The Clark County Planning Commission on Sept. 2 approved a waiver allowing a private flying trapeze rig to remain on a half-acre Sunrise Manor lot, imposing conditions intended to address safety and neighborhood concerns.

Applicants Blair Odd and Jordan Tribble told the commission the rig is used for high-level training and community practice; several professional performers and an engineer who works in Cirque du Soleil automation testified in support. Neighbors testified both for and against the request: supporters described minimal noise and strong community benefits; opponents raised concerns about visual impact, property values, safety in high winds and the presence of storage containers and large vehicles on site.

After discussion, Commissioner Stone moved to approve WS25-0533 with staff-recommended conditions and additional restrictions: no night practices after 8 p.m. (lights may be used for safety before that hour), no commercial activity or business operations on site, a requirement to mitigate exposed dirt with ground cover (artificial turf or landscape rock) to reduce dust, removal or relocation of storage containers that violate setbacks, and a one-year review of the permit. Stone’s motion also limited the approved height waiver to the flying trapeze rig specifically — other accessory structures would require separate approvals. The motion required the applicants to work with the Building Department and other county agencies to verify structural and public-safety compliance.

The record shows building and fire staff were consulted prior to the hearing and did not identify an immediate code enforcement hold; commissioners noted that any technical safety verification would be handled by the Building Department, which may seek outside expertise if needed. Commissioner Gibson and others asked that the county ensure a qualified inspection of the rig if the Building Department deems one necessary.

Supporters who spoke included contestant trainers and performers who said adequate height is needed for safe aerial practice; Justin Wood, a licensed professional engineer, said the height is required for safe falls and landings and that many flying-trapeze rigs exceed the code height. Neighbors opposing the application described the rig as visually dominant and expressed concern about resale values and storage containers visible above the perimeter wall.

The commission passed the motion; members recorded a voice vote and the motion carried. The approval is conditioned on compliance with the items above, coordination with building and fire departments for any required inspections and removal or relocation of storage containers that exceed allowable setbacks, and a one-year review by the Planning Commission to reassess impacts and compliance.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the narrow scope of the decision: approval applies to the existing accessory structure as a flying-trapeze rig under the conditions imposed. Any substantially different structure or new commercial use would require a separate land-use review and permits.