Commission approves conditional use permit for in‑home caretaker living in Lucky Nugget area

The Elko County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing caretakers to occupy a skirted fifth‑wheel travel trailer on a residential property in Lucky Nugget Ranches while serving as live‑in caretakers for an infirm resident. The permit was approved with staff conditions addressing septic capacity, plot plan submission, skirting, and a requirement that the trailer not be used as a residence once the caretaker use is no longer needed.

Planning staff said they received a doctor’s letter confirming the medical need for caretaker assistance and recommended approval with conditions. Staff emphasized the applicant must inform the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (referred to in the hearing as the Nevada Division of Health) to confirm the existing septic system can handle the increased use and that the trailer be connected to a permitted septic system.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and noted that use of the fifth‑wheel as a long‑term residence beyond the medical need would violate the permit; a reported violation would prompt county enforcement action. One nearby resident objected in public comment, citing concerns about traffic on the gravel road and the presence of a fifth‑wheel near existing homes.

A commissioner moved to approve CUP25‑003 subject to the staff recommendations, and the motion carried. Planning staff said the county has allowed temporary secondary residences in prior cases when conditions were met but that this fifth‑wheel arrangement is less common and will be monitored for compliance.