to such facilities to be tested.

It can take up to 3 months after HIV infection for enough antibodies to develop, therefore a negative test result is reliable only if the person has not had any sexual or needle-sharing risk behavior (or other exposure to infectious body fluids) during the 3 months prior to testing. Some people with recent risk behavior will test HIV antibody negative, yet may have actually been infected during the previous 3 months. Every exposure pushes the window period out another months.

HIV testing is available from a variety of resources in the community:

• Private health care provider
• A Rainbow Place - 789-1780
• Nevada AIDS Foundation - 329-2437
• Nevada Hispanic Services - 826-1818
• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte - 688-5560
• HOPES - 348-1301

Anyone can get HIV if they have unprotected sex or share injection drug equipment with someone who is infected. The virus does not discriminate - it can infect males or females, babies, teens, adults or senior citizens. You cannot look at someone and know they have HIV. In fact, as many as 1 out of 3 people who have HIV (33%) have no idea they are infected.

• What is your zip code?
• What is your land-use zoning?
• What is the net size of your property?

Normally, a business which emits 2 pounds or more per day of criteria air pollutants or 1 pound per day or more of toxic air pollutants will require a permit to operate. Different types of air pollution control devices are also required for different processes depending upon the size of the operation for compliance with the AQMD regulations. Applications may be obtained by downloading from the District Health Department Web site. For further information, please contact one of our environmental engineers at 784-7200 for help with the necessary information for application submittal.

Just call 784-7200 (24 hours per day) and your complaint will be logged onto an official AQMD complaint form. After that, within "normal" hours of operation, an air quality specialist will investigate your concerns and determine if there is a violation of the AQMD regulations. If a violation exists, the person or business will be required to correct the problem. A Notice of Violation may also be issued.

Every year between November 1 and February 28, the Washoe County Health District Air Quality Management Division uses the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program to inform area residents whether or not lighting stoves or fireplaces is allowed, or is advisable.

Washoe County residents can get a daily air quality update by visiting www.OurCleanAir.com or by calling the Air Quality Hotline at (775) 785-4110. They can also get this update by listening to television and radio weather forecasts, or by checking the Reno-Gazette Journal's weather page.

The local asbestos regulations essentially mirrors the federal requirements. If you own a commercial building and want to do some remodeling, an asbestos survey will need to be completed by a certified consultant to determine the presence or absence of any asbestos materials. If present, a certified abatement contractor will need to remove the asbestos before the project can proceed. In addition, the property owner will need to obtain an asbestos acknowledgment form from the AQMD prior to obtaining a building permit from the local building departments. For further information, please call 784-7200.

The Air Pollution Control Hearing Board (APCHB) hears appeals when a negotiated resolution cannot be achieved. The APCHB meets the first Tuesday of every month (as needed).

For household use, antibacterial products are no better than ordinary soap for preventing infections. Hand washing for 15 seconds with ordinary soap and water will reduce the risk of most common infections and does not add to antibiotic resistance.

Yes. It is becoming a major public health concern. Each time you take an antibiotic unnecessarily or improperly, you increase your chance of developing drug-resistant bacteria. We could run out of ways to kill disease-causing bacteria.

You don't know who is carrying anti-biotic resistant bacteria and they may pass that resistant bacteria on to you and make you ill. This could mean stronger, more expensive antibiotics, hospitalization and, sometimes, death.

Unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful. Antibiotics only fight bacterial infections. They do nothing to help viral illnesses like colds or influenza (flu). If you take an antibiotic when it is not necessary, such as for a cold, you increase the risk of developing an infection caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics also destroy good bacteria in your body.

Sometimes. Viruses and bacteria can cause ear infections. Your doctor may wait to see if the ear infection improves by itself before deciding to give antibiotics.

No. The common cold and the flu (influenza) are caused by viruses, not by bacteria. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Normal cold symptoms include sore throat, fever, cough, and/or a runny nose. A runny nose often starts out with clear drainage and then turns to a green or yellow color. This is a good sign that the body is fighting the virus. If your runny nose is not getting better after 10-14 days, please talk to your healthcare provider.

No. Viruses cause most bronchitis.

No, this is a common misconception. People may exhibit allergic reactions to antibiotics, but they are not resistant to them. It is the bacteria, not the person, which become resistant.

Sometimes. Bacteria or viruses cause sinus infections. Antibiotics are needed for bacterial sinus infections. A bacterial sinus infection may be present if cold symptoms do not improve after 10-14 days.

No. Viruses cause most sore throats. Only strep throat needs an antibiotic; it is caused by strep A bacteria.

Antibiotics either inhibit the growth of bacteria (bacteriostatic) or actually kill the bacteria (bacteriocidal). By stopping the growth of bacteria, it gives the body time to mount an immune response and allows the body to eliminate the bacteria. Drugs that kill the bacteria are the preferred choice when someone has a weakened immune system and whose body cannot destroy the bacteria on its own. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

Some bacteria are naturally resistant to certain types of antibiotics. Bacteria can also become resistant by a genetic mutation or by acquiring resistance from another bacterium. Because bacteria can collect multiple resistance traits over time, they can become resistant to many different families of antibiotics, which allows the resistant bacteria to continue to live/and multiply even in the presence of antibiotic treatment.

There are three ways in which you can get an antibiotic-resistant infection:

• You can develop antibiotic-resistant infections when you take an antibiotic. The bacteria could figure out how to outsmart the antibiotic and stay alive. In that case, you can transmit these resistant bacteria to others and they too may become ill.
• You can catch antibiotic resistant-infections from people or objects around you that are infected with resistant bacteria. Not properly washing hands can increase your risk of catching all kinds of infections.
• You can develop an antibiotic-resistant infection when the bacteria inside your body change; it mutates or acquires genes that allow them to resist antibiotic treatment.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can also develop in pigs, chickens, cattle and other farm animals, which are exposed to low doses of antibiotics in their daily feed. These resistant bacteria can then spread to humans, causing antibiotic-resistant infections. Guidelines are being developed to address this concern.

Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are one-celled organisms visible only through a microscope. There are many types of bacteria, only some of which cause disease. Most are harmless and even some are helpful (good bacteria), by aiding digestion or breaking down rotting material. Bacteria are found almost everywhere.

• Reduce the need for antibiotics.
• Wash your hands! Wash your hands! And, wash your hands! By washing your hands often and thoroughly with plain soap and water, you are helping to prevent disease and, therefore, the need for antibiotics.
• Prevent food borne illnesses by properly refrigerating perishable foods, thoroughly cooking all food from animal sources, and avoiding cross-contamination of other foods.
• Consider pets, even if not ill, as potential sources of infection.
• Dispose of feces, urine, diapers and contaminated articles properly.

Also, you should take antibiotics only when necessary. Don't insist on an antibiotic when your doctor says, "no". Never take an antibiotic for a viral infection such as cold, cough, or flu. Take an antibiotic exactly as the doctor prescribes. And take the antibiotic until it is gone, even if you are feeling better. Never save the medication to treat yourself or others later.

It is very important to have your body help itself. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of fluids and eat healthy foods. Help decrease the symptoms by using a vaporizer or use over-the-counter medicines like saline nose drops, gargles or throat lozenges. Viral infections simply take time to get better.

An antibiotic is a powerful medication designed to kill bacteria or stop them from growing, such as an illness caused by strep throat. They cannot cure illnesses caused by viruses, such as a cold or the flu. Different antibiotics may be used for different types of bacterial infections. Your health care provider will determine what infection you have and if an antibiotic is appropriate to treat it.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when an antibiotic has lost its ability to effectively control or kill bacterial growth. These bacteria are considered to be resistant to an antibiotic. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the main reason for antibiotic resistance.

If you are a qualified applicant, you can complete an application form and mail it along with a copy of your valid photo identification and a check or money order, payable to Washoe County Health District, or you can appear in person at the office which is located in the Washoe County Health District, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno, Building B, first floor, Birth and Death Records. Our hours are listed on the Vital Statistics Program page.

Birth and death certificates are confidential in the State of Nevada and may only be released to a qualified applicant. A qualified applicant is defined as the registrant, or a direct family member by blood or marriage, his or her guardian (Must provide certified original court order appointing guardianship.), or his or her legal representative. For more information, refer to NRS 440.650 and NAC 440.070.

The Vital Statistics Office provides certified copies of Washoe County birth and death certificates either at the office or by mail. Fees for certified copies are set by statute and the current prices can be found on the Vital Statistics fee page.

Our hours are listed on the Vital Statistics Program page.

The office is located in the Washoe County Health District, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno, Building B, first floor, Birth & Death Records. Our hours are listed on the Vital Statistics Program page. For more information call (775) 328-2455.

Fill out the Affidavit For Correction of Record to amend or correct information on a birth or death record. Direct questions and send completed forms to the Nevada State Health Division Office of Vital Statistics. Adding a child's legal father to his or her birth certificate requires filling out a Declaration of Paternity form.

No. In fact, commercial recycling has been excluded from franchise agreements to allow for private enterprise to expand recycling opportunities.

Waste that is to be sent for resource recovery or recycling must be separated at the site of generation. For example, if your business generates glass and aluminum cans and you want to recycle it, the glass and aluminum must separated from your other solid waste. Once separated, the recyclable materials (e.g., glass and aluminum cans) must be placed in a container for collection by a waste hauler permitted to collect and transport recyclable materials.

There is no easy answer to this question. Recyclable materials are subject to the same supply and demand limitations faced by most businesses. Flux in the market for recyclable materials has a major impact on their value. Some recyclable materials have enough value that a permitted waste hauler will collect them for free or even pay for the material. Other recyclable materials may have a low value, requiring the permitted waste hauler to charge you a nominal fee to collect them. As with most resources, collection and transportation costs may offset any profit that could be realized from recycling.

For more detailed information, please contact the Washoe County Health District, Environmental Health Services Division at (775) 328-2434. The staff assigned to the Waste Management Program can answer your questions and provide more information.

Additional materials on waste reduction and proper waste management (including hazardous waste) can be obtained from the University of Nevada, Reno Small Business Development Center, Business Environmental Program.

Any waste material that has an end use or can be re-processed into a usable material, product or item. This includes, but is not limited to, food waste, aluminum, glass, yard debris, plastic, office paper, etc. Additionally, this includes any solid waste that can be processed and used as a feedstock for energy generation. Not all recyclable materials can be recycled in Washoe County due to lack of markets, availability of necessary collection services, etc. Prior to recycling any material, it is important to identify the method of transportation and the final processing location.

There are environmental benefits to recycling that are well documented. For example, paper recycling has greatly reduced the need to harvest virgin timber to make paper products. Instead, waste paper is re-processed and used in the manufacturing of new paper. Thus, the act of recycling promotes efficient and cost effective use of solid waste without depleting limited natural resources. This effort also limits environmental degradation that often results when extracting or harvesting virgin raw materials.

Another benefit can be realized by promoting the fact that your business recycles. Sustainability, responsible use of resources and commitment to community can be featured as part of an advertising campaign. Further, many residents are demonstrating a preference for businesses that actively recycle. Finally, by reducing the overall amount of waste that must be disposed, your business may reduce the cost for disposal. For example, if a business currently uses a six (6) yard dumpster, but can divert 20 – 30% of their waste to recycling, a four (4) yard dumpster would be adequate, resulting in lowered cost for service to the dumpster.

The Nevada Legislature (SB 206 77/2013) placed a $35,000.00 per year limit to the amount of money that one can earn in the Cottage Food Industry.

You can give out samples if they are prepackaged and labeled per the Cottage Food and Food Safety Guidelines. 

No, you may not sell Cottage Foods over the Internet or the phone. All sales must occur by means of an in-person transaction. Shipping product through the mail is prohibited.  You may have a website/social media account that has your business information, but all sales must be conducted by the customer contacting you.

No, your foods are not inspected/produced under the required industry standards. The Cottage Food law disallows this.

Contact the following Business License Departments:

• Washoe County (775) 328-3733
• City of Reno (775) 334-2090
• City of Sparks (775) 353-2360

No, but you need to be registered with a Nevada jurisdicion to sell in Washoe County. To sell in other Nevada Counties you must contact the respective agencies to enquire about registration procedures and policies.

• Carson City Health and Human Services - (775) 887-2190
• Southern Nevada Health District - (702) 759-0588
• All other rural areas - Nevada Department of Health and Humans Services - (775) 687-7533

Please visit the Nevada Department of Taxation for further details.

Contact your local Health District. Washoe County Health District (775) 328-2434

• Carson City Health and Human Services- (775) 887-2190
• Southern Nevada Health District- (702) 759-0588
• All other rural areas - Nevada Department of Health and Humans Services- (775) 687-7533

Yes, see the Cottage Food Fact Sheet and Food Safety Guidelines for details.

