Board approves special‑use permit for BlackRock Rentals and Storage in Empire with art‑based screening and one‑year buildout requirement

The Washoe County Board of Adjustment on July 3 approved a special‑use permit (WSUP25‑0010) for BlackRock Rentals and Storage, allowing storage of operable vehicles, construction sales and services, and equipment repair and sales on a roughly 5‑acre property adjacent to State Route 447 in Empire, Nevada. The board’s approval includes conditions that require an art‑based screening plan along the highway frontage and gives the applicant a limited period to complete the artwork.

Senior planner Eric Young told the board the property is in the High Desert planning area, zoned General Commercial, and fronts a 200‑foot right of way along SR‑447. Staff and the applicant said traditional landscaping and berm options are impractical: there is no commercial water or community sewer available on the site, species selection and maintenance are difficult in the high‑desert environment, and wind and sun make…