Reno · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hillside Foursquare Church Master Plan and Zoning Amendment
A 6.87-acre site at the north end of Sutro Street could shift from single-family to suburban mixed-use, opening the door to multifamily housing or commercial development. No plans exist yet — this is about setting the land-use framework first.
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.
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.
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.
Kengott Residence and Detached Garage/ADU Project
A residential project involving a front yard setback variance near an access easement and a major deviation to expand an accessory building footprint up to 1,800 square feet.
River Inn outdoor vehicle storage
A conditional use permit for a walled outdoor vehicle storage lot near the Truckee River raised questions about hazardous waste from stored vehicles and consistency with how similar properties were treated. Board members told the applicants to come back when ready.
Lakeridge Resort Specific Plan District Rezoning
The council finalized a zoning change to allow a resort development at Lakeridge, adding requirements for solar-ready parking and a golf course deed restriction.
Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Commission Appointments
The commission debated and voted on recommendations for two open seats on the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Commission, sparking a discussion over board procedures and tenure.
Whispering Road Zoning Map Amendment
A small property in Verdi was rezoned from public facility to general commercial to align with surrounding commercial properties and the master plan.
Roberts Front Setback Deviation (LDC26-00035)
An architect presented plans for a 15-foot front setback instead of the required 30 feet for a new home at 3189 Heatheridge Lane. Neighbors raised questions about drainage, slope stability, and construction access.
Aitken House historic designation
The Aitken House at 781 Mill Street is headed to the State and National Registers at the owner's request. The owner supports the nomination but isn't seeking local city designation.
Citywide historic context and Powning district survey
The city hired a consultant for phase one of a citywide historic context and applied for a grant to survey the Powning historic district with UNR and HRPS — groundwork for future preservation decisions.
East 4th Street District National Register nomination
The commission endorsed the East 4th Street District's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, forwarding its support to City Council. The nomination goes before the Board of Museums and History on March 5.
Zoning Map Amendment for 386 Holcomb Avenue
A developer wants to rezone a vacant former credit union building at 386 Holcomb Avenue to allow its conversion into eight modern apartments. The Planning Commission recommended approval after finding it fits well with surrounding downtown mixed-use properties.