Your foods are not inspected/produced under the required industry standards (USDA, FDA) that are required for routine sales/use to the food service industry. The Cottage Food law disallows this.

Home canned foods and sauces, pickled items, breads/cakes/pies made with home canned food ingredients, apple cider, dried or dehydrated meats or chicken (jerkies), apple (fruit) butters, pumpkin butter or other fruit butters. Additionally, foods containing cream cheese frosting, uncooked egg, custard or meringue may not be sold.

Breads, cakes, pastries, candies, cookies, bread mixes, fruit pies, jams, jellies, preserves, dried fruits, popcorn, popcorn balls, cotton candy, dry herbs, seasonings, cereals, trail-mixes, granolas, coated and un-coated nuts and vinegar and flavored vinegar.

• http://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/77th2013/Bills/SB/SB206_EN.pdf
• http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-446.html

In your home, at a roadside stand on your own property, flea market, swap meet, church bazaar, garage sale or craft fair.

This is due to the inherent risks that may be associated with these non-allowable foods, since they will not be inspected or regulated by Local/State/Federal health officials. The bill passed by the Nevada Legislature allowed only certain listed foods to be provided.

One way E. coli can be contracted is when a person eats food that has been contaminated with animal waste or unsanitary water.

Symptoms usually resolve within five to 10 days.

In some people, particularly children under five years of age and the elderly, the infection can also cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, in which the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. About two to seven percent of infections lead to this complication. In the United States, hemolytic uremic syndrome is the principal cause of acute kidney failure in children, and most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome are caused by E. coli O157:H7.

The main symptom is diarrhea, which is often bloody, accompanied by abdominal cramps. There also can be a mild fever.

E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.

If you have severe, prolonged or bloody diarrhea, you should seek medical attention.

If you believe that you became ill as a result of eating a meal prepared at a food establishment located in Washoe County, please call our office at (775) 328-2434 to report your illness.

A well construction permit must be obtained from the Washoe County Health District to construct, drill, recondition or plug a well. The permit applications are available and are processed at the Health District offices.

Yes. We have staff that speak Spanish and interpret in the clinic. We also have a telephone interpreting service that can assist with interpretation in many other languages.

The Health Department is located at the corner of 9th Street and Wells Ave., just off the freeway and next to the fairgrounds. The address is 1001 East 9th Street, Building B. If you are traveling North on Wells, the entrance to the clinic is the first right (into the parking lot) after passing 9th Street. You can enter the door marked CLINIC SERVICES.

We accept cash, check, money orders and credit cards.

Yes. All appointments are confidential.

Yes. There are Citifare bus stops close to the Health Department along routes 2 and 12.

Social Services has information on adoption.

If you take an Emergency Contraception (the Plan B pill) within five days of unprotected sex you can reduce your chance of pregnancy by up to 75%. You need to be seen by a nurse to receive this medication. Call the clinic ASAP to make an appointment. For weekend, holiday or evening emergency contraception providers in the local area dial 1-888-NOT-2-LATE.

Contact Sexual Assault Support Services Crisis Call Center at 784-8090 or 1-800-992-5757 and they will listen to you as well as give you information about resources in the community that may help.

We see women in their reproductive years, which means during the time in their lives when they are able to have children. When a woman reaches menopause (stops having her period) we refer her to a different clinic for annual exams.

A Pap smear is a test that looks for changes of the cells on the cervix. If you would like to know more, please see the Pap Smear information sheet.

• We provide pregnancy testing and proof of pregnancy if your test is positive. We do not provide prenatal care services: however, we will tell you where to receive those services.
• The Washoe Pregnancy Center provides prenatal care services on a sliding scale. Their phone number is (775) 982-5640.

A parent or legal guardian must be the person who receives the vaccine information sheet (VIS), HIPAA informational sheet, HIPAA consent form and completes the vaccine administration record for the child receiving shots. Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS).

States have different requirements for school entry. The following are required by Nevada State Law:

1. Tdap - All students entering 7th Grade must have a Tdap.
2. Varicella - Students new to Nevada schools, who have not had Chicken Pox Disease, must have two (2) Varicella doses. The second dose must be at four (4) years of age or older.
3. Polio - Students new to Nevada schools must have four (4) doses of Polio. The 4th dose must be at four (4) years of age or older.

The Health District only bills Medicaid, Nevada Check-up, and Cigna. You will be provided a receipt to submit to your insurance company with your claim for reimbursement.

Many shot records indicate when the next vaccinations are due. Parents can check with their physician's office or clinic. Complete childhood and adult immunization schedules are available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/. Annual influenza (flu) vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 months or older.

Appointments are required for immunizations. We make appointments up to one week in advance. Walk in appointments are limited to schedule openings.

• About 40,000 cases are reported in the United States each year (actual number may be significantly higher, as many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported.
• About 400 people with acute Salmonella die each year.
• It is more common in the summer than in the winter.
• Children are the most likely to get Salmonella.

Through fecal specimens sent to a testing laboratory.

Through the feces of people or animals including birds and especially reptiles (this includes turtles) to other people or animals, usually through food that has been contaminated, either though direct contact with infected feces or through unwashed hands of an infected food handler (did not wash hands after using the bathroom).

• Most infected persons recover without treatment unless the person becomes severely dehydrated.
• Antibiotics usually are not necessary unless the infection spreads beyond the intestines.

Usually five to seven days.

It depends on environmental conditions.

• Most infected persons recover without treatment.
• Some develop severe diarrhea, leading to dehydration and hospitalization for rehydration with intravenous fluids.
• In some cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, then to other body sites. In these cases, death can result unless the infected person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
• A small number of people go on to develop Reiter’s syndrome (pains in joints, irritation of the eyes and painful urination), which can last for months or years and can lead to chronic arthritis.
• Young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised are the most likely to have severe infections.

• Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent Salmonella.
• The primary method of prevention is to thoroughly wash your hands
  • After using the bathroom
  • After having contact with animal feces
  • After handling reptiles or birds
• Avoid cross-contamination by
  • Thoroughly washing your hands before handling any food and between handling different types of food
  • Keeping uncooked meats separate from produce, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods
  • Thoroughly wash hands and cutting boards, counters, knives and other utensils used to prepare uncooked foods of animal origin.
• Do not eat or drink raw or undercooked foods of animal origin (e.g., eggs, poultry or meat or unpasteurized milk).
• Thoroughly wash produce before eating.
• If you have Salmonella, do not prepare food or pour water for others until you have been shown to no longer be carrying the Salmonella bacterium.

Yes.

Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps.

Salmonellosis is an illness with symptoms that usually begin in the intestines. It is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella.

At least 72 hours, as testing involves growing a culture.

Symptoms develop within 12 to 72 hours after infection.

• Log onto www.cdc.gov/salmonella or www.fda.gov
• Locally, calls can be directed to 775.328.2447

Staff from the Environmental Health Services Division of the Health District have been conducting smoking ban compliance surveys during routine inspections since December 19, 2006. To date, an average 96.5% of permitted facilities were in compliance with the requirements set forth in the NCIAA during routine Environmental Health Services permit inspections.

No. The NCIAA states: "Smoking tobacco in any form is prohibited within indoor places of employment including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Child care facilities;
2. Movie theatres;
3. Video arcades;
4. Government buildings and public places;
5. Malls and retail establishments;
6. All areas of grocery stores; and
7. All indoor areas within restaurants."

There are no provisions for allowing smoking, at any time, in any of the above locations.

Asking strangers, and sometimes even friends and family, to smoke outside can sometimes be stressful. It is important to remember that the vast majority of people are respectful and will abide by the law, if they are aware and reminded of it. Below are 4 ways to ask people who smoke to "take it outside". It may not be easy at first but you have the right and the responsibility to avoid secondhand smoke.

1. As the business owner/manager to enforce the law: I thought this was a non-smoking business. Would you please ask them to smoke outside?
2. Remind them of the law: Maybe you didn't know, but Nevada law prohibits smoking in this area/building/business. Smoking is allowed outside.
3. Be polite: I would like to ask a favor. Would you mind smoking outside? This is a non-smoking area.
4. It is the smoke, not the smoker that is the problem: Would you not smoke right now? I`d really appreciate it.

Please see the guide for childcare facilities for information on compliance.

Please see the guide for employers for information on compliance.

Smokers play an important role in helping to implement the law. First and foremost, it is now illegal for you to smoke indoors in a facility where smoking has been banned. Even if a "No Smoking" sign is not displayed there, you are still required by law to refrain from smoking. You should also not bring any ashtrays or items used as ashtrays into a facility where smoking is now banned. You may still smoke anywhere outside of a facility where smoking is now banned indoors. You may also still smoke indoors at the following types of businesses:

1. Areas within casinos where loitering by minors is already prohibited by state law;
2. Stand-alone bars, taverns, and saloons that do not require a permit to serve food;
3. Strip clubs and brothels;
4. Retail tobacco stores;
5. Private residences, including those which may serve as an office workplace, except if used as a childcare, an adult day care, or a health care facility; and
6. Hotel and motel rooms, but only if allowed by the facility operator, so please ask the operator first before smoking there.

If you are uncertain about being able to smoke indoors, please ask the owner and/or manager of the facility first before smoking there. Your compliance with the new law helps protect non-smokers and children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Your compliance also helps merchants meet their responsibilities under the new law. If you are asked by a representative of the business to refrain from smoking inside their facility, please do as they ask. It is the business's responsibility to enforce the new law in their establishment; if you are found smoking indoors at a location where smoking is now banned, then the business itself could be cited and required to pay a fine. You, too, could be found guilty of a misdemeanor, which generally carries a fine imposed by a judge. A person who violates this ban is also liable for a civil penalty of $100 for each violation.

Banning smoking in indoor spaces has been shown to have a positive impact for business owners in addition to the general community. Studies have shown that banning smoking in restaurants and bars can boost revenues and increase employment. For example, taxable sales receipts for bars and restaurants have increased every year in California since their smoking ban took effect in 2002. In New York City, tax receipts for restaurant and bars increased 8.7 percent, and employment increased by 10,600 jobs since their 2003 smoking ban went into effect; and, in Florida, retail sales for restaurants, lunchrooms, and catering services increased by 7.3 percent after a 2003 smoking ban. Florida's sales and employment in the hotel, restaurant, and tourism industries also were not hurt. Smoking bans in places of employment also have been shown to lower employee sick leave usage, health insurance costs, fire insurance rates, and cleaning costs.

Many studies have been conducted about the business impact of indoor smoking bans. For more information about these studies, please visit: tobacco.ucsf.edu.

Compliance with the ban is the responsibility of the owner, manager or operator of an area where smoking is prohibited. A reasonable effort to prevent smoking should be made by this individual or group of individuals. Health authorities, police officers of cities or towns, sheriffs and their deputies shall, within their respective jurisdictions, enforce the provisions of the ban and shall issue citations for violations of the ban.

Exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to numerous life-threatening diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces reduces exposure to secondhand smoke, thereby reducing the occurrence of these chronic illnesses. Research in communities that have implemented indoor smoking bans shows significant improvement to public health after the ban goes into effect. For example, hospital admissions for heart attacks dropped 40 percent in the six months following an indoor smoking ban in Helena, Montana; and, in Pueblo, Colorado, heart attacks declined 30 percent in 18 months after smoking was banned indoors.

For information about tobacco and secondhand smoke, please visit the Be Tobacco Free page or call (775) 328-2442.

If you smoke and want to quit, see the list of local stop smoking programs.

Please contact Environmental Health Services at 775-328-2434 with any questions you may have about enforcement and compliance.

For questions about the public health impact of the ban, call 775-328-2442.

The cost to comply with the law will vary for each business, but, in general, there are minimal costs. Employers must clearly and conspicuously post "No Smoking" signs in their facilities at every entrance. They also are required to remove all ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia from any area where smoking is prohibited. For some businesses, additional costs may be associated with the removal of built-in ashtrays or other smoking-related items.

A person who is found to violate the ban is guilty of a misdemeanor, which generally carries a fine imposed by a judge. In addition, a person who violates this ban is liable for a civil penalty of $100 for each violation.

Please contact Environmental Health Services at 775-328-2434.

As a result of the voters' mandate, smoking tobacco in any form now is prohibited within indoor places of employment, including, but not limited to: childcare facilities, movie theatres, video arcades; government buildings and public places; malls and retail establishments; all areas of grocery stores; all indoor areas within restaurants; and within school buildings and on school property.

