On May 13, the Churchill County Planning Commission reviewed home-based business permits, zoning requests, variance applications, and updates on several ongoing development projects across the county.
The commission reviewed the annual status of a home-based business permit previously granted to Deadeye Dirtworks for outdoor storage of equipment, as the business prepares to relocate to a commercial property. Staff explained a new special use permit (SUP) application was submitted for a commercial location at 150 Classic Way, for a construction contractor and property services business with heavy equipment storage. Commissioners noted that the business intends to relocate within about six months, and that the existing home-based business permit would end once the commercial permit becomes effective. Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to terminate SUP 1086 upon approval of the commercial SUP.
Commissioners also reviewed SUP 25-12 for the ARCO National warehouse project. Dean Patterson from Public Works and Planning provided an update on construction progress for the warehouse project at the rail base services facility near Fernley Business Park. Patterson said earthwork and concrete work are nearly complete, roofing is complete, and paint and texture work is mostly finished. Electrical, plumbing, heating, and mechanical systems are almost completed as well. Patterson also mentioned that most required permits have been received, while remaining permits are still in process. Commissioners unanimously approved a motion requiring another annual review.
Nora Tucker applied for a special use permit for a small kiosk selling baked goods, eggs, and crafted items at 2966 Indian Lakes Road. Staff explained the SUP is a one-time application, and Tucker had already contacted the Central Nevada Health District regarding requirements for selling baked goods. Planning staff noted the kiosk was currently located within the required setback area, but the applicants agreed to move it outside the setback to comply with county requirements. The Tuckers asked about a $5,500 invoice they received after submitting their application, and the staff explained that Churchill County would never request a wire transfer and believed the email was most likely a scam. Staff requested that the email be forwarded to planning staff and the sheriff’s office for review. Commissioners unanimously approved SUP 26-7.
Mark and Lisa Solinski requested a variance to adjust property lines between two legal nonconforming parcels on Hannafin Way. The parcels are both smaller than the required five-acre minimum in the A5 zoning district, and the proposed adjustment would create parcels of approximately 1.45 acres and 3.35 acres. The Solinskis explained the adjustment would allow them to control and maintain the access road, while also including an existing storage shed and tree line within their parcel. Commissioners discussed the locations of wells and septic systems to make sure the adjustment would not interfere with utilities or infrastructure. Commissioners ultimately approved VAR 26-4 in a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Dennis Mills abstaining due to a family friendship with the applicants.
Commissioners also approved a special use permit for H&R Trucking to operate a fleet vehicle parking facility at 7325 Reno Highway. Planning staff explained that the application was submitted after a code enforcement case when commercial vehicles were found operating on the property without an active business license. The property is mainly used for parking trucks and trailers, while major maintenance work is completed at another facility in Mustang. Commissioners discussed fencing, septic protection, and limits on commercial vehicles, with applicants stating that fencing along Highway 50 would be replaced. Staff also clarified that both trucks and trailers would count individually toward the vehicle limit under the permit conditions. The commission approved the permit with conditions in a unanimous 5-0 vote.
Commissioners also reviewed a zone change application filed by Standard Energy Advisory LLC and Basin and Range Investments LLC to rezone six parcels south of I-80 from RR-20 rural resource zoning to I-3 heavy industrial zoning. Applicants said the change would allow for future industrial uses such as power generation, renewable energy projects, battery storage, and data processing facilities. Planning staff noted that the area already contains nearby industrial and energy-related uses near the Nightingale interchange corridor. Commissioners also discussed how the proposal aligns with the county master plan goals for industrial and renewable energy development along I-80. The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the zone change to the Churchill County Board of Commissioners.
During the commissioner reports and updates, Chair Tami Edgmon read a resignation letter from Planning Commissioner Scott Nelson, who announced he was stepping down effective immediately. In the letter, Nelson stated that increasing personal and professional commitments no longer allowed him to dedicate the time and attention the position deserved. Nelson thanked the commission and community for the opportunity to serve and wished the board continued success. The next planning commission meeting will be held on June 10.
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