Planning commission approves special use permit for NV Energy 345 kV line segments near Tahoe Reno Industrial Center

The Storey County Planning Commission on May 1 approved Special Use Permit 2025-035, allowing NV Energy to construct two segments of a planned 10.4-mile, 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line outside the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center designated transmission corridor. The approved segments will include approximately seven poles taller than 45 feet; proposed pole heights range from about 83 feet to about 139 feet depending on topography.

Planning staff said the transmission corridors inside the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center are normally exempt from county permitting, but because two pole locations fall outside the corridor boundary they must secure a special use permit. Staff recommended approval and read findings into the record that the permit conforms with the 2024 Storey County Master Plan and the county code provisions cited in the staff report.

NV Energy representatives attended the hearing. Matt Gendridge of NV Energy thanked staff for the packet and said he and project manager Steven Lenny were present to answer questions. When a commissioner asked about any potential effect on local flight paths and FAA requirements, NV Energy said the pole locations are far enough from the Silver Springs airport not to require an FAA permit; they added that if any structure exceeds FAA thresholds markers or lighting would be used to meet FAA recommendations. Gendridge said, “I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about the project.”

Staff and the record identified the project endpoints as the Tracy Substation on Waltham Way and the Comstock Substation on Battery Boulevard and listed affected parcels in Sections 4 and 27, Township 19 North, Range 22 East (APN 004-154-25 and 004-154-29). Notices were mailed to adjacent property owners and staff reported no written objections in the record.

Following staff findings and recommended conditions, Commissioner Lee Sturt moved for approval of Special Use Permit 2025-035; Commissioner Jim seconded. The commission voted to approve the permit.

The motion and findings cited conformity with Storey County’s master plan and with specific chapters of the Storey County code (chapters 17.03.0.15 concerning special use permits, chapter 17.32F forestry zone standards and chapter 17.12 general provisions). Staff said the permit, with conditions, would not cause substantial negative impacts on adjacent land uses or impose undue burden on county services. The permit includes standard conditions to protect public health and safety and to coordinate utility easements and any necessary marking/lighting for taller structures.

Staff and NV Energy said construction and final engineering will follow applicable federal and state safety rules and any FAA recommendations if a structure requires marking. The commission’s approval allows NV Energy to proceed with the two out-of-corridor segments subject to the conditions read into the record and any required utility easement and survey work.