Smoking tobacco is not prohibited in areas within casinos where loitering by minors is already prohibited by state law; stand-alone bars, taverns, and saloons that do not require a permit to serve food; strip clubs and brothels; retail tobacco stores; private residences, including those which may serve as an office workplace, except if used as a childcare, an adult day care or a health care facility; and hotel and motel rooms, if allowed by the facility operator.

For more information on the smoking and tobacco laws in Nevada, refer to Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 202.2483.

Ashtrays or any items being used as an ashtray (e.g., beer bottles, coffee mugs, discarded trash, etc.) are considered smoking-related paraphernalia and must be removed from any area where smoking is prohibited. Merchants may still sell tobacco products.

The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA), became statewide law on December 8, 2006.

Printable no smoking/vaping signs available here

Sec. 2 (9) (d) of the new law defines "public places" as "any enclosed areas to which the public is invited or in which the public is permitted." If a business meets this definition, then smoking must be banned there indoors, regardless of how the facility is owned. The law also defines a "place of employment" in Sec. 2 (9) (i) as "any enclosed area under the control of a public or private employer which employees frequent during the course of employment including, but not limited to, work areas, restrooms, hallways, employee lounges, cafeterias, conference and meeting rooms, lobbies and reception areas." Again, if a business meets this definition, then smoking must be banned indoors as described, regardless of how the facility is owned. The law does make an exception in Sec. 2 (3) (e) for private residences that serve as workplaces, except if they are being used as a childcare, adult day care, or health care facility.

Sec. 2 (7) of the new law states that "Health authorities, police officers of cities or towns, sheriffs and their deputies shall, within their respective jurisdictions, enforce the provisions of this Act and shall issue citations for violations of this Act[.]" The Washoe County Health District is the health authority for Washoe County (per NRS 202.2485). Therefore, the Washoe County Health District is required by law to enforce the smoking ban.

The ban was passed in order to protect the public from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke, is a combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe and the smoke exhaled by smokers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, many of which are known to cause cancer in humans. In 2006, the U.S. Surgeon General released a comprehensive report stating that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure.

There is a glossary in the beginning of the Plan. The EPA website also has a helpful glossary of terms at http://www.epa.gov/OCEPATERMS/.

Solid waste is anything you would throw away or discard such as garbage or trash.

Yes! We offer three annual permits:

• Annual Sampling Permit: For vendors only providing individual sample portions of food/beverages.
• Annual Producer Permit: For vendors selling packaged agricultural products like nuts, eggs, USDA-stamped meat, and other agricultural items. 
• Annual Itinerant Vendor Permit: For vendors participating in eight or more events per year. This permit allows unlimited event participation within the year, with a limit of 14 dates per single event. Additional equipment and a servicing area are required.

These permits are valid only for the calendar year in which they are purchased.

No. The application is subject to review and food service operations must comply with regulations. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applications may also be rejected based on inability to contact the person in charge of food service, menu item restrictions, or operational concerns.

If food items that are not individually prepackaged and on-site preparation (opening of package and contact with food item) is required, a temporary food establishment permit must be obtained.

Only registered cottage food operators can prepare food at home for a special event.  All cottage food requirements must be followed including packaging and labeling requirements.  Other than the above exception, no food preparation is allowed at a private residence for items served to the public.

All preparation of food for a special event must be conducted at the event or in a pre-approved permitted food establishment.

A temporary food establishment which operates at the same special event, in the same location and serves the same menu for at least three times during a calendar year will be eligible for a cumulative maximum fee. The temporary food establishment will be charged the permit fee for the event multiplied by three. The operation of the temporary food establishment is limited to 14 days per calendar year.

Yes. A religious, charitable or other nonprofit organization may, without possessing a permit from the Washoe County Health District (WCHD), sell food to raise money, whether or not the food was prepared at a private home, if the sale occurs on the premises of the organization.

No. County Finance has not passed any such exemptions for purchase of permits.

No. If a fixed facility (grocery store, restaurant, etc.) already has a permit through the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) Food Protection Program, and the food will be sampled inside the store, a temporary food permit is not required. If the establishment wishes to sample or sell food outside, a temporary food permit is required.

No. If a fixed facility (grocery store, restaurant, etc.) already has a permit through the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) Food Protection Program, and the food will be sampled inside the store, a temporary food permit is not required. If the establishment wishes to sample or sell food outside, a temporary food permit is required.

A temporary food permit must be obtained at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the event.  Late fees apply to applications submitted within seven (7) days prior to the event.

Existing food establishment permits do not extend outside of the approved fixed facility. Existing food establishments must obtain a Temporary Food Permit when operating outside of the approved facility.

A temporary food establishment permit must be obtained to cover each separate food vendor. Please contact this agency for available permitting options.

Any food prep performed prior to the first day of a special event must receive prior approval from the WCHD.  Advanced preparation details must be disclosed in the temporary food permit application.  Cooking and cooling of food items in advance is usually not allowed.

The promoter must first contact the city or county business licensing department (Washoe County, City of Reno or City of Sparks) in which the event is going to be held to ensure the necessary permits/licenses are obtained in order to operate within the city/county limits. If the event’s daily attendance is equal to or exceeds 5,000 persons per day, or the total attendance over a fourteen (14) day period is equal to or exceeds 10,000 persons, the promoter must obtain an Application for a Special Event Permit from the Washoe County Health District.

No. Non-profit fees were removed from the current fee schedule as of July 1, 2016.

Examples of low risk food items include, samples given of any food item (including potentially hazardous foods), any beverage served in an open container with consumer ice, coffee drinks blended with dairy products (espresso, lattés), popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, snow cones/shaved ice, funnel cakes, French fries, fried/cooked vegetables, roasted corn, churros, breads, pastries, nuts, sliced fruit (including melons), candy, fudge/chocolate.

Time/temperature control for safety food (TCS) food includes any animal food (a food of animal origin) that is raw or heat-treated; a food of plant origin that is heat-treated or consists of raw seed sprouts; cut melons; and garlic-in-oil mixtures that are not modified in a way that prevents bacterial growth. Some examples of time/temperature control for safety food (TCS) food include, meat, poultry, fish, shell fish and crustaceans, milk and dairy products, cooked rice, and cooked beans, baked potatoes, tofu and soy protein foods, eggs (except those treated to eliminate Salmonella), raw sprouts, sliced melons, cut tomatoes, and cut leafy greens.

A special event is a transitory gathering such as, but not limited to, an activity (including soccer, pickleball, baseball and softball league games), a celebration, festival or fundraiser which is open to the public. 

A temporary food establishment is any food establishment which operates at a fixed location for a temporary period of time, not to exceed 14 consecutive days, in connection with a special event.

Yes. We have staff that speak Spanish and interpret in the clinic. We also have a telephone interpreting service that can assist with interpretation in many other languages.

Yes. There are Citifare bus stops close to the Health Department along routes 2 and 12.

Yes. All appointments are confidential.

Social Services has information on adoption.

If you take an Emergency Contraception (the Plan B pill) within five days of unprotected sex you can reduce your chance of pregnancy by up to 75%. You need to be seen by a nurse to receive this medication. Call the clinic ASAP to make an appointment. For weekend, holiday or evening emergency contraception providers in the local area dial 1-888-NOT-2-LATE.

Contact Sexual Assault Support Services Crisis Call Center at 784-8090 or 1-800-992-5757 and they will listen to you as well as give you information about resources in the community that may help.

The Health Department is located at the corner of 9th Street and Wells Ave., just off the freeway and next to the fairgrounds. The address is 1001 East 9th Street, Building B. If you are traveling North on Wells, the entrance to the clinic is the first right (into the parking lot) after passing 9th Street. You can enter the door marked clinic services.

The Teen Health Mall offers family planning services to help you plan the size of your family. By using birth control methods a woman has more control over when she has children and how many children she has.

• If it is your first visit, or if your income has changed, please bring proof of family income. Please see Cost of Services.
• If you are on medications, bring in your medications, or write down the names so a nurse can review them. This would also include any birth control pills that you did not receive from this clinic.

A Pap smear is a test that looks for changes of the cells on the cervix. If you would like to know more, please see the Pap Smear information sheet.

The number to the office clinic is (775) 328-2470. The phones are answered between the hours of 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

• You will fill out paperwork.
• An aide will obtain your weight and height, measure your blood pressure, and check your iron level (in some cases).
• The Advanced Practitioner of Nursing will review your medical history and determine what services you need (birth control, STD testing etc.).
• If you are interested in birth control you may get it on the day of your visit; however, in some instances you will need to return to receive your method of birth control.
• You may or may not receive a pelvic exam (having a nurse look and feel inside your vagina) and Pap smear on your first visit. If you receive birth control you will need to have a pelvic exam within 3 months.

You can pay for your visit on the day that you receive services, or we can put you on a payment plan.

• We provide pregnancy testing and proof of pregnancy if your test is positive. We do not provide prenatal care services: however, we will tell you where to receive those services.
• The Washoe Pregnancy Center provides prenatal care services on a sliding scale. Their phone number is (775) 982-5640.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a vaccine for tuberculosis. It is often given to infants and young children in countries with high rates of tuberculosis. It protects children and babies from developing severe forms of tuberculosis, like meningitis or miliary TB. It is not used routinely in the United States. Your skin test may be positive because of BCG vaccination.

However, a positive skin test is most likely due to infection with TB bacteria if:

• You recently spent time with a person who has active TB disease
• You are from an area of the world where active TB is very common (Africa, Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Russia)
• You spend time where TB disease is common (homeless shelters, migrant farm camps, drug treatment centers, health care clinics. jails or prisons)
• You were vaccinated more than 5-10 years ago
• Your skin test is greater than 20 mm

Consider a blood test. Blood tests are not affected due to BCG - they will not give a false positive result due to BCG.

A Person with Latent TB Infection (LTBI):

• Usually has a skin test or a blood test result indicating TB infection*
• Usually has a normal chest x-ray
• Has TB bacteria in their body that are alive but inactive
• Has no symptoms
• Does not feel sick
• Cannot spread TB to others
• Can take treatment for LTBI to reduce their risk of developing TB disease

A Person with Active TB Disease:

• Usually has a skin test or a blood test result indicating TB infection*
• Usually has an abnormal chest x-ray
• Has TB bacteria in their body that are active (growing)
• Usually feels sick and experiences symptoms
• May spread TB to others
• Needs treatment to cure the active TB disease

* - A positive tuberculin skin test (TST) or a positive blood test only shows that you have been infected with the TB bacteria. Neither test can tell if you have TB disease, only if the TB bacteria are in your body.

Treating latent TB infection is essential to controlling and eliminating TB in the United States, because it substantially reduces the risk that the infection will progress to TB disease.

A person with TB infection can take medication called Isoniazid or Rifampin. This will kill the TB bacteria and greatly reduce the risk of TB disease from developing. Your doctor will decide which medicine is best for you. It is important to have health monitoring every month while taking either of these medications to be sure that you are not developing any harmful side effects. Your health care provider may order blood tests during your treatment.

There is now a 12 dose regimen that makes treating latent TB infection easier.

Considered one of the biggest breakthroughs in treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) since the 1960s, the 12-dose regimen reduces treatment from 270 daily doses over 9 months, to 12 once-weekly doses over 3 months. It is a combination regimen of isoniazid and rifapentine; two of the most effective medications available for TB treatment.

Following the results of a recent large randomized control trial, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released recommendations on the use of the new treatment regimen for LTBI:

• It is recommended for otherwise healthy people aged 12 and older who are at an increased risk of developing TB disease
• Close patient monitoring and the utilization of Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) in which a health care worker observes a person taking the treatment and monitors side effects is required for each of the 12 doses
• It is an additional treatment option for LTBI and is not meant to replace other available treatment regimens

More information: CDC guidelines, Recommendations for Use of an Isoniazid-Rifapentine Regimen with Direct Observation to Treat Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection (MMWR 2011; 60: 1650-1653).

It takes a long time to kill all the TB bacteria. A person with TB disease typically must take 4 different medicines for 2 months:

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin
• Pyrazinamide
• Ethambutol

Then take Isoniazid and Rifampin for another 4-7 months depending on how much damage the bacteria have caused.

This treatment has been successful in treating TB disease for many years. In recent years, some TB bacteria strains have become resistant, (the medicines no longer kill the TB bacteria) to one or more of these drugs.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB is resistant to the two strongest TB medicines, Rifampin and Isoniazid. The most common cause of drug resistance occurs when TB medications are not taken long enough and/or in the right amounts. Drug resistant TB is much more difficult and expensive to successfully treat. Extremely drug resistant (XDR) TB is a less common form of multi-drug resistant TB. There is resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampin, as well as most of the alternative drugs used against MDR TB. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention urges all health care practitioners to use directly observed therapy (DOT) in the treatment of tuberculosis.

