Reno planning panel recommends 6–1 in favor of Lakeridge Resort SPD, with traffic and time-limit conditions

RENO — The Reno City Planning Commission recommended approval on Nov. 20 of a proposal to convert 12.5 acres of the Lakeridge Golf Course from Parks, Greenways and Open Space (PGOS) to a Specific Plan District (SPD) that would allow a 100-room non-gaming hotel, 15 villas and limited resort amenities.

Leah Piccati, an associate planner with the City of Reno Development Services, told commissioners the application (LDC25-00061) seeks two changes: a master-plan amendment from PGOS to Suburban Mixed Use for the 12.5-acre parcel, and a zoning change from PGOS to an SPD tailored to the site. Piccati said the SPD limits uses to those shown in a handbook, imposes enhanced residential-adjacency standards (setbacks, shading studies above 35 feet, lighting and signage limits) and would revert the site to PGOS if the handbook’s buildout deadline is not met.

"This is just the first of many" public hearings, Piccati said, explaining the Planning Commission’s action would be a recommendation; City Council and regional planning boards must still review the change.

The applicant, Duncan Golf Management, presented the project as a strategy to sustain the golf course. TJ Duncan, the company president, said the family has operated local courses for decades and described the plan as a way to preserve Lakeridge’s viability. "Our family has invested in the community for more than 45 years," Duncan said. Andy Dirling, the project consultant, said the team reduced the scope of the initial submittal to focus on the…