Washoe County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washoe County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sage Ridge School conditions amendment
The Commission will consider changing the conditions attached to the Sage Ridge School's special use permit, which has been in place since 1998. Changes could affect how the school operates under its permit.
Reno council agenda: Talus Valley bonds and redevelopment contracts
Reno’s council is looking at bonds for the Talus Valley development and a set of redevelopment contracts. In plain terms, these votes could affect how the area grows and how city money gets spent. If you care about growth, taxes, or who gets city contracts, this is one to watch.
Ostertag Tentative Parcel Map Subdivision
Residents strongly opposed the Palomino Farms subdivision in Palomino Valley, citing severe groundwater depletion, inadequate emergency response times, wildfire risks, flood hazards, school overcrowding, and incompatibility with the rural character of the area.
Iveson Ranch Employee Housing and Infrastructure Expansion
The board advanced regional housing initiatives by adopting a joint resolution to form the Truckee Meadows Housing Authority and approving new development code amendments for attainable housing.
Warso Residence Steep Slope Grading
Mark Warso received approval to conduct major grading on slopes exceeding 30 percent to construct a driveway and single-family home on Scorpion Road. The project incorporates erosion controls and revegetation to prevent hillside scarring.
Lemmon Drive Commercial Conversion
Three parcels on Lemmon Drive were approved to change from residential to commercial use, paving the way for future local businesses and shops in the North Valleys.
Sunset Ranch Parcel Subdivision
A 41.7-acre property at 5000 Old US 395 is being split into four residential lots. The committee approved the plan after checking on well locations and access easements.
Misty Blu Stable Conditions Amendment
A long-operating equestrian stable received an 18-month extension and approval to use an ADA-compliant portable restroom instead of a permanent septic system. This helps bring legacy rural businesses into compliance.
Remote Cell Tower Expansions (Vya North & Fox Mountain)
Two new 100-foot cell towers will bring better cell service and emergency response coverage to remote areas in northern Washoe County. Property owners and project reps emphasized the critical need for first responder connectivity.
Silverado Village Phase 3 Senior Housing Development
Silverado Homes sought approval for an 81-lot common open space senior housing subdivision in Spanish Springs. The project features accessible single-story patio homes, internal walking paths, and gated emergency access to address neighbor concerns about traffic.
Easement Abandonments for Solar and Residential Properties
Residents fought hard to protect a historic 30-foot horse trail and utility easement in Juniper Hills, urging the planning commission to deny a landowner's request to wipe it out. In the end, commissioners struck a middle ground by approving a partial 15-foot abandonment, keeping half the trail intact for walkers and riders while giving homeowners some breathing room.
Northern Nevada Home Share Program Introduction
A new home-sharing initiative aims to help seniors find affordable housing by matching them with compatible homeowners who have spare room. The program includes background checks and safety reviews to ensure stable living arrangements.
Dandini Spectrum Holdings Easement Request
Developers requested an emergency access and utility easement across county property to support a large apartment complex, but commissioners ultimately denied the agreement amid public safety concerns.
Turquoise Solar Facility Re-subdivision
Two large parcels in Truckee Canyon were merged and re-divided into three lots to facilitate the sale of a portion of the solar installation to Liberty Utilities.
Sun Valley Residential Parcel Division
A 1.9-acre property on Sun Valley Boulevard was split into three smaller residential lots to allow future development flexibility.
Digital Accessibility and Website Modernization
The county is working to maintain digital accessibility compliance across thousands of web pages to ensure equitable access for all residents.
Rocky Mountain Vista Tentative Parcel Map Review
County officials reviewed a plan to divide a 5-acre property into four residential lots on Rocky Vista Road. Because the land sits next to another recent project by the same owner, engineers applied subdivision-level review standards to ensure proper infrastructure improvements.
Black Rock 360 Project Time Extension
The Burning Man Project received a four-year extension to complete water and wastewater permitting for its storage and distribution facility near Gerlach. The project has faced delays due to pioneering new wastewater treatment technology and resolving geothermal water rights challenges.
Crossbow Court Daycare and Neighborhood Center
A new child daycare facility for 111 children and a neighborhood center are planned on Crossbow Court, addressing local childcare needs while addressing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.
T-Mobile Tower Height Extension at Hidden Valley
T-Mobile received approval to extend an existing cell tower at Hidden Valley Golf Club by 17 feet to improve coverage and accommodate new equipment.
TRPA Advisory Planning Commission Appointment
The board reviewed nine applications from local residents to serve as Washoe County's lay member on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Advisory Planning Commission and appointed Harry Swenson.
Sierra Reflections Subdivision Appeal
World Properties appealed the Planning Commission's unanimous denial of a 940-lot residential subdivision in Pleasant Valley. Hundreds of residents spoke in opposition, highlighting severe risks related to wildfire evacuation, traffic bottlenecks, and mercury contamination from the Carson River Superfund site. Commissioners ultimately voted 3-2 to approve the project with a condition requiring a $1 million upfront payment toward a local fire station.
Iveson Ranch Drone Research and Explosives Testing Permits
BRDR Properties sought special use permits for drone testing, a private airstrip, and heavy industrial explosive testing on a 320-acre ranch near Gerlach. Following appeals and negotiations with the Burning Man Project, the board approved the permits with strict limitations on explosive weights and test frequencies.