When a person with active TB disease coughs or sneezes tiny droplets that contain TB bacteria are released into the air. If another person breathes air containing these droplets, they may become infected with the TB bacteria. However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: Latent TB infection (LTBI) and Active TB disease - both of which are treatable and curable.

You will need to have a chest x-ray. If your chest x-ray is normal, this means you have been infected with the TB bacteria but your immune system has "walled off" the bacteria and is protecting you from getting sick. Your doctor may recommend that you take medication to kill the bacteria so you will lower your risk of ever developing active TB disease. If your chest x-ray is abnormal and/or you have symptoms of TB disease your doctor will order additional tests to see if you have active disease.

Symptoms of TB disease can include any or all of the following:

• A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in the chest
• Feeling tired all of the time
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Coughing up blood

See your doctor if you have these symptoms.

To increase the success of TB disease treatment and decrease the risk of drug resistance, a health care worker observes each dose of TB medication taken.

Most persons believe they are able to take their medication without help. But 6 - 9 months is a long time to take antibiotics, especially after you start to feel better. Health care workers who provide DOT offer encouragement to complete treatment. People are human and humans are sometimes forgetful. DOT health care providers help people remember to take their medicine. They also check for harmful side effects and make sure the medicines are working as expected.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). TB usually attack the lungs. Sometimes TB bacteria attack other parts of the body such as, the kidney, spine or brain. TB disease is a serious illness, but with proper treatment it can be cured.

The Washoe County Health District's Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program staff welcomes questions about tuberculosis. They can be reached at 775-785-4785.

There are many informative websites available:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Lung Association
• Stop TB partnership
• National Prevention Information Network

Some people are more likely to be infected with the latent form of TB. These include:

• persons who were born in a foreign country with high rates of TB
• persons who have lived in a foreign country with high rates of TB
• persons who have spent time with someone with active TB disease
• persons who live or spend a lot of time in crowded places

Some people who are infected with latent TB have a greater risk of progressing to active TB disease. These include:

• persons who became infected with TB in the last 2 years
• children under 5 years of age
• new immigrants from countries with high rates of TB - persons who have been in the United States for less than 5 years
• persons with weakened immune systems
• persons with certain kinds of lung disease, such as silicosis
• persons with diabetes
• persons who have had stomach or bowel surgery
• persons who take certain medications for arthritis
• persons who take prednisone or other steroids for extended periods of time
• persons who have had cancer of the head, neck or leukemia
• persons with end stage renal disease
• persons who are extremely underweight (10% or more below ideal body weight)
• persons with an abnormal chest x-ray suggestive of old healed TB disease
• persons who had TB disease in the past but did not receive adequate treatment
• persons with HIV infection. Persons with HIV infection have the greatest risk of progressing to active TB disease.

A vasectomy is a permanent operation. Some doctors try to undo a vasectomy with surgery, but it is expensive and many times does not work. Make sure that you do not want to father any more children before you have a vasectomy.

A vasectomy is done in a doctor’s office or clinic. The doctor numbs the area and then makes a small cut in the scrotum (skin around the testicles) to get to the tubes that carry the sperm (sperm ducts). The doctor then closes off the sperm ducts so that sperm cannot get into the semen (what comes out during an orgasm). When there are no sperm in the semen, you cannot cause a pregnancy.

Yes, there are several temporary ways to prevent pregnancy. A man can use a condom or a woman can use methods like birth control pills, the Depo shot, the patch, an IUD as well as others. If you would like more information about these and other temporary ways to prevent pregnancy, talk to your health care provider.

With a vasectomy you don't have to worry about making a woman pregnant and you don't have to use a temporary method of family planning again (like birth control pills for women, condoms to prevent pregnancy, etc). However, the procedure will not protect you against STDs. A condom is still the best method for STD prevention.

Vasectomy is a safe and simple operation, but there is a small chance you could have problems afterwards. Some of the problems include:

• You may have temporary swelling around the area of the skin that was cut.
• You may have bruising that usually goes away on its own.
• You may get an infection on the skin or inside the scrotum.
• The operation may not make you sterile. A small number of men who have the operation will still be able to get a woman pregnant. The vasectomy is more than 99% effective.

A vasectomy is a sterilization operation for men. This means that after the operation a man cannot get a woman pregnant.</p.

Yes. A vasectomy will not alter your sex drive. Your erections and orgasms will be the same. You will have the same amount of ejaculate (semen), but it will not contain sperm.

At this time, there is not a green waste program. However, you can build a compost pile from yard wastes that will provide nourishment and fertilizer for the garden and landscape.

For more information on how to construct a compost pile, consult your local nursery or the Master Gardener Program through the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Office at 784-4848.

The residential recycling program in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County is voluntary. You must contact Waste Management Inc., at 329-8822 to request recycling bins. They will be delivered to your home. Also, don’t forget to request a pickup schedule for recycled items. Your pickup day may be different that the regular garbage pickup.

The best way to prevent this disposal dilemma is to not purchase products that contain hazardous materials or chemicals. However, if you cannot share the product or donate it for use by others, please solidify the waste with kitty litter, dirt, or coffee grinds and throw it away.

If you are a homeowner, you should first try to donate the unit or turn it in to one of the used computer retailers in the area. The last and least attractive alternative is to dispose of it in the trash. If you are a business, your computers cannot be landfilled!

In Washoe County, there are several ways to dispose of household paint. First, remove the lids from the paint cans and let the contents dry to a solid form. If there is more than 1/2 inch of paint, add kitty litter to absorb it. When the material is solidified, you can dispose of it your household trash. Or, secondly, you may pour the paint directly on to plastic tarps being careful not to spill on to the ground; let it harden, and then roll up the tarps and place in your household trash.

Contact the Nevada Small Business Development Center's "Business Environmental Program" at 1-800-882-3233, or 689-6699, or contact EPA for the free "Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste" at www.epa.gov.

Most oil recycling centers will accept up to five gallons of used oil free-of-charge. Many of the large auto parts retailers in Washoe County will take motor oil from local residents. Make sure when transporting the oil, that it is in a secured container and is free of contamination by lubricants, gasoline, or antifreeze.

In other Northern Nevada Counties, call the State of Nevada Recycling Hotline at 1-800-597-5865.

Meetings are held at the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) office, and scheduling is completed through WCHD staff at 775-328-2434 or the ehsplanreview@nnph.org email.  

When a special exception is requested, this must be completed by the Water System submitting the plan for whatever the proposed exception is to the plan.  This must include why the minimum requirements of NAC 445A cannot be maintained, provide an analysis of any potential public health impacts, how this exception can be protective of public health, and any other pertinent information necessary to complete the review process.

Special exceptions are considered only on a case-by-case basis.

All special exceptions must be completed and submitted in writing to Washoe County Health District (WCHD).  WCHD will coordinate with NDEP for concurrent review and comment as part of the review process.

A justification for each occurrence must be included with the plan submittal from the licensed professional preparing the plans.  The justification must address the proposed design, why it is required, why the design could not be modified to meet the requirements of NAC 445A, and address the potential public health impacts associated with not meeting the minimum construction requirements.

Per Nevada Administrative Code 445A, certain water system infrastructure is required to meet ANSI / NSF requirements and demonstrate the appropriate certification for use.

The following list of websites provide ANSI / NSF Accredited Third-Party Certification (https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100LVYK.txt):

1. CSA - https://www.csagroup.org/testing-certification/product-listing/
2. IAPMO - http://pld.iapmo.org/default.aspx
3. ICC ES PMG - https://icc-es.org/pmg-listing-program/listing-directory/
4. Intertek - http://etlwhidirectory.etlsemko.com/WebClients/ITS/DLP/products.nsf/$$Search?OpenForm
5. NSF - http://info.nsf.org/Certified/PwsComponents/index.asp?standard=061
6. Truesdail - https://www.truesdail.com/product-listings/
7. UL - http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.html
8. WQA - https://www.wqa.org/Find-Products#/

Per the Nevada Board of Professional Engineer and Land Surveyors (NVBPELS), all plans are required to be stamped and signed in accordance with NAC 625.

Per the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design (NSBAIDRD), all plans are required to be stamped and signed in accordance with NAC 623.

Water project completion letters are required to be submitted to Washoe County Health District (WCHD) once all infrastructure has been installed and tested.  These letters are also a requirement for the developer to receive the Certificate of Occupancy and be able to sell or occupy any structures proposed.  Water Project Completion Letter

All separations are determined from the outside pipe or enclosure.  All plan submittals should be utilizing the outside diameter of pipe, catch basin, sewer main, storm drain, etc to identify the minimum separation distance allowed per NAC 445A.

Plans must demonstrate actual pipe diameters and ensure all separations meet the minimum requirements of NAC 445A.

Email ehsplanreview@nnph.org

All plan review status, supplemental information for review, and other information regarding plans should be emailed to this location.

Emails should include the building permit number or water project number in the subject line.

• All water projects are submitted by the permitted public water system directly to the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) for review and approval.  All WCHD correspondence will be distributed through the water system. For WCHD to approve a construction permit or final map, WCHD must review and approve the associated water project, and the two designs must match. 
• Water Project Application

The layout, budget and construction timeline for the long term site are currently being established. Professional staff are engaged in the infrastructure development to address all location matters including site grading, emergency access, ADA access, drainage, utilities, etc. A tentative opening date for long-term site will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

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Does the Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter have safe parking locations for vehicles or RVs

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What are the service eligibility requirements

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What is the criteria for an emergency bed at the Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter

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What meal and food services are provided

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What services are available to guests that are severely mentally handicapped

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When admitted, what does the full intake process consist of

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Where is the Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter located

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How is participant feedback incorporated in the operational model

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What are the policies and procedures of the Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter

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What are the statistics of successful exits from the emergency shelter into housing

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What is the ratio of case workers to guests

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What is the shelters goal for average stay

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What performance measures, goals and outcomes are established

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What services or programs will be accessible

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How can I help

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What are the staffing levels at the Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter

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What is the continued construction development of the Nevada Cares Campus

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Who is responsible for operating the Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter

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Where will the Safe Camp be located

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What rules will be put into place at the Safe Camp

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What will the admission process and criteria be for the Safe Camp

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When will the Safe Camp open

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Will drug use be allowed at the Safe Camp

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How is participant feedback incorporated in the operational model

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What food services will be provided

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What is the purpose and desired outcome of the Safe Camp

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What services or programs will be accessible to Safe Camp participants

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What transportation services will be available to Safe Camp

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What will staffing levels be at the Safe Camp

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Why are portable propane heaters not allowed in tents

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Will fires be allowed within the Safe Camp

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Will tents be provided

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How will weather related issues like snow and flooding be mitigated

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Who will be responsible for operating the Safe Camp

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Will camping along the river be allowed after the Safe Camp is completed

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Will the Safe Camp have safe parking locations for vehicles and or RVs

Current rates can be found on the Human Resources website with the following link: Washoe County Employee Benefits 

Normally, qualified beneficiaries are required to pay the entire cost of COBRA Continuation Coverage.  The amount a qualified beneficiary may be required to pay may not exceed 102 percent (or, in the case of an extension of continuation coverage due to a disability, 150 percent) of the cost to the group health plan (including both employer and employee contributions).

Contact Voya's local representative Tom Verducci at 775-530-3089. 

Participants are eligible to take loans from the deferred compensation plans. The minimum loan amount is $1,000 and the minimum loan term is 12 months. For more information contact Voya's Retirement Readiness Service Center at 1-800-584-6001 or Voya's local representative Tom Verducci at 775-530-3089.       

Participants in the 457 Plan can start your retirement savings with as little as $10 or 1% per pay period, so starting sooner rather than later is easy.  You can start or stop your contributions to the 457 at any time. Participants electing to participate in the 401(a) Plan may select a minimum contribution amount of 2.5%. 401(a) enrollment and contribution elections are irrevocable.

The easiest way to file a gap insurance claim is through your online account at Americanfidelity.com or the mobile app, AFmobile. Download American Fideity mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. 

 When filing a gap insurance claim you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Statement of Insured, completed via  online claim filing  or paper claim form
• Itemized Bills with diagnosis from each of your providers with a complete breakdown of charges for each date of service
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your primary medical insurance carrier

We may also need:

• Authorization to Disclose Information Including PHI: This form gives American Fidelity authorization to get records from your medical provider(s) and others who may hold information necessary for us to review your claim. Upload the form via your online account, or mail or fax it.

Forms are available on the Employee Benefit Forms page of the Human Resources website: Employee Benefit Forms.

