Planning Commission deadlocks on Mount Rose Junction master-plan change after residents raise compatibility concerns

The Reno Planning Commission on June 5 tied 3–3 on a motion to adopt a master plan amendment and zoning map change for the Mount Rose Junction site, leaving the matter to move forward to City Council for final action.

The proposal would change a parcel just under one acre near Mount Rose and Plumas from a multifamily-14 designation to a specific plan district using neighborhood commercial (NC) as the base zone. The handbook submitted with the rezoning sought to increase the allowed height to 38 feet and raise residential density in the NC from 30 dwelling units per acre to 40 units per acre. Staff added a requirement for a minor site-plan review if any new building exceeds 27.5 feet.

Staff presented the application as an infill opportunity supported by existing infrastructure and transit. “The SMU master planned land use designation is generally considered appropriate in this area,” Associate Planner Leah Piccati told the commission, citing the regional plan’s Tier 1 classification and noting the site’s proximity to commercial services and transit. Piccati said the SPD handbook includes sustainability elements proposed by the applicant and a minor site-plan review trigger intended to give staff an…