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Board approves Sky Tavern grading plan to formalize mountain-bike trails, limits tree removal
Summary
Washoe County Board of Adjustment approved a special-use permit allowing 18,000 cubic yards of grading and 7.3 acres of disturbance to formalize existing and proposed mountain-bike trails at Sky Tavern, with conditions limiting tree removal and requiring phased construction.
The Washoe County Board of Adjustment on March 6 approved a special-use permit (WSUP25-001) authorizing major grading at Sky Tavern ski area to formalize existing informal mountain-bike and pumptrack trails and to build new trails over a five-year phased plan.
Planning staff said the request is limited to grading and related earthwork; the parks-and-recreation zoning already allows the recreational uses. "This is for Sky Tavern grading ... the only ask before you today is the grading aspect," staff planner Chris Bronson told the board.
Sky Tavern proposes a total grading volume of up to 18,000 cubic yards and a total disturbed area of about 7.3 acres to legalize existing unpermitted trails and add new trails. Applicant representatives said roughly two-thirds of the disturbed work is already on the ground (about 13,000 cubic yards) and about 5,000 cubic yards are proposed across 2025–2029, with one to two trail projects per year.
Ryan Switzer, civil engineer and trails consultant for Sierra Vista Engineering, described the plan as a five-year, phased set of improvements that would be built and inspected under grading permits. "Each of these new trail projects moving forward ... will require building permits or a grading permit," Switzer said, and the applicant agreed to return for a new special-use permit if further trails are proposed after 2029.
Staff recommended an amended condition requiring replacement of any trees greater than 6 inches in diameter removed as part of the project (an update to an original replacement count) and included standard agency conditions from 12 reviewing agencies.
Board members asked whether applying grading and driveway/roadway standards to trail features was excessive. Sky Tavern representatives said the code does not separately treat recreational trail features, and the grading chapter can create gray areas that require the variances requested. The applicant requested relief from strict slope mitigation (e.g., allowing slopes steeper than 3:1 without permanent riprap) to avoid removing additional trees and scarring the hillside.
The permit includes multiple trail types, from beginner to pro, plus adaptive-bike features; the applicant said professional trail builders will construct the features and that most new construction will occur on the west side of the parcel away from adjacent homes.
The board approved the special-use permit with conditions (Exhibit A, including the amended tree-replacement condition). The motion to approve was made by Peter Gishon and seconded by Rob Pierce and passed unanimously among members present.
Votes at a glance: special use permit WSUP25-001 (Sky Tavern grading) — motion to approve with Exhibit A and amended condition (replace significant trees >6" diameter), moved by Peter Gishon, second Rob Pierce; outcome: approved (unanimous among members present).
The applicant will seek grading permits for each phase and proceed under the county's inspection process.