You can also visit American Fidelity's website to file an online claim or download the AF mobile app.

Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act does require that information submitted on this claim form is protected and only disclosed as necessary to process your claim. Employers, plan sponsors and providers are subject to ensuring that your data is private and secure.

The following out-of-pocket expenses are covered:

Maximum In-Hospital Benefit:

• Up to $1,000 per hospital confinement

Maximum Out-patient Benefit:

• Treatment in a hospital emergency room

• Out-patient surgery in a hospital out-patient facility or free-standing out-patient surgery center

• Diagnostic testing in a hospital out-patient facility or MRI facility

• Up to $200 for treatment of the same or related conditions unless separated by a period of 90 consecutive days (then a new out-patient benefit will be payable)

Physician Out-patient Treatment Benefit:

• Treatment in a hospital out-patient clinic, free-standing emergency care clinic or physician’s office

• Up to $25 per treatment; $125 maximum per family per calendar year (non-routine care excluded)

The High Deductible Health Plan is administered by UMR. You can go to the website to search for providers, view claims, referrals and other benefit information. You can also download the UMR Mobile App. Download on the App Store or Google Play Store.

To be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must be enrolled in a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

A HDHP has a lower premium than conventional health plans, and you must meet the calendar year deductible, before the plan starts paying. Prescription drugs must be paid at contract price until the deductible is met.  HSA’s help pay for the medical expenses not covered by your HDHP— tax- free.

American Fidelity will send you a debit card to pay for your qualifying expenses. You can also submit for reimbursement through your online account with American Fidelity or through the mobile app, AFmobile.

Yes. Both the PPO Plan and the HDHP utilize the same network of providers. To search for providers, please visit www.umr.com and select the United Healthcare Choice Plus Network.

In most cases, you will not be able to use your HSA funds to pay expenses for your registered Domestic Partner per IRS rules and guidelines. Please seek the advice of a tax accountant.

Although it is not a requirement, Washoe County has agreed to fund a significant portion of the $2,600/individual and $3,200/family annual calendar year deductible in 2024.

All employees enrolled on the High Deductible Health Plan effective January 1, 2024 will receive a $2,250 contribution to their Health Savings Account if they are only covering themselves or a $2,500 contribution to their Health Savings Account if they are covering one or more dependents. Anyone hired after January 1, 2024, will receive a pro-rated contribution to their Health Savings Account based upon their benefit effective date. The money in your HSA is your money and you may keep any County contributions when you change jobs or retire.

Currently, there is no cost to maintain your bank account with American Fidelity.  Upon separation from employment or transfer to another Washoe County health plan, you will be responsible for the $2 per month fee as applicable.

You will need to spend all your FSA money by December 31, 2023 in order to contribute an HSA.  You do have the option of enrolling in Limited Purpose FSA if you are participating in the HDHP/HSA; however, the Limited Purpose FSA is for vision and dental expenses only.

You will still be able to enroll and participate in the dependent care FSA.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to an account managed by your employer. This money can be used for health care spending, but anything left over at the end of the year is forfeited. 

HSAs allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that is owned and managed by you, the employee. The money is used for health care expenses, but unlike an FSA, the unspent amount can remain in the account year after year and it stays with you in the event you terminate from your employer.

You will need to consider your options carefully. For more information, you can contact Health Benefits Staff by emailing at HR-Healthbenefits@washoecounty.gov. 

Yes. IRS regulations stipulate that in order to be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must be enrolled in a qualified High Deductible Health Plan. 

IRS regulations for 2024 require the HDHP to have a minimum  deductible of $2,600 for individuals and $3,200 for families. The premium for an HDHP generally costs less than a traditional health care plan, so the money that you save can be put in your HSA. You own and control the money in your HSA and decisions on how to spend the money are made by you.

The IRS has set contribution limits of $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families for 2024. Individuals 55 and over may contribute an extra $1,000 to their HSA.

The County’s HSA are administered by American Fidelity, and employees can make pre-tax payroll deductions every pay period.  

The HSA is owned by the employee; therefore, the funds remain in the account.  The employee can choose to use the funds for qualified medical expenses or save the funds for future medical expenses.

 The HSA contribution maximums are set up in payroll to not exceed the IRS limitations. If an employee’s contributions exceed the IRS limitation, the employee contribution amount will not be deducted from their paycheck.

Yes, if you are a veteran who has not retired from the military and is not enrolled in Tricare, you can enroll in the HSA/HDHP. The only exception is for veterans with service-related disabilities. The Internal Revenue Code was amended recently to allow veterans receiving VA medical care for service-related disabilities to fund an HSA.

Supplemental life insurance may be purchased through Western Insurance Specialties and American Fidelity.

• Western Insurance Specialties can be reached at 775-826-2333. 
• American Fidelity can be reached at 775-829-1313.

You must log onto ESS and submit a Life and Work Event request to add or remove a dependent.  

Please see the “Eligibility Quick Reference” on the Human Resources website for more information on adding or deleting dependents: Eligibility Quick Reference 

Under the new Health Care Reform Bill, you may cover your child/children up to age 26.  They do not have to be a full-time student, living with you, and/or dependent upon your financial support. 

If you are adding a domestic partner, you must do so within 31 days of filing the declaration of domestic partnership, or during the annual Open Enrollment period. 

You may add your new baby within 31 days of the birth by submitting a Life and Work Event request through ESS and providing a copy of the birth confirmation to Human Resources.

Washoe County Employee Benefits is located within the Human Resources Department at the County Administration Complex, 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Room A220, and the contact information for the benefits team is as follows:          

• Kristie Harmon, Senior Benefits Specialist, 328-2079, kharmon@washoecounty.gov
• Ashley Berrington, Benefits Manager, 328-2088, aberrington@washoecounty.gov
• Molly Hodges, Benefits Specialist, 325-8111, mahodges@washoecounty.gov 
• Christine Kirkland, Benefits Specialist, 328-2099, ckirkland@washoecounty.gov
• Lisa Thomas, Office Support Specialist, 328-2082, lthomas@washoecounty.gov

Current insurance rates are posted on the Washoe County Human Resources public website. To access the website, click here: https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Benefits/healthbenefits/index.php.

Yes.  Visit the websites below to access pharmacy services, check drug prices, view your prescription history, locate pharmacies near you and enroll in pharmacy by mail program. 

• Self-funded PPO and HDHP:  www.maxorplus.com (or call 1-800-687-0707)

• Surest:  OptumRx (or call 888-290-5416)

The GAP Plan was first introduced in FY 10/11 and is available in conjunction with the Surest Plan.  Washoe County covers the cost of the GAP plan for all employees enrolled in Surest; however, it is an elective coverage for dependents, and employees are responsible for dependent premiums.  Provided by American Fidelity, the GAP Plan is designed to reimburse the following out-of-pocket expenses up to:

• $1,000 per inpatient hospital confinement

• $200 for certain outpatient services

• $25 for non-routine doctors visits (limit of $125 per family per year)

For more information about the GAP Plan, or to enroll or delete a dependent, you must contact American Fidelity directly at 775-829-1313. 

Coverage becomes effective on the 31^st day of continuous full-time or permanent part-time employment (21 or more hours per week).  You must log onto Employee Self Service (ESS) and add dependents, if applicable, and designate life insurance beneficiary(ies) for you life insurance benefit.  

If enrollment is not completed within the first 20 days of employment, you will be enrolled with employee-only as of your effective date.

 Self-funded PPO and HDHP Plan:

• Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Regional Medical Center, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, Northern Nevada Regional Medical Center, Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center, and Carson-Tahoe Hospital

Surest Plan:

• Renown Regional Medical Center, South Meadows Regional Medical Center, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Northern Nevada Regional Medical Center, Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center, and Carson-Tahoe Hospital

Contact information for the following plans:

•  Self-funded PPO and HDHP contact UMR at 800-826-9781.
•  Surest, contact Surest at 866-683-6440.

Every year, mid-October through mid-November, the County holds an Open Enrollment period during which time you can make any changes to your health insurance plan without qualifying event restrictions.  This is the perfect opportunity to review all your health insurance options to make sure you and your family are appropriately covered.

We strongly encourage all employees to attend Open Enrollment meetings which are scheduled each year mid-October through mid-November.  If for some reason you cannot attend one of these informative meetings, you may contact a Benefits Specialist:  Kristie Harmon at (775) 328-2079, Molly Hodges at (775) 325-8111 or Christine Kirkland at (775) 328-2099 to set up an appointment.

If you are on the Self-funded PPO or HDHP, visit www.umr.com (select Washoe County, Nevada); or contact UMR at 800-826-9781.

If you are on the Surest Plan, visit join.surest.com; or, contact Surest Plan at 866-683-6440.

For a full description of what services meet the definition of preventative and routine medical care, please refer to your plan summary or contact your plan administrator directly:

• Self-funded PPO and HDHP participants:  Contact UMR Customer Service at 800-826-9781.

• Surest participants: Contact Surest Customer Service at 866-683-6440.

Yes, this is considered a “qualifying event” and they must be removed within 31 days of the effective date of the new insurance.  You must also submit a Life and Work Event request through ESS along with documentation from your spouse’s new employer that indicates the effective date of his/her coverage.

If you are on the Self-funded PPO and HDHP, or Surest Plan you will receive a better rate if you use contracted providers, but you do have flexibility. 

You are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older and you OR your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years. When an individual who has not paid Medicare taxes applies for Medicare (assuming the spouse has), they simply provide their spouse’s information in addition to their own.

Federal employees began paying the Medicare payroll tax in 1983 and all newly hired state and local employees (including Washoe County) began doing so in 1986. Thus, most government employees and retirees are now eligible.

If you did not sign up when you were first eligible because you are still working and covered under the County’s group plan, you can enroll anytime. After your employment ends, you can enroll anytime during the 8-month Special Enrollment Period or during Medicare’s regular Open Enrollment Period which runs from January – March each year for a July 1st effective date.

Please note: if your active employment ends and you do not enroll during the Special Enrollment Period you may have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment.

Hospitals and community mental health centers are paid a set amount of money (called the payment rate) to give some outpatient services to people with Medicare. The payment rate includes:

• Medicare’s payment amount for the service you receive
• Your yearly Medicare Part B deductible if you haven’t already paid it for the year. This amount can change each year.
• Your co-payment amount or co-insurance

The payment rate is not the same for all hospitals and community mental health centers. The payment rate for a hospital or community mental health center is a national rate adjusted to reflect what people are paid to work in hospitals in the area where you get services. Each January 1, Medicare updates the payment rates to keep up with changes in the cost of providing services.

Medicare is a national social insurance program, administered by the federal government since 1965 that guarantees access to health insurance for Americans who are:

• Age 65 years and older

• Under age 65 on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or diagnosed with certain diseases including End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS) The original program included:

• Part A – Hospital Care. Part A is premium-free for most people.

• Part B – Doctor and Outpatient Care. Part B requires a monthly premium.

In 2006, the program was expanded to include:

• Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage. Part D is optional and requires a monthly premium.

You can contact Voya's Retirement Readiness Service Center and speak with a Customer Service Associate at 1-800-584-6001.

Please use the following choices when submitting a verification of employment.

Verbal Verification call 775-328-2081 ext. 3

Written Verification fax to 775-328-6119 or email HREmployeeRecords@washoecounty.gov

Washoe County is committed to equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability which requires special testing accommodations, please contact careers@washoecounty.gov within 3 days of receiving your notice that you have passed the minimum qualifications for the position.  Special testing accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Washoe County does not offer the option to retake an examination under the same recruitment unless under extenuating circumstances. If the same test is used for a different recruitment your score will automatically be transferred if it has been taken in less than 60 days or you will be given the option to transfer your score if taken within one year.

All correspondence about your application and the position you applied for are sent through email to the email address you provided on your application.  Prior to contacting Washoe County Human Resources, check your email spam folder. You can also log onto your governmentjobs.com account and view all messages through your inbox. Lastly, you may contact careers@washoecounty.gov to inquire about any missing emails.

As a merit system, most of our recruitments will include a competitive examination process.  The Washoe County Personnel Handbook section 5.160 outlines instances which allow the Department of Human Resources to waive the examination process.

The job announcement will outline the examination process for the recruitment and this information will include a tentative exam date for an in-person exam OR a tentative timeframe to receive an exam link for remote testing.  In addition, the areas assessed through the exam will also be listed on the job announcement.  The most commonly used exam is either a written or online multiple-choice exam; however, other examination processes such as a performance test may be used.

Some positions are unclassified and outside of the merit system.  Individuals selected for those positions serve at the pleasure of the hiring authority.  A variety of selection instruments may be used in evaluating candidates for these types of positions.

