Carson City approves right-of-way abandonments and rezoning tied to Lompa Ranch North development

Carson City supervisors on the board approved a series of land actions and a rezoning related to CC Nevada LLC27s Lompa Ranch North project after staff and the Planning Commission outlined conditions to protect utilities and wetlands.

Heather Ferris, planning staff, told the board the abandonment involves remnant roadway easements and rights of way on the west side of Airport Road that are no longer needed following a realignment. "The abandonment area is located on the west side of Airport Road between Florentine and Desatoya Drive," Ferris said, noting the Planning Commission recommended approval subject to six conditions, including easements for Southwest Gas infrastructure, a storm drain outfall and requirements about lot-line adjustments and recordation.

Ferris emphasized that the actions under consideration do not alter protections for the nearby Bud Eye Channel. "This abandonment does not involve the channel," she said, adding that any future roadway crossing would require appropriate permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversight.

Several supervisors and staff addressed questions from the public about wetlands and future development. A speaker identified in the record as Hope said public commenters were concerned the abandonment would "de facto allow for construction and improvements in the removal and the destruction of open wetlands" but she clarified that "this is extra right of way" and the city would require permits and Corps oversight before any disturbance.

Asset services manager Robert Nellis explained the difference between an easement and right of way, noting that "right of way is a stronger form of -- it's not a mere easement, but right of way does allow us to actually essentially have fee title to that property" in some cases, while acknowledging he did not have the full historical title record at hand.

Kevin Almeter, a consultant representing the landowner, responded to a question about oil leases, stating, "There's not oil or oil leases on the property." He also confirmed the applicant is working on required parcel maps and lot-line adjustments with staff.

The board accepted a dedication of roughly 3,844 square feet along Airport Road for public use and approved a 505-square-foot storm drain easement to preserve the city27s rights; both actions passed unanimously. Later, the board approved the abandonment of the unused right-of-way portions, consistent with the Planning Commission27s recommended conditions, by unanimous vote.

Separately, the board adopted on second reading Bill 104, an ordinance to change zoning for about 24.07 acres at 699 North Lompa Lane from single-family and public community to multi-family apartments so that the zoning map aligns with the master plan. Heather Manzo said there were no changes to the ordinance from the first reading, and supervisors stressed that the rezoning "matches the underlying master plan" and does not by itself grant development entitlements. The rezoning passed 42D1; Supervisor White voted no.

What happens next: staff said the applicant must complete required lot-line documentation and any future development proposals will be subject to separate review, required environmental permits where applicable, and additional land-use approvals before construction could occur.