Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in zoning
Plumb Farmhouse historic designation
A 0.39-acre single-family property at 1895 West Plumb Lane would get a Historic Landmark overlay on top of its existing SF-3 zoning, recognizing and protecting its historic character. The City Council is expected to take it up December 9.
Residential deviation requests in Ward 5
Two homeowner deviation requests — a large garage addition and a six-foot front fence — will be previewed. They're small in scale but set precedents for what neighbors can build in single-family zones.
ASL Master Plan & Zoning Map Amendment (Twin Lakes Drive)
A 25-year-old landscaping business sits on a patchwork of mismatched zoning, and the owner wants a Specific Plan District to make the whole site legal and bring it into conformance. Neighbors nearby are worried about truck traffic, kids playing in the street, parking, and code violations on the parcels.
Hillside Foursquare Church Master Plan and Zoning Amendment
Someone is asking the city to rezone about 3.57 acres along Twin Lakes Drive near West Fourth Street to a Specific Plan District, plus a master plan change on part of the site. What gets built there — and how intensely — depends on how these requests fare. The advisory board will hear it November 9, and the Planning Commission could decide December 3.
Keystone Canyon PUD Amendment & Density Increase
The developer of Keystone Canyon wants to add up to 105 more homes in northwest Reno and put housing where shops were planned. It's one of the bigger housing decisions coming before the city, and it will eventually go to the City Council.
Corner Lot Fence Height Deviations and Neighborhood Visibility
A homeowner at 931 Gordon Avenue wants a six-foot fence in a front yard where only four feet is allowed. Small on its face, but major deviations like this set the tone for neighborhood character.
Sutro Street rezone for Hillside Foursquare Church site
About 6.8 acres off Sutro Street currently zoned for single-family homes could be rezoned to mixed-use suburban, opening the door to denser development near US 395.
Kengott Residence and Detached Garage/ADU Project
The Thornhill ADU case reopened the question of how the city treats accessory dwelling units and private CC&Rs the city does not enforce. Commissioner Williams warned that approving deviations when there's 'nobody behind' a property sets a risky precedent.
Development Review Training and Public Engagement
The city reviewed how it engages residents — 700+ touchpoints last summer — and is rolling out a new engagement framework. The board was asked for input before the plan is finalized.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Setback Deviations
A property owner is requesting a setback reduction from 30 to 15 feet to build an accessory dwelling unit for aging parents while saving mature trees.
Original Reno Exposition Arch Historic Designation
Commissioners discussed initial plans for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the original Reno Arch.
Advisory Board Role, Structure, and Governance
Board members expressed deep frustration and concern after city council members suggested the advisory board should 'stay in their lane.' Members questioned whether their expertise is valued or if they are simply expected to act as a rubber stamp for political pet projects.
Rilite Aggregate Pit Master Plan Amendment and Annexation
Wood Rodgers presented proposals to annex approximately 249 acres of the existing Rilite Aggregate Pit and rezone the property for future single-family residential development and open space once mining concludes.
Ladera Properties Annexation and Master Plan Amendment
A developer is seeking to annex over 116 acres and rezone roughly 161 acres near South Virginia Street to make way for mixed-use commercial, open space, and industrial uses. The Ward 6 board reviewed the presentation to understand how the project fits into the area's future growth.
One Mica Place Residential Subdivision & Zone Change
Developers are proposing a 74-lot residential subdivision featuring attached townhomes and detached single-family homes on Moraine Way, requiring a zoning map amendment and hillside development permits. Board members discussed traffic, parking, and grading impacts.
Reestablishment of Nonconforming Auto Repair Use at 55 S. Wells Avenue
The owner of a long-standing auto repair building on South Wells Avenue is seeking a conditional use permit to allow auto repair again after recent zoning overlay changes prohibited it. Neighbors and board members expressed support for grandfathering the established business use.
Updates to Redevelopment Participation Programs and Processes
Belvedere Towers residents say the alley behind their property is crumbling and the city won't schedule real repairs. They also worry Jacobs Entertainment's Bonanza Inn demolition could bring noise, dust — and a push to abandon part of the alley they depend on for garbage truck access.
Master Plan Conformance Amendments
A proposal for master plan and zoning map amendments for a ±27.32-acre project site near Clear Acre Lane was postponed.
Ralston Street Major Deviation and Parcel Split
A property owner is asking to adjust rear setback rules so a lot with two houses can be split into separate parcels. Board members discussed whether this sets a good precedent for more granular neighborhood housing options.