Information regarding a specific recruitment’s examination process can be found on the job announcement. You can access the job announcement by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washoecounty. Sign in to your profile, select the application and go to the job details tab. The information can be found in the “What Happens Next” section of the Job Announcement.

After you have submitted your application and the Human Resources Analyst has determined that the minimum qualifications have been met, you will receive an email to the email address you provided on your application.  Subsequently, a separate email notification regarding the examination process will be sent to you approximately one week before the exam.

Exam results will be emailed to you within 1-2 weeks of taking the examination.

The term "examination" refers to the selection method used to rank all candidates for a particular classification.  The majority of Washoe County recruitments will include a competitive examination process.  Additional details regarding the examination process can be found on the job announcement.

Washoe County operates under a merit system, pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes. A merit system is a means in which competitive examinations are used in the selection process and the most qualified individuals are selected for hire or promotion.

Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160 - waiver of examination. The director of human resources may waive an examination for those classes requiring specific training, education, certification, licensure, experience or when there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates.

As a merit system, most of our recruitments will include a competitive examination process. The Washoe County Personnel Handbook section 5.160 outlines instances which allow the Department of Human Resources to waive the examination process. When an examination is waived, all qualified candidates are placed on an unranked list.

Certain recruitments fall outside of the merit system and will entail a separate and unique process. The details of the process will be outlined on the job announcement.

If you pass the examination, you will receive your score  and rank via email to the email address you provided on your application.

All candidates on the list are ranked in score order, based on the number of eligible candidates.  If there is a tie score, the candidates receive the same ranking.  For example, if two people have a score of 86.44 and are ranked at #8 then both are ranked 8.  If the next candidate’s score on the list is an 87,  that candidate  would be ranked 7 due to  their higher score.

All correspondence about your application, testing and ranking are sent through email to the email address you provided on your application. Prior to contacting Washoe County Human Resources, be sure to check your email spam folder. After checking your email spam folder, if you still cannot locate an email regarding the results of the exam, please contact careers@washoecounty.gov.  

Yes, if the recruitment is continuous/open until filled, new names will be added to the list each time the exams are administered. If another applicant scores higher than you, your rank will be lowered. It is also possible for you to advance higher on the eligible list as others are hired or removed for other reasons such as finding other jobs. In addition, your rank may change from one recruitment to another even if the same exam is used.

Once the examination process has concluded, a list of top ranked candidates will be referred to the hiring department for an interview. The hiring department determines the number of candidates to interview. Depending on your rank from the exam, you may or may not be contacted for an interview as this is contingent on how many candidates the departments opted to interview. If the department did not request enough candidates to get to your ranking on the list, you will not be contacted for that round of interviews.   

If it is an unranked list, all qualified candidates will be referred for an interview. Most hiring departments will interview candidates shortly after the list is referred. Some departments may take longer than others to schedule the interview and there are instances where a list was created to fill future, anticipated vacancies.

The good news is if you passed the exam, your name will remain on the eligible list for future opportunities as they become available. Please make sure to check your email and voicemail to ensure you are not missing important communication from either the hiring department or Human Resources.

Yes, once you have completed your online application through our online application system and submitted your application, you can apply for multiple positions that are currently open and on the Job Opportunities web page. Please note you must apply for each position individually. All you have to do to apply for another job is to log back on to the online application system and apply using the same Username and password you created. The last application you submitted will still be in the system available for you to update and/or submit for another job opening. As a reminder, tailoring your application to the position you are applying for each time you apply for a job opening will increase your chances for success in the recruitment and selection process.

Applicants can complete their applications online from any computer with Internet access. After the closing date, applications will be screened by the recruitment staff and all applicants will be notified by email of their results.  Additional information is available at Recruitment and Selection Process.

The time it takes depends on several factors including the amount of work experience and education you have to enter, how fast you can type, whether you copy and paste information, etc. You should allow 20-45 minutes for the total process. However, you can speed up the process by collecting important information about previous work experience, education, certifications, etc. before you start creating your application. If you find you are missing a piece of information that is requested, you can skip the field and go back before the deadline to apply to submit your application.  The information on your application when you apply will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the job opening for which you apply-make sure it is accurate and contains all information requested as well as any specific attachments that are required.

We do not accept mailed applications.  All applications must be completed using the online application system when the position is posted on the Job Opportunities web page.

Go to our jobs page by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washoecounty. Select the position you are interested in applying to. Click “Apply” on the top right of the pop up. Then choose “create an account”.  Be sure to create a unique Username and note it somewhere safe for future use. IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED, PLEASE DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT.  USE YOUR PREVIOUSLY CREATED ACCOUNT OR YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-CREATE YOUR APPLICATION-NOT RECOMMENDED.

HR staff members are available to help applicants get started and to answer questions about the online application system.  For assistance, please call 775-328-2081 or email careers@washoecounty.gov.   

It is not recommended; however, you can apply to any position using your mobile device.

If you do not have access to a computer, there are local resources which offer computer access such as:

Various Washoe County Library branches Branch Location and Hours

Nevada Job Connect Centers

Internet cafes

Public community colleges and universities.  

Yes, as long as you use your previously created Username.  This is the only way to have access to your previous application.  If you do not have this information you may contact NeoGov’s applicant support line at 855-524-5627.   Be sure to save your Username and password in a safe place for future use.

Yes, you can save your in-progress application, however you must submit your application prior to the closing date noted on the job announcement.

Please log into the online application system by visiting www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washoecounty. Once you log into your account, you are able to update your contact information. Please note that if you update your email address, a confirmation link will be sent to the new email address to complete this change. The confirmation link will expire after 60 minutes.

Your application is on a secure web server and will be available to the Human Resources Department and the interviewer(s) for the specific job opening for which you apply. If the same position becomes available in a different department or with a different supervisor, your application may be reviewed for that opening by the responsible supervisor. Washoe County does not share its database with other companies or localities.

Tip #1 - Make sure to thoroughly review the job announcement for important details about the position, minimum qualifications, conditions of employment, the examination process (as applicable), and the subsequent steps of the recruitment and selection process.

The job announcement can be found by visiting Job Opportunities and selecting the applicable job title.

• The “Minimum Qualifications” on the job announcement are the experience and training requirements for the job classification. When applying for a Washoe County job opening, it is important that the information you include on your online application clearly demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will be disqualified, and you will not move forward in the recruitment and selection process.
• It is up to you, as the applicant, how many previous jobs to list on the application. Please include as much information needed to clearly demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. It is also important to remember that your application materials are provided to the hiring panel at the time of interview.
• You can also review the class specification for the position to get more detailed information on the duties of the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities which are required for the position. Class specifications can be found by visiting Job Specifications and Salaries.
• Some job announcements will include an “Ideal Candidate” criteria section. If you possess the skills/qualifications listed under the Ideal Candidate criteria section, we recommend highlighting these skills in your application materials and the interview. Think of ideal candidate criteria as a cheat sheet from the hiring department outlining the skills/qualifications they are seeking from a top candidate for the position.
• Please also review the “License or Certificate” section of the job announcement for information on the licenses/certificates which may be required at the time application, upon hire (appointment), or within a specific time frame upon hire.

Tip #2 - Prior to beginning your online application, read the “What Happens Next” section of the job announcement. This section outlines the steps which take place after your application is submitted. In addition, the What Happens Next section will give you important information about the examination process to include a tentative exam date for an in-person exam OR a tentative timeframe to receive an exam link for remote testing. There are instances where the Department of Human Resources will waive an exam and qualified candidates are placed on an unranked list.

Tip #3 - Before you submit your online application, remember to attach required documents such as copies of required licenses/certificates, etc.

• Attach any documents which you want to include within your application file such as a resume, cover letter, letter of recommendation, etc. Please note certain recruitments may require this information be included with your online application.
• Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations only, provided they attach proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) to the online application at time of submission.

Helpful Hints:

• Have all information ready before beginning the application. Examples of these items may be previous employment information, attachments, etc.
• You can save your application and complete it at a later time up until the deadline. Once you submit your application you will be able to view it. However, you will be unable to make any changes.
• Go through each section one at a time and verify each field is filled out with the information being requested.
• You will receive a confirmation email AFTER submitting your application from governmentjobs.com. If this has not occurred, please contact Human Resources at (775) 328-2081.

~~WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY~~

• Your application will be reviewed by Human Resources, and you will receive an email notification regarding the status of your application.
• If your application was accepted, you will move forward to the next phase of the selection process. This may entail being invited to take part in the examination process. Email notifications from Human Resources regarding the recruitment to include the examination process will be sent via email to the email address you provided on your application. Please thoroughly read the “What Happens Next” section of the job announcement for information regarding the examination process.
• The Washoe County Personnel Handbook section 5.160 outlines instances which allow the Department of Human Resources to waive the examination process. When an examination is waived, all qualified candidates are placed on an unranked list to be interviewed by the hiring department.
• Certain recruitments fall outside of the merit system and will entail a separate and unique process. The details of the process will be outlined on the job announcement.
• If it is determined that you do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you have one (1) business day after you have been notified to contact Human Resources and to file an appeal and request a review of your qualifications. Appeals are limited to clarification on the information which was already listed on your application materials. We are unable to accept new information pertaining to your education, training, and work experience when evaluating an appeal.
• Once the examination is scored, you will receive an email notification with the results. Please be advised that a hiring department will receive candidate names for an interview in rank order. If you are not contacted for an interview, this means that the hiring department did not request enough candidate names to get to your rank on the list. If you passed the exam, your name will remain on the eligible list for future vacancies.

For more information, please visit Recruitment and Selection Process.

For a full listing of our job openings and to submit an online application, please visit Job Opportunities.

Please log into the online application system using the link listed below. Once you log into your account, you are able to update your contact information. Please note that if you update your email address, a confirmation link will be sent to the new email address to complete this change. The confirmation link will expire after 60 minutes.

You will also have the option to update job details to include duties summary, dates and more. Although this will not update any submitted applications it will save your information for the next time you apply with any position within Washoe County.

You can also view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing as well as your applicant history for each recruitment. In addition, you can also click on “Inbox” to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment.

Yes. The closing date will be listed on the job announcement and the application must be submitted by the closing date. Certain recruitments are continuous, with no set closing date and this will also be noted on the job announcement.

For a full listing of our current job openings, please visit our Jobs webpage at Job Opportunities.

For a full listing of Washoe County job descriptions - see Job Specifications and Salaries 
  
Sign up for job alerts through Washoe County’s Email Subscription Service. You will receive email updates on the job openings as they are posted on Washoe County’s Job Opportunities online recruitment page.

To sign up for job alerts go to https://www.washoecounty.gov/county_news_subscriptions.php and create a new account. You just need an email address  to get started.

No. In order to be considered for a Washoe County job opening, the online application must be submitted prior to the closing date (deadline). We do NOT accept late applications. Please continue to visit the Job Opportunities page and apply for new jobs as they become available.

If you have additional questions after reviewing the job announcement, please contact the Human Resources Analyst whose email address and telephone number is listed on the job announcement.

Or view the job specification on the Job Specification web page.

Your application will be reviewed, and you will receive an email notification from Human Resources regarding the status of your application approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job posting. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take part in the examination process, if applicable.

If it is determined that you do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you have one (1) business day after you have been notified to contact the Department of Human Resources to file an appeal and request a review of your qualifications. Appeals are limited to clarification on the information which was already listed on your application materials. We are unable to accept new information pertaining to your education, training, and work experience when evaluating an appeal.

There is no sure method of knowing when a specific recruitment will be opened. Your best source for up-to-date information is to go to the Job Opportunities web page.

Sign up for job alerts through Washoe County’s  Email Subscription Service. You will receive email updates on the job openings as they are posted on Washoe County’s Job Opportunities online recruitment page.

To sign up for job alerts go to https://www.washoecounty.gov/county_news_subscriptions.php and create a new account. You just need an email address  to get started.

The types of jobs offered by Washoe County are diverse and wide ranging as demonstrated by over 300 job classifications within our organization. Washoe County is responsible for many different functions including but not limited to law enforcement, human services, public health, community services, animal services, libraries, collecting taxes, assessing property, recording public documents, conducting elections, issuing licenses, the judicial process, and planning and development. The County offers an excellent and comprehensive benefit package to eligible employees. For more information on the many benefits offered by Washoe County, please visit Washoe County Employee Benefits. 

Applications are accepted via our online application system. Go to the Job Opportunities page and select "Apply Online". On the login screen select "Create an Account" link and complete the required fields. You will be creating a unique user ID and password. Please save your user ID and password for future applications.   

