Landowners press Nye County to address 'zombie lots' and to implement Senate Bill requiring tiny‑home zoning

Dozens of public commenters used the meeting’s general public comment period on June 17 to press Nye County officials to take action on so‑called “zombie lots” — small lots sold decades ago that lack water, sewer or road infrastructure and have limited or no practical development potential.

Several speakers said state law and county code give commissioners authority to act (via zone changes, overlays or other tools) and asked why the county had not used those powers to create legal pathways for small parcels, such as allowing tiny homes under the 2023 Senate Bill 150 requirement for counties under 100,000 population. “SB 150 now requires counties like Nye with fewer than 100,000 people to adopt zoning and allows tiny homes,” Patricia Robb told the board. “That means the county now has a clear legal direction to make changes. No waiting.”

Speakers called the situation an ongoing hardship for landowners who pay taxes on parcels they cannot use; asserted the county benefits financially when parcels go to tax sale; and urged remedies such as zoning overlays, conservation lot designations, utility pilot areas or tiny‑home options with off‑grid allowances. “Zombie lot owners aren't asking for freebies. They're asking for a legal path to use their land they already own,” Robb said.

County response

Commissioner Koenig responded during the commissioner comment period that tiny homes are already allowed in some Pahrump areas and that state law requires water and sewer connections like for other dwellings: “Tiny homes are allowed in Pahrump… but they need to have water and sewer like every other home in this county.” Other commissioners noted legal and fiscal constraints, including limits on creating service infrastructure where utilities do not exist.

Several commenters pressed for County action to initiate zone changes or town‑led petitions and for publication of historical documents they believe affect planning authority. Speakers also asked the county to publish maps showing the legal footprint of planning jurisdiction and to provide documentation they say is required under state statutes and county resolutions.

Next steps

County staff did not announce a formal program at the meeting. Commissioners indicated they would continue to take public input and suggested staff follow up with legal and planning analyses; some commissioners noted any significant zoning or infrastructure decisions would require public hearings and potential funding. Speakers said they plan to continue organizing and to submit formal requests for zone‑change processes or other remedies.