Pahrump planning commission fails to approve conditional use permit for Nevada Highway 160 gas station amid traffic and safety concerns

The Pahrump Regional Planning Commission on May 14 declined to approve CU 24‑57, a conditional use permit for a proposed fuel‑dispensing facility and associated commercial uses at 750 South Nevada Highway 160, after commissioners and residents raised traffic, circulation and groundwater concerns.

The project as presented would redevelop the former Bank of America site into a 3,800‑square‑foot convenience store with a 3,720‑square‑foot fuel canopy, a 1,200‑square‑foot enclosed car wash and a 2,200‑square‑foot quick‑service restaurant with a drive‑through. The applicant said the site is roughly two acres; staff noted the approval would allow a fuel‑dispensing use on a General Commercial (GC) parcel and that subsequent engineering and a site development plan would be required.

Commissioners and members of the public focused repeatedly on traffic and circulation at the intersection of two state highways where the site sits. Commissioner Ian Bayne, representing District 3, said the location would add high‑volume, short‑duration trips to a corridor he described as “already very dangerous,” and urged the commission to reject the permit. “The only safe option is to not pass this project,” Bayne said during public comment.

Applicant Tony Celeste — who identified the gas station operator as Green Valley Groceries — said the team had coordinated with the Pahrump Water District and planned to submit the required CAT‑1 and traffic studies…