Nevada council approves first reading to rezone 636 Street to allow multifamily units after heated public hearing

The Nevada City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 10642425 on Jan. 27, 2025, to rezone property at 636 Street from R-3 (urban family dwelling) to R-4 (multiple-family dwelling), moving the proposal to subsequent readings and additional review.

Neighbors said the change could allow as many as 60 rental units and raised immediate concerns about parking, traffic safety and the effect on nearby home values. “I wish to reiterate my and our concerns regarding the rezoning of the property at 636 Street and the adjacent parking lots to multifamily residential with the prospect of 60 rental units,” said Kathy Solco, a resident who said she lives at 717 5th Street and identified an affiliation with Modernock. “There is simply not enough room on that property … for 60 more units.”

The zoning change is a preliminary step that would permit multifamily development under R-4 standards; a separate site-plan review is required before building permits are issued. City staff and council members emphasized that rezoning does not itself approve specific building layouts or parking plans. “Just because we approved the zoning change doesn't mean that this…