The Churchill County Planning Commission approved several land use applications during its July 8 meeting, including the expansion of a local scrap recycling business, a new home-based equipment rental business, and a final extension for a long-running temporary use permit.
One of the evening's most discussed items involved Keary Basford's request to renew a temporary use permit allowing him to continue living on property at 895 Howard Place while attempting to sell it. The permit, originally granted in 2020, has been renewed multiple times as Basford sought to complete the sale of the property.
Planning staff reported the property had recently entered escrow with a scheduled closing date of Aug. 21, though they also noted compliance issues discovered during a May inspection, including Basford temporarily living in a storage shed rather than the recreational vehicle authorized under the permit. Basford told commissioners he had corrected the issue, had accepted an offer on the property, and was actively seeking permanent housing.
After discussing options that included denying the extension or allowing additional time for the pending sale to close, commissioners unanimously approved what they described as a final extension. The permit will expire Aug. 30, 2026, with no additional renewals to be granted.
The commission also conducted its annual review of the NV Energy Sierra Solar Renewable Energy Facility, located on Sagehen Creek Road near I-80. Planning staff reported the project is approximately 85 to 90 percent complete, with major infrastructure, including the switching station, battery energy storage system, substation, and operations building, already operational. Remaining work primarily consists of installing and connecting solar panels, with construction expected to conclude during the first quarter of 2027. Commissioners voted unanimously to continue the annual review process.
In other business, commissioners recommended approval of a Transfer of Development Rights sending site application for Thaine and Kari Ernst. The proposal places a conservation easement on 40 acres of irrigated farmland on Berney Road, preserving the property while generating 50 transferable development rights. The recommendation now advances to the Churchill County Board of Commissioners.
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