Planning Commission questions number of RV spaces in Pahrump

A request for an extension to start construction on an approved RV park spurred a Pahrump Regional Planning Commission debate Wednesday on the number of approved parks in Pahrump.

The 240-space RV park project, proposed to be developed at 2370 and 2470 E. Thousandaire Blvd., has been delayed, according to project engineer Darrin Pappa of LandVue Group, due to a downturn in the economy.

The conditional use permit, scheduled to expire on Feb. 21, was extended for a two-year period following a 4-1-1 vote by the commission. The approval did not come without heated discussion, which was sparked by Nye County Commissioner Frank Carbone’s statement that an approval would bring the total of approved RV spaces in Pahrump to 710.

Planning Commission Chairman John Koenig objected to the extension, saying that if approved, the applicant would simply request additional extensions. He asked the planning commission, “How many RV parks do we need?”

That question raised the ire of commission member Bob King who retorted, “I don’t care how many RV parks there are. A property owner has the right to develop their property however they want.” Commission member Vincent Clark wondered if their extensions were futile, as approvals have been granted by the commission but few RV parks have been developed.

Though Pappa requested a three-year extension, noting that water and traffic studies have not yet begun, Koenig instead suggested a one-year extension.

The commission ultimately approved a two-year extension, with a special condition that the property owner provide a three-to-one water mitigation plan to include two-acre feet annual water right relinquishment to satisfy the Nevada Division of Water Resources or a local utility, for each acre foot of usage, in addition to other special conditions. Permits and studies must be secured, and the project must be started within two-years.

‘Livestock privileges’ decision delayed

The commission also considered a request from the Nye County Planning Department for a rezoning of 28 parcels, that are one acre in size or greater, along Sumpter and Batdorf courts to allow for “livestock privileges.”

Nye County Planner Beth Lee told the commission that the rezone request was initiated by a property owner who desires to lawfully keep more than five dogs on his property. An RE-1 zoning designation, she explained, allows for multiple pets.

The discussion turned to area zoning, wherein Koenig noted that though many of the parcels are one-acre lots or larger, they are not zoned to allow horses or livestock.

Some residents in the area keep horses on their property, and are therefore out of compliance with the county code, he said.

Prior to making a decision on the request, the planning commission wants neighboring property owners polled regarding the proposed change.

Other requests considered by the planning commission:

• A merger and re-subdivision parcel map application was granted for the removal of a boundary line on two contiguous parcels of property owned by Larry and Donis Weaver located at 5580 and 5560 N. Genoa Ave.

• A five-foot setback waiver was granted to Robert Dunn at 5971 E. Grain Mill Road for the construction of a two-car garage.

• A shortened one-way driving aisle and reduced number of parking stalls were granted to Saitta Trudeau, LLC, at 1190 E. Lockspur Ave. with special conditions, including, but not limited to a site plan review.

• Eric Vessella requested that the planning commission close the “aeropark loophole” so that impact taxes could be assessed against various stakeholders who have been permitted to construct “accessory-to-nothing” structures.

The next regular meeting of the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission will be held at the Nye County Commission Chambers, located at 2100 E. Walt Williams Drive on March 11 at 6 p.m.