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Washoe County adopts ordinances to enable employee housing in High Desert and expand small-lot/infill options
Summary
The Board unanimously passed two second‑reading ordinances: one to establish standards for permanent employee housing and allow higher density in the High Desert planning area (Ordinance 17‑52) and another to update small‑lot, cottage court and ADU standards (Ordinance 17‑53).
At their Jan. 13 meeting the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners adopted two development‑code ordinances intended to expand housing options in targeted areas.
Ordinance 17‑52 (second reading) amends development code to establish standards for permanent employee housing in the High Desert planning area and provides a pathway for increased density in the general rural (GR) regulatory zone when approved via a special use permit. The item drew comments from Gerlach residents who said more worker housing would support rural businesses and public safety responses.
Ordinance 17‑53 (second reading) revises Washoe County’s development code to create standards for small‑lot and infill development, and modifies provisions for cottage courts, accessory dwelling units and common open‑space developments. Supporters and planning commissioners framed the changes as tools to increase attainable housing supply in appropriate locations.
Both ordinances passed on unanimous votes at second reading. Commissioners noted these are code‑level changes; specific projects seeking to use the new provisions will still require project‑level review and permits.
What the vote means: The county’s development code now includes clearer statutory frameworks for employee housing in the High Desert and expanded small‑lot/infill tools to encourage a broader range of housing types and supply.
