During a recent government meeting, Fernley's Planning Director, Michelle Rambeau, presented a comprehensive update on the city's development code, which has not been revised since 2020. The proposed changes aim to address significant inconsistencies and vagueness in the current regulations, which were originally adapted from another jurisdiction that does not reflect Fernley's unique growth and identity.

Rambeau highlighted that the existing code has become problematic for both city staff and developers due to conflicting regulations and a lack of enforceable guidelines. The updated draft includes a revised purpose statement and removes outdated agricultural provisions, aligning the code more closely with the city's transition towards a non-agricultural community.

The council discussed the importance of public input and transparency in the revision process, with Rambeau encouraging feedback from council members and the public throughout the ongoing updates. The revisions will be implemented chapter by chapter, with the aim of completing the entire code overhaul by next year.

In addition to the general provisions, Rambeau introduced changes to the definitions chapter, which now includes updated marijuana regulations to comply with current state laws. The council is set to review further chapters, including those detailing the planning process and application requirements, in upcoming meetings.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on a proposed ordinance to create a waiver process for certain development standards, aimed at facilitating development and redevelopment efforts in specific areas of Fernley. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to adapting its regulations to better serve the community's evolving needs.