Churchill County planning commission ends annual reviews for several special use permits and OKs new cheer studio permit

The Churchill County Planning Commission on Feb. 11 voted to end yearly monitoring for several previously approved special use permits, continued oversight of a geothermal exploration project, and approved a new special use permit for a cheer and dance training facility.

Staff reported that SUP25-1, a home-based realty business at 6755 Reno Highway operated by Leslie Beach, has met all permit conditions. After Beach and her husband, Robert Bennett, confirmed details for the record, the commission voted unanimously to conclude the annual review requirement for SUP25-1. "All conditions of this SUP have been met," planning staff said.

The commission also reviewed SUP25-2, a home-based dog training and boarding business for Jennifer and Aiden Clark at 6150 Cox Road. Staff said the only outstanding item was an exterior sign delayed by construction costs; the applicants plan to build the sign in late spring or early summer and will notify the department when ready. Commissioners clarified that the sign is not a required condition of the SUP; the commission voted to discontinue annual reviews and let any future sign installation be handled administratively.

Commissioners considered SUP25-3 for Tactical Cleaning Acquisition LLC, a rail-based transloading operation for butane at 17127 Inland Port Drive in Fernley. Online site manager Chris Verduzco said operations began Oct. 31 and will run seasonally through April. Commissioners questioned site safety and proximity to structures; staff noted track expansion in the past year and that an emergency management plan has been submitted to and approved by the fire marshal. The board voted to end annual reviews for SUP25-3 unless staff determines further review is needed.

On the larger energy project, staff updated the commission on SUP25-11 (Fervo Energy’s Korsak Geothermal exploration). The company reported a five-year exploration plan with an initial drilling target in Section 5 of Township 20 Range 27 and a drilling window projected for April or May, subject to obtaining access agreements. Staff recommended continuing annual reviews; commissioners voted to maintain the planned one-year review schedule.

In new business, the commission approved SUP26-2 for Silver State Cheer and Dance Studio at 4585 Beacon Way, Unit A. The 4,800-square-foot multi-tenant building will be split in two; the studio will occupy half, with staff estimating two employees and up to 25 students and typical class sizes of 12–15. Applicants Tory and David Asano told the commission the facility will operate mainly indoors, use "closed" classes with drop-off and pickup at the office, and install cameras in the gym and lobby so parents can watch remotely. Staff noted roughly 40 parking spaces on site and recommended approval subject to standard conditions; the motion to approve passed 5-0.

Multiple public commenters raised child-safety and security concerns related to the studio’s industrial-area location and nearby construction activity. Applicant representatives said coaches would remain with students until each child is retrieved by a parent or guardian, that all staff and coaches undergo background checks through the cheer association, and that the business will use an interior drop-off/pickup and monitoring system.

All motions taken in open session passed unanimously; no items were tabled. The commission also received updates on impending code changes and a fee-schedule revision that staff plans to present to the Board of County Commissioners in April.

The meeting concluded after a short bylaws discussion and a routine consent-agenda vote.