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Council adopts code change to allow multifamily and mixed‑use by right in commercial zones
Summary
To comply with state law AB241, council adopted Bill 379 to permit multifamily and mixed‑use developments by right in commercial zones; staff stressed projects still must meet development standards and undergo administrative review.
Fernley City Council unanimously adopted a development‑code amendment to bring the city into compliance with Assembly Bill 241 by allowing multifamily and mixed‑use developments by right in commercial zoning districts.
Senior planner Tristan Rodriguez explained that the city’s existing land‑use table required a conditional‑use permit for multifamily in commercial zones; AB241 requires jurisdictions to allow residential components in commercial zones by right. Rodriguez said the change is limited to the land‑use table and does not exempt projects from development standards: projects must still comply with lot‑level standards and will undergo administrative review for conformance.
Council discussion included a request to consider disclosure or buffering measures to reduce future conflicts between commercial uses (for example, nightclubs) and adjacent residential units. Councilwoman Zerski suggested code language to help prospective residents and businesses understand mixed‑use tradeoffs; staff said such refinements can be considered as the amendment moves from introduction to adoption.
The council voted to approve Bill 379 associated with CA260001; the motion carried on a recorded vote (4–0).
What's next: the amendment brings Fernley’s code into alignment with state law; staff will pursue any ministerial refinements and continue to enforce applicable development standards and administrative review procedures.
