The Elko County Planning Commission voted to approve a change of zoning that will allow construction of a hot‑springs recreational facility on a 12.5‑acre parcel owned by Ronald Allen Goldie, moving the property from agricultural‑residential (AR) to highway services/tourist commercial (C‑2). The parcel sits adjacent to the city limits near the historic “hot hole” geothermal area.

County planning staff set conditions for approval, including compliance with Nevada Revised Statutes and Elko County development criteria, engineered ingress and egress plans for Bullion Road, a grading and drainage plan, handicap parking, state environmental and water approvals, and a traffic study prior to development. Planning staff said the traffic study “must be conducted to assess the impacts to Bullion Road, the surrounding area, and local streets located within the city of Elko.”

The City of Elko submitted a letter opposing the rezoning on the basis that its future land‑use map designates the area as medium‑density residential; the city asked the commission to deny the request. County planning staff noted the parcel is outside the county master plan and said there is no written annexation agreement with the city.

Bob Thibault of High Desert Engineering, speaking for the applicant team, described the proposed use as a “commercial recreational facility, a kind of a hot springs resort” and said the developers expect daily vehicle counts far below what a medium‑density residential subdivision would produce. Thibault summarized the city’s medium‑density calculation (4–8 units per acre) and the resulting traffic estimate and said, “This project would have to be wildly successful to reach half of that in a day.”

Zach Gerber, attorney for R and R Hot Springs Resort LLC (the developer entity that would take title if the zone change is approved), emphasized the site’s long history as a hot‑springs destination and said the developer intends to complete required environmental and utility studies before construction. An intern for the applicant, Catherine Weiner, presented historical research showing the hot‑springs site was used for decades and that geothermal resources around Elko have been tied to heating systems for some public buildings.

Commissioners questioned traffic impacts and whether right‑ or left‑turn lanes would be warranted. Planning staff and the county road superintendent said a right‑turn pocket is likely and that the traffic study will determine whether additional turn lanes or other improvements are necessary. County staff also stated that if improvements are required, the developer is responsible for them.

The applicant team said Ronald Allen Goldie currently holds the water rights for the parcel’s geothermal resource and that the city’s geothermal system runs from a separate well and separate water rights. The developer said initial phases will include pools without on‑site lodging; a hotel was not proposed at this stage. The developer estimated construction might be possible “in the next couple years,” but acknowledged additional studies and approvals are required first.

After public comment and discussion, a commissioner moved to approve application COZ25‑012 “with all the attached staff recommendations, findings, and conditions.” The motion carried; the commission approved the zone change subject to the listed conditions and required studies.

Next steps include preparing engineered improvement plans, completing the required traffic and environmental studies, and (if the developer proceeds) transferring the property to R and R Hot Springs Resort LLC for development work.