Once you have registered, you may apply for any of the open positions listed on the Job Opportunities page -- simply click on the title of the position you are interested in, select `Apply `, sign in and apply for the position. 

For those without Internet access you may use the computers at any WC Libraries.

You must complete a new enrollment form in its entirety, as it replaces all previous forms, and return it to Human Resources along with any applicable documentation. 

Under the new Health Care Reform Bill, you may cover your child/children to age 26 if they are not eligible for coverage under another employer-sponsored group health program.  They do not have to be a full-time student, living with you, and/or dependent upon your financial support.

If you are adding a domestic partner, you must do so within 31 days of filing the declaration of domestic partnership, or during the annual Open Enrollment period.

Yes, but you will need to contact the applicable company directly to make arrangements for payment:

• American Fidelity 775-829-1313
• Western Insurance 775-826-2333

Members of the Surest and the Senior Care Plus Medicare Advantage Plan must receive care only from the physicians, hospitals and other health care providers that are contracted to provide services for Surest Plan and Senior Care Plus. 

If you are on the Self-funded PPO or High Deductible Health Plan, you will receive a better rate if you use contracted providers, but you do have flexibility.  

Yes.  Visit the websites below to check drug prices, view your prescription history, locate pharmacies near you, and enroll in the pharmacy mail order program.

• Self-funded PPO or High Deductible Health Plan:  www.maxorplus.com (or call 1-800-687-0707)

• Surest:  OptumRx (or call 1-888-290-5416)

The GAP Plan was first introduced in FY 10/11 and is available in conjunction with the HMO Plan only.  Washoe County pays the cost of the GAP plan for all employees enrolled in the HMO Plan; however, it is an elective coverage for dependents and employees are responsible for those premiums.  Provided by American Fidelity, the GAP Plan is designed to reimburse the following out-of-pocket expenses up to:

• $1,000 per inpatient hospital confinement

• $200 for certain outpatient services

• $25 for non-routine doctors visits (limit of $125 per family per year)

 For more information about the GAP Plan including rates or how to enroll/delete a dependent, you must contact American Fidelity directly at 775-829-1313. 

You will receive your pension check from PERS at the end of each month. Insurance premiums are deducted one month in advance.  For example, the premium deducted from the PERS Pension check in January is to pay for February’s premium; February’s deduction pays for March’s premium, etc. 

Upon your initial retirement, you will be responsible for submitting your portion of the first month’s insurance premium to Human Resources along with the completed Retiree Health Benefits Enrollment form.  The exact amounts (which are sometimes pro-rated) will be calculated for you by our Benefits Specialist.

If you are starting your new life as a retiree outside of Washoe County, you are eligible for the PPO, HDHP, and the Surest Plan.

Please update your contact information with Health Benefits any time you change your address, and remember that if you move out of the local area in the future, it may be necessary to change your choice of health plans.

Please contact the following listed providers:

• PPO Plan administered by UMR with the United Healthcare Choice Plus Network, visit www.umr.com or call 800-826-9781.
• Surest Plan, visit www.join.surest.com or call Customer Service at  1-866-683-6440.
• Senior Care Plus Medicare Advantage Plan, go to www.seniorcareplus.com. Click on provider directory, choose Senior Care Plus HMO, enter the provider's name and click search.  Or you may contact Hometown Health Customer Service at 775-982-3112.

For a full description of what services meet the definition of preventative and routine medical care, please refer to your plan summary or contact your plan administrator directly:

• Surest participants can contact Surest Plan Customer Service at 866-683-6440.
• High Deductible Health Plan participants can contact UMR Customer Service at 800-826-9781.
• Senior Care Plus Medicare Advantage participants can contact Senior Care Plus Customer Service at 775-982-3112.
• PPO Plan participants can contact UMR Customer Service at 800-826-9781.

Fees are charged for non-special needs adoption based on a sliding scale approved through the Board of County Commissioners.  Fees for non-special needs adoption are split into two payments, one given pre-placement for completion of the home study, and the second for post placement supervision. 

Fees associated with special needs adoption are typically waived with the exception of attorney's fees, which are reimbursed up to $250.00.  Details on fees can be found within the Adoption Fees section of the website.

Nevada law defines several types of child abuse and neglect:   Physical Injury (NRS 432B.090):  A non-accidental injury to a child including bruises, cuts, bite marks, burns and broken bones.   Mental Injury (NRS 432B.070):  An injury to a child`s intellectual, psychological or emotional condition causing impairment of a child`s normal range of performance or behavior.   Sexual Abuse or Exploitation (NRS 432B.100 & 432B.110):  Any sexual activity with a child, including fondling and lewdness, or encouraging or allowing a child to view pornographic material or engage in prostitution or pornography.   Negligent Treatment or Maltreatment (NRS 432B.140):  Failure to provide a child with proper care, control or supervision, food, education, shelter or medical care. This includes leaving a young child alone or with someone who cannot or does not properly care for a child.

A parent or guardian is responsible for the abuse or neglect of a child if he or she causes or allows the abuse or neglect.

CPS must investigate reports of alleged child abuse or neglect. The type of allegation and the child`s age are factors that determine how quickly an investigation is started.    The social worker gathers information regarding the alleged abuse or neglect by interviewing the child, the child`s caretaker, the parent(s) or guardian(s) and others who may have information about the family`s situation. The social worker may also gather information from other CPS agencies, law enforcement, medical and school personnel. Based upon the facts of the case, a decision is made about the child`s safety and the level of intervention required.

Nevada law allows a CPS social worker to interview a child about allegations of abuse or neglect without the permission and outside the presence of the parent or guardian.

After the investigation is complete, CPS must determine if abuse or neglect occurred and how to address the problem. Here are the possibilities:

- CPS may decide that abuse or neglect has not occurred ("unsubstantiated"). The case may be closed without further intervention.

- CPS may decide that abuse or neglect has not occurred ("unsubstantiated"), but the family is in need of services. With parent approval, the case is kept open for voluntary services.

- CPS may decide that abuse or neglect occurred (substantiation). Several things can happen depending on the child`s safety:

  -  If the child can remain safely in the home without court involvement, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be asked to participate in a case plan and a safety plan.

  -  If the child`s safety requires court involvement, CPS will place your child into protective custody. The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to participate in a case plan.

Reasonable discipline is not considered abuse or neglect. In determining what is reasonable, the following factors must be considered:

- The child`s age; - The child`s physical or psychological conditions or disabilities; - The frequency and duration of the discipline; - The location of the physical discipline (buttocks vs. face); and - The use of an instrument (belt, cord, whip etc.).

Nevada law allows a parent or guardian to "spank" a child as a form of discipline, but an injury cannot be left on a child.

A CPS social worker or police officer can place a child into protective custody if he or she believes immediate action is needed to protect a child from abuse or neglect. You will receive written notice listing the date and time for the Protective Custody Hearing. Nevada law requires a hearing be held within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) after a child has been placed into protective custody.   A child taken into protective custody must be placed into an emergency shelter, a licensed foster home or with a suitable relative. In determining a relative`s suitability, HSA considers the condition of the relative`s home, criminal background, history of abuse or neglect, substance abuse history, ability and willingness to protect the child from the parent (or guardian) and cooperation with the case plan developed by the social worker and the family.

Relatives must follow the guidelines provided by the social worker. If not, your child may be removed from the relative`s home and placed into a licensed foster home or facility.   It is important for you to provide information about your relatives early in your case!

Yes! You and your social worker should develop a visitation plan, which outlines the days, times and locations for visitation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, visits may be supervised. Keep in mind that visitation is a time to visit with your child, not to discuss issues in your case with your child or social worker.

Frequent visits are important to you and your child. Your child needs you involved in his or her life!

Although the court will not provide a public defender for the Protective Custody Hearing, you have the right to hire an attorney. You may ask the judge for a continuance of the Protective Custody Hearing so you can hire a lawyer. You can find a lawyer in the telephone book or by calling the lawyer referral service of the State Bar of Nevada at 1-800-789-5747.

If your case is not resolved at the Protective Custody Hearing you may apply for a public defender. Following the Protective Custody Hearing, you will be served with a legal document called a Petition for Hearing and an Application for Appointment of Public Defender. You must complete the application and return it to the court immediately.

If you qualify for a public defender, the court will send you an Order Appointing Public Defender. The Public Defender`s office will contact you by mail to arrange a time to meet with you. If you do not qualify for public defender services and want an attorney to represent you at future hearings, you must hire one.

It is important that you tell your social worker and attorney of address and telephone number changes.

During the Protective Custody Hearing the social worker explains to the judge why your child was placed into protective custody. You are then given a chance to talk to the judge. Based on the facts, the judge decides if your child will remain in protective custody or be released to you.

If the judge decides that your child should remain in protective custody, the judge will issue a Protective Custody Order. Protective Custody Orders only last for ten (10) days. If the problems are fixed during these ten (10) days, Social Services may return your child to your custody. If it is necessary to keep custody of your child for more than ten (10) days, then HSA must file a legal document called a Petition for Hearing in Family Court.

During this time, HSA will continue to work with you to solve the problems that caused the abuse or neglect. Your child will live with a foster family or with a suitable relative, or in some cases with you. You must get permission from HSA before you travel out of the area or allow new people to move into your home if your child is living with you while HSA has custody of your child.

HSA has the responsibility to make sure that your child is safe and receives proper care. Your involvement in your child`s medical, dental and educational care is important. Talk to your social worker about any concerns you have regarding your child`s care.

Federal and state laws require HSA to find a safe, appropriate and permanent home for any child placed into foster care. A Permanency Hearing must be held within 12 months after a child is placed into protective custody. At this hearing, the court orders a permanent plan for your child. The permanent plan depends on the facts of each case. A permanent plan is one of the following:   - Reunification with the parent or guardian; - Adoption; - Permanent guardianship; or - Permanent custody of the child with a fit and willing relative.

Sometimes the judge will order a concurrent plan. Concurrent means that two permanent plans are worked on at the same time.

You must show significant progress on your case plan prior to the permanency hearing or the judge may choose a different permanent plan for your child such as guardianship or adoption.

Federal and state laws require Social Services to find a safe, appropriate and permanent home for a child who is in foster care. The court decides if a child will be returned to the parent or placed for adoption, permanent guardianship or permanent custody with a relative within 12 months after the child is placed into protective custody.

There is a presumption that parental rights should be terminated and the child placed for adoption if the child that has been in foster care for 14 out of the last 20 months.

Because of time limits, it is very important for you to:

- Maintain contact with your social worker; - Develop a case plan; - Participate in services; and - Show the court that you have made substantial progress in your case plan to ensure that it is safe and appropriate to return your child home.

Children in foster care have the same interests, abilities, dreams and needs as all children.  They come from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.  These children have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or life threatening conditions.  These children need safety, security, attention and support.  They need an understanding and loving family. Often they have serious emotional and behavioral problems that require supervision, guidance, and psychological counseling.

Yes.  However, the primary goal of WCHSA is to protect children and strengthen families. Staff work with families to resolve concerns that led to the initial removal of the child from their primary home.  Parents whose children are in foster care have 12 to 18 months from the time of their child`s removal to remedy their problems.  During this time, the intent of WCHSA is to return children to the care of their biological parents.  Foster parents play a key role in supporting and mentoring the birth family.  If the biological parents do not improve the situation in the home, the Department may seek to terminate the parent`s rights, thus freeing the child for adoption.

Families interested in adopting must assume the risk that the child will return to the care of the biological parents.  Foster families need to be supportive of agency efforts to return children to their natural families.  If the child you are fostering becomes available for adoption, you may ask to be considered with other adoptive parents.  Foster/adoptive parents may adopt a child and still continue to foster, if they choose.  There is no guarantee that foster parents will be able to adopt the children placed in their home.

Please visit our Case Process page.

Please see our Case Processing page for more information about citations and referrals.

The Department of Juvenile Services, upon completion of a Release of Juvenile Legal History form, can only provide the legal history to the requesting person, if they are 18 years or older.  If the requestor is under the age of 18 the youth's parents or legal guardians need to complete the form.  Forms are available at Jan Evans Juvenile Justice Center.  All forms must be notarized prior to or at time of submission (free notary services are available at Juvenile Services).  Please allow up to two weeks to process these requests.

If you need more detailed juvenile records, such as police reports you will need to contact the Self Help Center at washoecourts.com to request a court order for release of this information.

Due to confidentiality, police reports cannot be released by this Department. You may, however, contact the arresting agency to request a copy.

Most juvenile records are confidential and cannot be accessed by others. Juvenile records can be sealed under certain circumstances. Juvenile records are typically sealed when the juvenile reaches the age of 18 except in special limited circumstances pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes 62H.140 – 62H.170.

