Pahrump planning panel denies two off‑premise billboard permits citing master plan

The Pahrump Regional Planning Commission voted on Nov. 12 to deny two separate conditional use permit applications for off‑premise billboards on Highway 160, emphasizing the commission’s obligation to follow the 2023 master plan’s direction to reduce and manage billboards.

Planning staff presented each application as a standard 12‑by‑24 off‑premise sign within the general commercial zoning district and recommended approval subject to standard and special conditions. Paul Bastien, the applicant’s representative, told commissioners his company followed setbacks, height and size requirements and that the designs would not include illumination or alcohol or casino advertising. “We followed the ordinance,” Bastien said. “If this is going to be denied based on something that happened in 2024 that should be in the ordinance, then we’ve wasted our time.”

Several residents urged denial during public comment. Susie Hertz said residents are “bombarded with billboards” along the entry corridors and asked the commission not to add to the visual clutter. Amy Nelson, calling in by phone, said the community has repeatedly asked for limits on billboards and opposed adding more signs to the landscape.

Commissioners framed their votes around the adopted master plan and the cumulative visual and tourism impacts of additional signage. Commissioner Bohannon said the commission must weigh each application against the 2023 master plan and cited dozens of constituent calls opposing the billboards. “All actions of this board must be weighed directly against this adopted 2023 master plan,” Bohannon said, noting that the plan calls for limiting off‑premise signage and removing abandoned or dilapidated signs when development occurs on the parcel.

Bohannon moved to deny the first application, CU 25‑20, and the motion passed. The commission then denied CU 25‑21 after similar public comment and discussion. Both denials were made based on alternative findings that the proposals were not consistent with the master plan’s direction to reduce off‑premise billboards and mitigate their visual effects.

The commission recorded concerns about cumulative visual impacts on Pahrump’s gateway corridors and noted the potential effect on tourism funding and community character. Bastien said his company targets local advertising and avoids alcohol and casino ads. Commissioners and members of the public repeatedly emphasized that staff recommendations supporting ordinance compliance do not override the commission’s duty to follow the master plan.

The decisions are final unless appealed to the Nye County Board of County Commissioners.