Planning commission backs ordinance requiring maintenance plans for closed golf courses
January 04, 2025 | Douglas County, Nevada
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The Douglas County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend Ordinance 2021-1587, a zoning-text amendment that would require a maintenance plan for golf courses that cease commercial operations and increase certain public nuisance fines.
Deputy District Attorney Doug Ritchie and Community Development Deputy Director Sam Booth presented the drafting rationale. Ritchie said the changes respond to residents’ concerns that large, unmaintained golf-course landscapes can pose fire, mosquito and blight risks if commercial operations stop and no maintenance plan is in place. The draft would require owners of a golf course that stops commercial operations for a defined period to submit a maintenance plan; the county would reserve enforcement options if plans were not followed.
The proposal also increases residential public-nuisance fines from $125 to $250 and nonresidential fines from $125 to $750, consistent with the county’s interest in stronger deterrents for large properties that present hazards.
Commissioners debated timing and scope. Several raised winter-season concerns and recommended lengthening the time allowed for operators to file a maintenance plan if closure occurs in low-season months. District Attorney staff recommended replacing the initial 14-day window with a longer period; commissioners discussed 30 to 90 days and agreed to language that gives staff discretion to treat seasonality and allow operators to demonstrate an active maintenance plan.
Community Development director Tom Dallaire clarified the amendment targets the golf-course use category and not agricultural operations or natural open-space easements. “This is specific to golf courses and related facilities,” Dallaire said; enforcement of general weed and fire risks on other parcels continues under existing property-maintenance code and fire-protection authority.
After public comment (none specifically opposed at the hearing) Commissioner Bryce moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners with the staff-proposed changes; Maureen seconded. The motion passed 6–0.
The ordinance will go to the Board of County Commissioners for final action; staff said they will refine the time-period and maintenance-plan language before the board hearing.
Deputy District Attorney Doug Ritchie and Community Development Deputy Director Sam Booth presented the drafting rationale. Ritchie said the changes respond to residents’ concerns that large, unmaintained golf-course landscapes can pose fire, mosquito and blight risks if commercial operations stop and no maintenance plan is in place. The draft would require owners of a golf course that stops commercial operations for a defined period to submit a maintenance plan; the county would reserve enforcement options if plans were not followed.
The proposal also increases residential public-nuisance fines from $125 to $250 and nonresidential fines from $125 to $750, consistent with the county’s interest in stronger deterrents for large properties that present hazards.
Commissioners debated timing and scope. Several raised winter-season concerns and recommended lengthening the time allowed for operators to file a maintenance plan if closure occurs in low-season months. District Attorney staff recommended replacing the initial 14-day window with a longer period; commissioners discussed 30 to 90 days and agreed to language that gives staff discretion to treat seasonality and allow operators to demonstrate an active maintenance plan.
Community Development director Tom Dallaire clarified the amendment targets the golf-course use category and not agricultural operations or natural open-space easements. “This is specific to golf courses and related facilities,” Dallaire said; enforcement of general weed and fire risks on other parcels continues under existing property-maintenance code and fire-protection authority.
After public comment (none specifically opposed at the hearing) Commissioner Bryce moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners with the staff-proposed changes; Maureen seconded. The motion passed 6–0.
The ordinance will go to the Board of County Commissioners for final action; staff said they will refine the time-period and maintenance-plan language before the board hearing.
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