Resident asks board to review Pahrump solid‑waste ordinance; commissioners agree to study franchise and permitting issues

A Pahrump resident asked the Nye County Board of County Commissioners to consider amending Town of Pahrump Ordinance PTO43, which he said effectively prevents local businesses from offering roll‑off dumpster and hauling services. Tyler Levitt told the board he was prepared to buy equipment to provide local roll‑off rentals and hauling but was told existing ordinance language and franchise terms blocked him from obtaining a business license.

Public commenters supported Levitt’s request on consumer‑convenience and accessibility grounds, especially for disabled residents who cannot haul debris to the landfill. Other residents and commissioners cautioned that existing franchise agreements and contractor‑licensing rules aim to manage safety, dust control and competition, and that vendor oversight is needed to prevent problems. Commissioners heard that some licensed contractors had been warned in the past about hauling debris, and staff said the regulatory situation has been inconsistently enforced.

Rather than changing PTO43 on the spot, commissioners agreed to form a small working group, include Public Works and the current franchise operator, and review PTO43 and the county’s franchise agreement. They directed staff to gather the business plan that Levitt said he provided to planning staff, to clarify whether a contractor license or other permits are required, and to report back with options. Commissioners noted that any ordinance change would not become effective until procedural notice requirements were met (the revised ordinance would be scheduled and published per statutory timelines).

What’s next: Staff will coordinate a workshop with stakeholders (public works, franchise operator, business petitioner and commissioners) to study the ordinance and the franchise agreement and return recommended language and implementation steps to the board.