The Churchill County Planning Commission approved several business and land-use permits during its June 10 meeting, including geothermal exploration drilling, a commercial relocation for a growing local contractor, and a home-based daycare permit.
During public comments, Bruce Cunningham spoke about ongoing dust, traffic, and road-use concerns near Bench Road.
"The traffic on that road has gotten to be more than just residential traffic," Cunningham said. "Those people come roaring up and down the road. They don't care. It's not their property."
The commission reviewed a special use permit for the Desert Properties R.U.S. multi-tenant business complex. Several permit conditions, including septic, water, fencing, and landscaping requirements, remain incomplete. While commissioners acknowledged progress on the septic and water system issues, they expressed frustration that little progress had been made on landscaping and emphasized that existing tenants are affected when permit conditions remain unresolved.
The commission approved a six-month extension and directed that if all permit conditions are not completed within six months, revocation proceedings will automatically begin.
Commissioners also approved a special use permit allowing Tiny Tots Learning, LLC, to establish a home-based daycare on Zephyr Lane. Staff recommended limiting the daycare to 10 children unless additional parking improvements are completed. After reviewing parking, occupancy, and safety requirements, the commission unanimously approved the permit.
The commission approved a special use permit for Dead Eye Dirtworks, LLC, to operate a construction contractor and property services business at 150 Classic Way. Owner Clayton Bryant explained that the business is relocating from a home-based operation to a commercial site where equipment and vehicles can be stored more appropriately.
Commissioners said the relocation reflects the type of business growth the county hopes to encourage, and approved the permit unanimously.
Commissioners also approved a special use permit for Raser Power Systems, LLC, to conduct geothermal exploration drilling and well pad construction for the Desert Queen Geothermal Exploration Project. Project representatives said the work is intended to determine whether sufficient geothermal resources exist to support future development.
A special use permit for Jordan Huffman to operate a home-based automotive window-tinting business on Bench Road was discussed. Huffman explained that customers would schedule appointments, drop off their vehicles, and return later to pick them up after the work was completed. Cunningham again expressed concerns about traffic and dust along the area's dirt roads. The commission ultimately approved the permit.
Thomas Hodgson requested renewal of a temporary use permit allowing him to live in an RV while rebuilding a residence destroyed by fire. Hodgson said health and financial challenges delayed progress and requested conversion to a medical hardship permit.
Staff explained that the property does not qualify for a medical hardship permit because the residence itself is uninhabitable. The commission approved a six-month extension to allow additional progress and planning.
The commission also considered an application to divide a 221.21-acre parcel on Cadet Road into four parcels of approximately 40.01, 46.15, 72.12, and 64.57 acres. Commissioners recommended approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioners also recommended approval of a request to divide a 16.23-acre parcel on McLean Road into two 5-acre parcels and one 6.23-acre parcel.
Staff also reviewed five parcel maps implementing a previously approved cluster development on Lima Lane. The project would create 15 residential lots while preserving the remaining agricultural land through a conservation easement. The commission recommended approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
The commission approved a request from Sharon Pierce to reduce the rear setback requirement for an accessory dwelling unit from 20 feet to 12 feet. The structure was legally built in 2011 but should have been classified as an accessory dwelling unit under county regulations at the time. The applicants purchased the property in December 2025 and are working to correct the issue.
The commission also agreed to hold a joint workshop with the Board of County Commissioners on July 28 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss future code and planning topics.
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