Property owners press Nye County to allow tiny, off-grid homes on "utility-challenged" lots

Several residents and property owners used the Sept. 3 public-comment period to press the Nye County Board of Commissioners for zoning and permitting changes that would allow small, "utility-challenged" lots — parcels the county says lack sewer or other utility access — to be built with low-footprint, off-grid systems.

Speakers described the parcels as long-approved subdivisions where buyers were promised services that never arrived. Lorraine Gilbert told commissioners the parcels “were subdivided and sold by preferred equities and others who promised a future that was never delivered” and said the county has a credibility obligation. Patricia Robb said owners are being taxed on land they cannot use: “They've paid taxes for nothing in return. No access, no utilities, no services.”

Residents urged the county to consider modern solutions used elsewhere — permitted tiny homes, composting toilets, hauled water systems and solar villages — and to pursue grants or congressional help for infrastructure in areas where water exists but sewer does not. Tina Bond Kuglin urged a simple enforcement step for parks (signs listing hours) but also joined the critique that the county’s prior decisions have left residents exposed.

Why it matters: Commissioners, county staff and Great Basin Water Company are the primary authorities cited in commenters’ requests; changes would require zoning or tariff action, grant funding, or interagency coordination to make off-grid or small-footprint living lawful and feasible on lots currently treated as unbuildable.

Public-comment highlights - "The only thing that needs to be done is a sign," said Tina Bond Kuglin, urging clearer park hours and enforcement; she also criticized prior staff statements about the sheriff’s ability to enforce park rules. - "When a government helps create a problem, it has a duty to help solve it," Lorraine Gilbert said, urging the county to treat the parcels as an opportunity rather than a burden. - "If the county believes these parcels are truly unbuildable, then buy them back," Patricia Robb said, adding, "Tiny homes, composting toilets hauled an atmospheric water, solar energy ... are blocked by current zoning." (Robb said she has a draft ordinance.) - Spencer Adams described the cost to run water to his property (Great Basin Water tariff area) as roughly two-thirds of a million dollars and said he received a code enforcement notice requiring removal of accessory structures.

County response: County manager and staff advised that Great Basin Water Company — not the county — controls some of the barriers where utility tariffs and company service territory apply, and that county-wide buybacks or broad infrastructure programs would impose costs on other taxpayers. Commissioners and staff encouraged continued engagement and suggested petitioning Great Basin Water and pursuing grants where feasible.

Ending: Commenters asked the board to treat the issue as an ongoing agenda item; some said they would pursue petitions or ordinance language and return to the board for formal consideration.