TAB denies Tompkins Plaza car wash and restaurant drive-throughs over Title 30 conflicts

The Spring Valley Town Advisory Board voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to deny a use permit, design review and multiple waivers for Tompkins Plaza, a proposed car wash and drive-through restaurants at Tompkins and Fort Apache.

Samantha Ryan, the project representative, described a 3.14-acre portion of a 4.19-acre commercial site and requested six waivers including reduced buffering and screening, increased retaining wall heights and modified residential adjacency standards. Ryan said the project includes a three-story business center, customer circulation and cross-access to adjacent properties where existing driveways are in place.

Board members and nearby residents raised concerns about residential adjacency, safety and how six requested waivers fit with Clark County’s recently adopted Title 30 zoning code. One board member said, “if you need six waivers to build this, you shouldn’t build it,” reflecting broad concern from the board. A planning discussion highlighted potential public safety issues in narrow, unlit, or recessed areas next to the proposed development.

Staff and the applicant discussed mitigation measures such as added landscaping, wall adjustments and site design changes, but the board determined the number and nature of waivers were inconsistent with the new code’s objectives. The motion to deny advanced with the board saying neighbors’ concerns and Title 30 compliance warranted rejection; the applicant may revise and reapply or bring the proposal to the county for further review.

The TAB’s denial concludes the advisory review; the applicant can present revised designs or take the item to the BCC. The record notes neighborhood safety, parking, and new Title 30 compliance as the primary reasons for denial.