During the 2023 Nevada Legislative Session, Senate Bill 92 passed with broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Lombardo on June 7, 2023. The changes made by SB92 are gradual, but have already begun.

Sidewalk Vending and the Southern Nevada Health District

The Health District regulates food establishments to ensure a safe and sanitary food supply for our residents and visitors. A sidewalk vendor who sells food is considered a food establishment and must have a health permit from the Health District to operate.

Zoning and Business License Requirements

Zoning and business license requirements are set by the cities and county. The Health District is not involved in this process. Under SB92, cities and the county may adopt zoning and business license requirements for sidewalk vendors.

The Health District does not issue permits to any food establishment, including sidewalk vendors, unless the food establishment has zoning and business license approval first.

Health District Regulations for Sidewalk Vending

Current regulations: A sidewalk vendor who has a sidewalk vending business license and zoning authorization from the city or county where they operate is able to apply for a Health District permit. Under current Health District regulations, sidewalk vendors may be permitted with certain special approvals.

New regulations: Under SB92, the Health District will adopt new regulations for sidewalk vending by December 31, 2025. These regulations will be proposed through a public process where all stakeholders may voice their opinions. The regulations will also consider the recommendations of the Task Force on Safe Sidewalk Vending.

Food Safety for Sidewalk Vendors

Under current Health District regulations, food offered to the public may not be prepared from home kitchens. Food sold by sidewalk vendors must be:

• Ingredients bought the same day and prepared at the sidewalk vendor location, or
• Ingredients stored and prepared at a permitted commissary.

Sidewalk vendors must use professional grade food equipment but can request a compliance schedule that allows for short-term use of household equipment. Under an approved compliance schedule, a sidewalk vendor may use some household equipment while they obtain commercial grade equipment, that meets ANSI/NSF standards, over a scheduled time period. Household equipment is not authorized for long-term use.

Permit Fees and Payment Plans

A sidewalk vendor may pay the initial plan review fee and permit fee on a payment plan.

Identification

The Health District requires food workers to have a valid food handler health safety card, including food workers that are sidewalk vendors. The Health District accepts a variety of identification, including consular cards and other non-US identification cards. For more information, click here.

Questions

For questions regarding the health permitting process email specializedfood@snhd.org or call (702) 759-1110.