Once your child has been released, you will be contacted to set an appointment with either a Case Manager or Probation Officer. For more information, please see our Case Processing Page.  

Information can be found on the Contacting your detained child page.

Once your child is detained, you will be asked to sign a Health Consent Waiver which authorizes a health assessment by our medical staff. For more information, please visit our Wittenberg Medical Page.

Due to the confidential nature of our facility, tours are not available for the general public.

Our Department offers assistance to parents through voluntary services at 775-325-7801 or through our online referral. 

There are many resources available in the community to help families and children. Please visit our Helpful Resources Page for more information. 

The Juvenile Court operates under the direction of the Second Judicial District Court, Family Division Juvenile Services provides probation supervision, case management, detention, and community services to juveniles ages 10 to 18 referred by law enforcement for status and delinquent offenses in Washoe County. Our juvenile justice approach is balanced by supporting positive juvenile and family development, community safety, holding juveniles accountable, and providing victim restoration services.

Please see Case Process page for more specific information.

Information regarding juvenile work permits can be located in Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 609.240-690.250. If your child's employer requires a Juvenile Work Permit, please contact the Family Self Help Center at 775 325-6731 or visit their website Washoe County Resource Center.

To get a library card to check out physical materials, all you need is proof of Nevada residency and a photo ID. There is no charge. Start the process here.

If you only wish to check out digital materials, you can get an instant digital library card number and start borrowing immediately. However, this card will expire one month from its date of issue. Visit a library branch with your photo ID and proof of Nevada residency to get a standard library card that will be good for one year.

You will need your library card or photo ID to check out physical materials. If you are using an instant digital library card number, you will need the number or a barcode. You can find your library card barcode online by logging into your account and selecting “My Card” or the barcode icon in the main menu of the catalog. The library can also print a copy of your library card barcode for you.

Masks are no longer required at Washoe County Libraries. Please visit covid.gov to find the latest COVID-19 recommendations.

Washoe County Library System and the Friends of Washoe County Library welcome donations of books and audiovisual materials. Get more information here.

You may check out as many items as you wish to be responsible for, with the exception of limits on certain smaller collections and audiovisual materials.

The following libraries offer free public fax service to local and toll-free numbers only:

• Downtown Reno
• Incline Village
• North Valleys
• Northwest Reno
• Senior Center
• Sierra View
• South Valleys
• Spanish Springs
• Sparks

Long-distance service may be available with a prepaid calling card. There is also an online service called FaxZero that offers free faxes (within the United States and Canada) up to five times per day.

Document scanning is available at the following libraries:

• Downtown Reno
• Duncan/Traner
• Incline Village
• North Valleys
• Northwest Reno
• Senior Center
• Sierra View
• South Valleys
• Spanish Springs
• Sparks

You should bring a flash drive to store your scanned documents. Flash drives may be available for purchase at the library, but supplies are limited.

The library does not offer a notary public. Your bank or credit union may provide free notary service to account holders. Contact your bank or credit union for more information. Many shipping and copying businesses also offer access to a notary public for a fee.

Students can sign up for a digital card by following this link. The new card will work as soon as the student registers.

Unless you specified otherwise, your PIN is the last four digits of the primary phone number on your library account. When entering your library card number, be sure to enter the entire 14-digit number without any spaces. If you have an email associated with your library account, you can also reset your PIN online here. For further assistance please call or visit any library branch.

In 2022, some libraries will again offer free basic classes that can help you to learn to use a computer, establish an email account, and gain basic internet skills. Online computer instruction is available through LinkedIn Learning, Learning Express Library, and the Computer Skills Center.

When searching the library catalog, just click the "Place Hold" link in search results or when viewing an item's details. The next available copy will be sent to your specified location, and you will be notified when your item is available. You will need your library card number and PIN to place a hold.

After you are notified your item is available for pick up, you may retrieve it during our open hours.

Yes. Eight of our branches can print objects from files you provide. Learn more here.

You can request titles we do not own by completing our Request an Item form. Please use this form to request only physical materials (print, CD, DVD, Blu-ray), articles (magazine/journal or newspaper), or microfilm. If you would like to request an ebook or downloadable audiobook, please search for the item in the library's digital collection and follow the prompts to recommend a title.

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading program used by Washoe County School District to monitor and assess the reading skills of students. Other schools in Washoe County, including private schools, may use other programs.

Washoe County Library System does not provide or maintain AR or other reading lists, but we do have many of the books available for checkout, and our catalog can be searched using AR Interest Levels, Reading Levels, and Points. To learn how to search by AR level in our catalog, view our tutorial.

Novelist Plus and Novelist K-8 Plus databases, available for free with your library card, are also searchable by AR level and Lexile level through their Advanced Search options.

Some popular items do have waiting lists, but our catalog provides suggestions on additional items you may enjoy while you wait. We also have Lucky Day copies of many popular items that are available in library branches.  These items are non-holdable and can be checked out for two weeks.  

You may choose to be notified of available holds by phone or email. Set your notification preferences by logging in to your account and selecting Messaging Settings under Account Settings.

Unfortunately, those types of lists are too long to print, but you can use the online catalog to generate an extensive list that can be narrowed down by criteria of your choosing. To view the entire collection, feel free to browse categories available in the catalog or perform a blank search and then narrow your options with the search filters down the left-hand side of the page. To view the newest items first, select "Sort by newest first" in the drop-down menu at the top left of the search result list.

To generate a list of DVDs and Blu-rays:

When visiting the catalog, you will see "New DVDs and Blu-Rays" as a browse category below the search bar. Selecting this box will generate new DVDs and Blu-rays to browse. Clicking the text next to the magnifying glass, “New DVDs and Blu-rays >> New DVDs and Blu-rays," will take you to a pre-generated search. To see all DVDs and Blu-rays in the collection, turn off the “Added in the Last: Year” filter by selecting the red circle to the right of this option.

Yes. Library staff will place a hold, and you will be notified when it is available to be picked up. You may also search the library catalog and place holds yourself online. Please contact us if you need assistance.

Library staff are prohibited by law from giving any legal advice or interpretations. The Washoe County Law Library is available to the public as a resource for legal research. You may want to consult the Nevada Revised Statutes, Washoe County Code, or the municipal codes of Reno and Sparks.

Many books about legal topics are available in the library's print and electronic collections, including popular legal titles from Nolo Press.

Physical items can be renewed twice, as long as there is no one waiting for the item. Log in to your library account to renew your items. Auto renew is also available. If there is no waiting list, your item will automatically be renewed. Turn on auto renewal by logging in to your account and selecting My Preferences. Choose "on" next to "Allow Auto Renewal."

If you have lost an item checked out from the library, or if an item you have checked out becomes damaged and is no longer usable, you must pay the replacement cost of the item. If you need to make arrangements to pay for a lost or damaged item, please contact your preferred library branch.

Payments for lost or damaged books may be made online using a credit or debit card. To make a payment, log in to your account. Click the "Messages and Fees" tab on the left of the page. Under "Fees," you will see a list of the items you are being charged for and their cost. Beneath this list, click the purple box “Click here to pay fees. You will be directed to the old system to complete your transaction.” Then select the box (or boxes) next to the charge(s) you wish to pay, and click the “Make Payment” button. You will then be directed to the payment page. For more detailed instructions on online payments, visit the help page by clicking “Need Help?”

The Downtown Reno Library holds limited resources that may be useful for genealogy research. These include local city directories, telephone books, clipping files, and a complete collection of Reno/RGJ newspapers on microfilm. Please contact us for guidance on your specific need. The Nevada State Library and Archives is another possible source for historic newspapers.

The Reno Family History Center is a branch of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The Reno branch is located at 4751 Neil Road. The Center provides access to most of the microfilms and microfiche in the Family History Library to help patrons identify their ancestors. Also available are subscription databases, print materials, and trained volunteers to assist in your research. Contact the Center at 775-826-1130 for current details.

The Downtown Reno Library has microfiche records listing all divorces and marriages reported to the Nevada State Division of Health, beginning in 1968. The records are complete through August, 2005.

To request a search of these records, call 775-327-8312 or send us a message. Be sure to include your name and preferred contact information, plus the name(s) you want searched and if known, the date and location of marriage.

Nevada birth and death certificates are available to qualified applicants from the State of Nevada's Office of Vital Statistics. Please visit their page for more information. For birth and death records in Washoe County, contact the Washoe County Health District.

For information on marriage certificates (aka Proof of Marriage), contact the Washoe County Recorder's Office. You can also search a limited range of marriage records on their website.

For information on obtaining a certified copy of a Decree of Divorce granted in Washoe County, please contact the Washoe County Courts. To search or order Clark County (Las Vegas) marriage records, please contact the Clark County Recorder's Office.

There are several sources to locate a local obituary, depending on when it was printed.

The staff side of our library's online catalog includes an index to Reno newspaper obituaries printed from mid-1962 through September 2007. To find an obituary citation in that index, ask staff to search the deceased's name as a subject using the advanced search interface. This is an index to help locate an obituary, but they will not be able to view the obituary itself in the catalog. When they have a date and page number, they can find the obituary using microfilm. Please note, the index does not include obituaries from the Sparks Tribune.

Obituaries appearing from 1999 to present are available in full-text with your Washoe County Library card in the Proquest Reno Gazette-Journal database. You can usually find it by simply typing the name of the deceased into the search box. If the name is very common, you may want to limit by date if you know approximately when the obituary would have appeared in the newspaper, to avoid too many irrelevant results.

Very recent obituaries are available online through the Reno Gazette-Journal by clicking on "Obituaries" (provided through Legacy.com, a national obituary listing website).

If none of the options above work for you, the Downtown Reno Library holds a complete collection of Reno newspapers on microfilm. The Sparks Library also holds a significant span of Reno newspapers as well as the Sparks Tribune (1977-2007) on microfilm. These can be used in person any time during open hours.

If you require assistance using any of these resources or need help retrieving an obituary, please contact us.

The Nevada State Library and Archives may be another source of obituary listings.

The Downtown Reno Library has current and historical issues of area telephone and city directories. If you are in the area, you may visit us to use these resources.

To request a search, call 775-327-8312 or send us a message. Be sure to include your name and preferred contact information, and give us as much information as you can about your request (names, dates, any part of the address you know, etc.).

Free wireless internet access is always available at the Downtown Reno, North Valleys, Northwest Reno, Senior Center, Sierra View, South Valleys, Spanish Springs, and Sparks libraries. Free wireless internet access is available at the Incline Village Library daily between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. Generally, Wi-Fi can be accessed outside from parking lots or areas close to the building. There is no password needed. Just look for wc-public or public-wc.

Washoe County Library System does not include local high school yearbooks in our collection, either in physical or electronic form. The library or alumni association for your high school may have copies of yearbooks.

Some subscription-based websites, including classmates.com and e-yearbook.com, may provide electronic access to yearbooks from some local schools, but coverage may be limited and access requires a paid subscription.

Contact information for local public high schools may be found at www.washoeschools.net.

Washoe County Development Code
Chapter 110

Article 330 DOMESTIC PETS AND LIVESTOCK

Section 110.330.15 Poultry and Rabbits. Poultry and rabbits may be raised for domestic, noncommercial use in all Rural and the Low and Medium Density Suburban Regulatory Zones. A minimum lot area of twelve thousand (12,000) square feet shall be required for keeping poultry and rabbits in these regulatory zones.

Washoe County Development Code
Chapter 110

Article 330 DOMESTIC PETS AND LIVESTOCK

Section 110.330.15 Poultry and Rabbits. Poultry and rabbits may be raised for domestic, noncommercial use in all Rural and the Low and Medium Density Suburban Regulatory Zones. A minimum lot area of twelve thousand (12,000) square feet shall be required for keeping poultry and rabbits in these regulatory zones.

Washoe County Development Code
Chapter 110

Article 330 DOMESTIC PETS AND LIVESTOCK

Section 110.330.15 Poultry and Rabbits. Poultry and rabbits may be raised for domestic, noncommercial use in all Rural and the Low and Medium Density Suburban Regulatory Zones. A minimum lot area of twelve thousand (12,000) square feet shall be required for keeping poultry and rabbits in these regulatory zones.

Washoe County Development Code
Chapter 110

Article 330 DOMESTIC PETS AND LIVESTOCK

Section 110.330.15 Poultry and Rabbits. Poultry and rabbits may be raised for domestic, noncommercial use in all Rural and the Low and Medium Density Suburban Regulatory Zones. A minimum lot area of twelve thousand (12,000) square feet shall be required for keeping poultry and rabbits in these regulatory zones.