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Lot owners press Nye County to update zoning for ‘utility‑challenged’ parcels
Summary
Several lot owners and a county working‑group member urged the Nye County Board of County Commissioners to update VR zoning for parcels that lack utilities, citing state law, environmental risks from improvised systems, and potential for affordable off‑grid housing. Commissioners acknowledged a committee and agreed the issue needs study.
Lot owners and community advocates pressed the Nye County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 18 to revise zoning rules for so‑called "utility‑challenge" lots that residents say have been effectively unusable for decades.
Lorraine Gilbert, a member of the Nye County Water District’s undevelopable parcel working group, told the board that County Code Title 17 and Nevada Revised Statutes 244.19 authorize the board to amend zoning rules and that variances and temporary‑use permits could allow smaller, off‑grid homes with solar and sealed composting toilets. "Variances would allow for smaller homes where gravity fed water filtration systems supply for water needs," Gilbert said, and she urged the board to choose between "doing nothing" and allowing modifications that could create "affordable, sustainable neighborhoods."
Multiple residents — including callers representing lot‑owner interests — asked the board to place a zoning‑change request on a future agenda so property owners can pursue legal development or compensation. Patricia Robb and other speakers argued that updating zoning would reduce unpermitted living systems that risk groundwater pollution and would open access to state and federal housing programs currently unavailable under VR zoning.
Commissioners acknowledged the problem and noted a multi‑member committee is studying options. Commissioner Koenig and others emphasized limits beyond zoning, including utility provider rules: "I can rezone all day long, and Great Basin Water Company will not allow you to do what you want to do no matter how I zone it," Koenig said during the public discussion. The board did not take legislative action on Nov. 18 but heard several calls to create a pilot area, identify technical solutions, and coordinate with state standards for on‑site wastewater and off‑grid systems.
Next steps: speakers requested the board place a specific zoning amendment on a future agenda; staff and the working group are expected to refine options and return to the commission for formal consideration.
