Commission approves site plan for manufactured-home sales display with residents raising security and buffering concerns

The Winnemucca Regional Planning Commission approved SP-24-D02, a site plan review application for a manufactured-home retail and display site submitted under Jensen Homes Inc.; the applicant who spoke identified himself as Michael Johnson and described a display office and three to four display units with minimal staff and limited daily traffic.

"The project is manufactured home retail office and display," Michael Johnson said, explaining the office/display unit would be powered and served by sewer and water, and that the site would be used primarily for display, not as a sales lot with people living on site.

Neighbors questioned locating display units near a residential area and asked about security measures. One nearby resident asked, "What kind of fencing will be for the part of the parcel you're on?" and raised concerns about security lighting and people hiding behind empty homes at night. The applicant replied that he did not plan 'car-dealer lights' and said security cameras would be used: "Those things are now $400 at Costco for a dozen of them ..." He also said operations would likely involve one to two employees on a typical day.

Commissioners discussed parcel placement (back end of parcel closer to residential) and the applicant said the display would be placed toward the upper part of the site; staff noted parking and utilities would be required for the display office. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the site plan by voice vote.

Next steps: The approval allows the applicant to proceed to permit and installation steps subject to any conditions included in staff review and building permits.