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Committee asks staff for water-rights briefing after parcel-split discussions
Summary
Following questions about wells and septic systems during a Plasterville Road split, the Washoe County Parcel Map Review Committee requested a staff presentation explaining water rights, hydrographic basins, and the signature process for new parcels.
Committee members at the June 11 Washoe County Parcel Map Review Committee meeting spent substantial time on the technical requirement that new parcels be capable of supporting a domestic well and on how water rights are assigned and verified.
During consideration of tentative parcel map WTPM26-00004 (Plasterville Road), Rob and other members questioned whether new parcels would have separate septic and well capacity. Planning staff explained that new parcels must demonstrate sufficient water rights before the county will sign a new map: applicants either must already possess designated water rights for the new parcel or acquire them prior to signature. Staff noted the process can be complex, depends on the hydrographic basin, and in some basins it may be difficult or impossible to obtain additional water rights.
The committee unanimously approved the Plasterville Road tentative map but added a condition requiring survey documentation of the existing septic system, the existing well and any approved future repair location meeting Washoe County District Board of Health setback requirements before final map signature. Members said they want a clearer understanding of how domestic and commercial water rights differ, how well-drilling rights relate to water rights, and how the county and state are involved in No Objection/NOI processes for multiple wells on a property.
Chair Eric and others asked staff to arrange a public presentation from county water resources or planning staff (Timber/Timber Weiss was referenced) explaining water-rights basics, basin constraints, and the county’s role in the signature process so that committee members and the public better understand constraints on parcel creation.
Representative quote "The map would not get signed by Washoe County water resources unless they had sufficient water rights. Meaning even after an approval of a map we by law cannot create a new parcel that cannot have a well." — County staff
Next steps Staff to coordinate a water-rights briefing for the committee and public; staff follow-up is also required to verify septic and well documentation for WTPM26-00004 prior to signature.
