by Jeanne Brei
Many in the tradeshow industry received emails yesterday (Dec. 10) that seemed as if Santa was granting all their Christmas wishes. First, the LVCVA Board voted unanimously at their regular meeting to adopt agenda item #10 which states: “That the Board consider: 1) Authorizing the CEO/President to execute amended agreements with Muller Construction, Above the Ceiling, and Las Vegas Civil Engineering for exhibitor booth engineering services not to exceed a cumulative amount of $625,000; and 2) Authorizing the CEO/President to pay all Clark County permit fees related to these design services not to exceed $500,000.”
Next came an email from Jerry Stueve, P.E., director/building & fire official, that was a “Notice to Industry” re: Temporary Structures Permitting Requirements that says, “Effective Dec. 10, 2019, temporary structures, booths, sets and scenery used for conventions are exempted from requiring a building permit.” Unfortunately, the next paragraph states “we could allow the permit exemption … until such time as a proposed amendment to the ordinance related to termporary structures is approved.”
So, unfortunately, the Las Vegas tradeshow industry is not yet saved; it has only received a reprieve so that CES, the Shot Show, ConExpo, et.al. may go on without worrying about the new rule changes. Stueve included another three attachments to his email along with the temporary exemption letter, including the proposed ordinance, a public notice and a questionnaire.
In his email, he writes: “Pursuant to NRS 237.080, please take notice the following proposed change to the Clark County Code is being proposed by the Clark County Board of County Commissioners as follows: An ordinance to amend the Building Administrative Code, Title 22, Chapter 22.02 Attached is the public notice, the proposed ordinance, and the questionnaire. Each of these documents are also available for review at http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/building/Pages/ProposedOrdinances.aspx and the Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention Customer Lobby at 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118.
The Public Notice states: “Prior to the adoption of the proposed rule, the Clark County Board of County Commissioners is required by NRS 237.080 to make a concerted effort to determine whether the proposed rule will impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business or directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business. Due to this, trade associations, owners and officers of businesses which are likely to be affected by this proposed rule, and any other interested persons are required to be notified and provided an opportunity to submit comments, data, or arguments to the County regarding whether the proposed rule will:
a) Impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business; or
b) Directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business.
Comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2020 as follows: By U.S. mail at: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention, Attn: Theresa Atimalala, Executive Assistant, 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 or by email to Theresa.Atimalala@ClarkCountyNV.gov.
So, the fight has really only just begun. Tommy Blitsch, secretary/treasurer of Teamsters Local 631, says, “I hope that EVERYONE fills this out. Obviously they are doing their “Due Diligence” this time so there’s no “unintended consequences.” Obviously our collective voices have been heard and the County Commissioners have granted us a “do over.” Teamsters Local 631 is going to continue to monitor this and talk with the political leaders of our state to see this all the way to the end. In addition we will be in attendance at the County Commission meeting when this is voted on to voice our support if need for the convention industry in our city. Please feel free to forward this to any and all entities in our tradeshow community. The business impact study is vital to protecting Las Vegas as the number one convention destination in the world.”
Business Impact Questionnaire
Proposed Amendments to Clark County Code Title 22, Chapter 22.02
Department of Building and Fire Prevention
The following questions pertain to how the changes presented in the enclosure will affect your business. Prior to the adoption of the proposed rule, the Clark County Board of County Commissioners is required by NRS 237.080 to make a concerted effort to determine whether the proposed rule will impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business or directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business. Due to this, trade associations, owners and officers of businesses which are likely to be affected by this proposed rule, and any other interested persons are required to be notified and provided an opportunity to submit comments, data, or arguments to the County regarding whether the proposed rule will:
a) Impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business; or
b) Directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business.
If it is determined that the proposed regulation is likely to impose a direct and significant burden upon a business; or directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business; then the agency will take any or all of the following actions:
1. Insofar as practicable, consult with owners and officers of the affected business,
2. Consider methods to reduce the impact of the proposed regulation, and
3. Prepare a business impact statement and make copies of the statement available to the public at the workshop conducted and the public hearing held pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 233B.061.
To review the proposed regulations please click on the following link: http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/building/Pages/ProposedOrdinances.aspx
A copy of the proposed regulation is also available for review at: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention Customer Lobby
4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118
As required by law the Department of Building and Fire has provided public notice of the new changes that they are proposing to address our issue. https://classifieds.reviewjournal.com/nv/legal-notices/department-of-building-fire-/AC1E03531d8bb2F407FWPU263F1E
Please answer each of the questions that apply and add any qualifying remarks that may help us to understand your position.
Mail, fax or email your completed form to: Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention, Attn: Theresa Atimalala, Executive Assistant, 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-380-9771
Theresa.Atimalala@ClarkCountyNV.gov (write “BIS Questionnaire” in the subject line)
It is imperative that all associations, facilities, contractors, I&D companies fill this form out and send it in. The County Commissioners have made it know that a large part of their decision making will be financial impact to businesses or entities. http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/building/Documents/2018BuildingAdministrativeCodeBusinessImpactQuestionnaireFILLABLE.pdf
Your Name.______________________________
Organization. ____________________________
Date___________________________________
1. Will a specific regulation have an adverse economic effect upon your business? If so, please indicate the estimated dollar amount(s) you believe the adopted regulations will cost you over one calendar year with a brief explanation as to how the dollar amount was calculated.
Yes/No: _______
Explain: Please list each regulation and explain the impact.
2. Will the regulation(s) have any beneficial effect upon your business? If so, please include any cost savings you believe the adopted regulations will save you over one calendar year with an estimated dollar amount if applicable.
Yes/No: _____
Explain: Please list each regulation and explain the impact.
3. Do you anticipate any indirect adverse effects upon your business?
Yes/No:_______
Explain: Please list each regulation and explain the impact.
4. Do you anticipate any indirect beneficial effects upon your business?
Yes/No:________
Explain: Please list each regulation and explain the impact.
