Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors press county on water, soils and septic limits as developer seeks denser subdivision option
Summary
At a preliminary hearing on a Modern Land parcel near Spring Creek, neighbors presented USDA soils data and water-rights concerns about converting 40-acre holdings into five-acre lots; staff explained basin constraints and the commission moved the item to public hearing despite one commissioner's objection.
At the Planning Commission's preliminary hearing on a proposed zone change that would allow breaking 40-acre parcels into five-acre lots, neighbor John George presented USDA Web Soil Survey results and Nevada Water Resources data he said show the land is largely "very limited" for road, dwelling and septic development. George cited figures including 100% "very limited" suitability for septic systems and argued the water-rights needed to serve a high-density subdivision appear unavailable.
Staff member Corey clarified the basin status: "This basin ... is a closed basin by the state of Nevada. There is no new appropriations of water rights within this basin," and explained county code requires relinquishment of two acre-feet of water rights for each new parcel created below 40 acres. After extended public comment and technical discussion, the commission voted to move the application to a public hearing; one commissioner said water concerns convinced them to vote against advancing the item, but the motion still carried.
