Planning commission approves waiver to let Fernley Arts Center rebuild without full parking and landscaping upgrades

The Fernley Planning Commission voted to approve waiver WVR260001, a request that would let the Fernley Arts Center proceed with post-fire repairs without meeting current parking, landscaping and trash-enclosure standards.

Associate planner Lisa Warner told commissioners the building at 10 North Center Street is an established use in a downtown commercial zone and that the waiver satisfies the five required findings in the staff report. Warner said granting the waiver would allow the applicant to move forward with the building permit and repair work.

Commissioners questioned how the facility operates during events and whether on-street parking in front of the building counts toward parking requirements. Warner responded that events are periodic, the site is zoned commercial, and on-street parking is used informally during events but does not fulfill code parking standards.

Commissioner Wagner disclosed she has been a board member of the Fernley Improvement Club and that she had provided limited historic assistance to the project; she recused herself from the vote. Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the waiver subject to findings WVR1'WVR5 and the conditions in the staff report; Vice Chair McCuller seconded. The motion carried with six votes in favor and one abstention. Staff noted the statutory right to appeal the decision before May 26.

The decision allows the applicant to pursue repairs and building permits while deferring the code-required site improvements under the terms of the waiver and conditions adopted by the commission.