Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 446.875, paragraph 5, subparagraph (a), states that “… A permit issued pursuant to this section…Is not transferable from person to person or from place to place.”

This means that once the permit holder has vacated the premises on which a permit was issued, any new business owner wishing to operate that food establishment must apply for a new permit and be granted a permit in the new owner’s name. It also means that the old permit holder must apply for a new permit if they wish to open the same business in a new location.

NRS 445.877 prohibits a business license from being issued to a food establishment until a health permit has been issued.

In order to assist the transition of business, the health district will allow an open and operating facility to change ownership without interruption of business, provided:

• A change of ownership application PDF 79 KB is submitted within 30 days of execution of the change of owner documents (deed, close of escrow, dealer’s report of sale, lease agreement, legal contract, etc.);
• Effective June 27, 2011 food change of ownership applications will be processed by appointment only. Call (702) 759-0678 to schedule an appointment.
• The facility stays within the same general food establishment category as the previous permit;
• The facility has not been physically altered, equipment added or removed, or menu changes that require new food handling procedures and equipment;
• If the facility has seating, it must be compliant with the requirements for customer restrooms.

If the facility has closed, it must remain closed until inspected and approved for a health permit.

If the previous owner’s permit is not in good standing (e.g. fees owed for non-renewal), the change of ownership permit is processed as a new permit. (see Plan Review Process).

Additional fees will be charged if a facility currently operating does not submit a change of ownership application PDF 79 KB within 30 days of the execution of the ownership documents.

A remodel application is required if the facility is undergoing renovation. A renovation includes physically altering the space, adding or removing equipment or menu changes significant enough to require new food handling procedures and equipment. The remodel application is required in addition to the change of ownership application and will be processed separately.

Prospective owners are encouraged to review the records of the food establishment they are considering buying. Health district staff can also inspect prospective establishments prior to the sale. A fee is charged for this service and a letter granting permission for the inspection is required from the current permit holder or the property owner, if current permit holder has vacated the premises.