Commission approves Jupiter Red's late‑night live‑music permit with six‑month weekday limits

The Reno Planning Commission voted unanimously Nov. 5 to approve a conditional use permit allowing Jupiter Red, a Midtown bar on South Virginia Street, to host live entertainment after 11 p.m., with amended conditions placing the venue under an RPD‑coordinated security plan and a temporary weekday hour restriction.

Senior Management Analyst Grace Macadine explained the request (case LDC25-00068) and emphasized that the decision focuses on the live‑entertainment component after 11 p.m.; the bar use itself is allowed by right in the mixed‑use Midtown commercial zone. Because conditional use permits run with the land, staff noted the CUP would apply to future operators at the address; the security plan, however, runs with the business license so it can be adapted to individual operators in coordination with the Reno Police Department and code enforcement.

Owner Eddie Arista told the commission Jupiter Red emphasizes local artists and Latin music and described security measures already in place (metal‑detector wands, bag checks, exterior and alley cameras, posted policies and on‑site security). Arista said most sales occur after 11 p.m. and that the business seeks live entertainment to support local talent and improve Midtown’s nighttime offerings.

Several nearby residents spoke in opposition during public comment, citing ongoing amplified DJ music and heavy bass that they said disturb sleep, repeated complaints with limited enforcement response, alley parking blocking access to garages, vandalism and fights. Laurie Soltis described late‑night amplified music and said enforcement responses had been inconsistent; other residents asked for decibel limits and a clearer complaint pathway.

Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement and hours. Staff said RPD and code enforcement have monitored the business over the summer and that RPD did not provide a specific hour recommendation; instead, hours and operational details will be included in the security plan and can be scaled back if problems occur. Staff advised that the city does not enforce private CC&Rs and suggested using Reno Direct for noise/code complaints; the city can deploy short‑term noise meters to monitor complaints.

To address neighborhood concerns while recognizing Midtown’s role as an entertainment corridor, commissioners amended Condition 6 to require the security plan to limit live‑music hours Monday–Thursday to 11 p.m. for the first six months after license issuance; that limitation would cease automatically after six months unless the zoning administrator determines otherwise before the period ends. Commissioners also amended Condition 8 to specify that security personnel shall be stationed outside the venue during live music at a minimum. The motion to approve the CUP with those amendments carried unanimously.

The commission directed staff to coordinate the security plan with RPD and code enforcement and recommended that the applicant continue neighborhood outreach. The CUP was approved with the amended conditions; the security plan will specify operational details and enforcement mechanisms.

Speakers and commenters cited city complaint procedures and noted the city’s broader work on a possible noise ordinance and enforcement improvements.