Planning commission continues Desert Properties multi‑tenant special‑use permit; requires progress within six months

The planning commission voted to continue review of the special‑use permit (SUP001091) for the multi‑tenant business complex at 5070 Reno Highway and set a six‑month progress review. Commissioners required that no additional tenants or expansions occur until outstanding conditions — including NDOT approach modifications, coordination about the public water system and septic upgrades — are completed.

Randy Hynes, Planning and Building, told the commission that building and fire‑code improvements had been completed but other conditions remained outstanding. Hynes identified three primary unresolved items: (1) NDOT’s requirement to modify the wide approach into a single paved access and fence off portions of the frontage; (2) coordination with the state on the water system because the parcel currently relies on a single well and may need to join a public water system for multi‑tenant use; and (3) upgrading a small septic system to serve a multi‑tenant facility.

Applicant Maria Herrera said they were working with a contractor and state contacts and planned to complete the septic and water coordination “this summer” and hoped to finish by the end of the year, but acknowledged delays due to finances and contractor availability. Commissioner Joe Frey and staff emphasized that the building should not take on additional tenants until the site complies with all required conditions.

Commissioner Tammy Edgmon moved to review the SUP again in six months, require progress and prohibit any additional tenants or occupants until the next review. The motion carried.

Staff recommended that improvements required by state authorities and NDOT be completed prior to further tenanting or expansion, and the commission’s six‑month extension makes that condition explicit on the record.