Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
What Happened
The Planning Commission approved nine zoning and development items on June 15, 2022, with debates over sustainability metrics, alcohol sales in residential areas, and foothill development limits.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Canyon's Edge Master Plan and Zoning Map Amendments (adds 80 acres with parks, greenways, and open space protections) — Unanimous — Enables residential development on foothill property with deed restrictions preventing future upslope expansion.
APPROVED — Alan Glenn Drive Zoning Map Amendment (changes from Low-Density Residential to multifamily) — Unanimous — Aligns site with master plan and enables future residential development.
APPROVED — Conditional Use Permit for package alcohol sales at Stay High Smoke Shop, 2145 Sutro Street — Vote count not recorded — Allows smoke shop to sell packaged alcohol as accessory use (maximum 49% of sales) with operations until 11 p.m., subject to SafeScape regulations.
APPROVED — LDC22-00072 Modification: Bars, taverns, and restaurants with liquor permitted by right in neighborhood commercial zone — Vote count not recorded — Eliminates need for additional use permits at Meadow Creek Commercial Center; breweries, wineries, and distilleries already permitted in this zone.
APPROVED — Murphy Land Map LLC Parcel Division (PAR22-00032) — 7-0 — Allows one half-acre parcel to split into two half-acre lots in foothill neighborhood.
APPROVED — Coral Academy Rezoning (LDC2-0004) — Unanimous — Removes public/private school distinction from zoning map, allowing charter school bond issuance without project changes.
APPROVED — 1108 South Arlington Avenue Major Setback Deviation (LDC22-0076) — Vote count not recorded — Approves reduced setback based on site-specific conditions including parking lot buffer.
Debated But Not Resolved
LEED for Cities certification methodology — Commissioners questioned how low vehicle miles traveled (VMT) scores align with poor air quality data and whether metrics represent Reno only or regional numbers — Staff will clarify methodology and coordinate findings with Title 18 sustainability amendments.
Package alcohol sales public health impacts — Commissioner Gower questioned whether safeguards sufficiently protect residential neighbors; others noted alcohol is legal and already available at nearby 7-Eleven and gas stations — Item approved but concerns documented.
Foothill development tier expansion — Commissioner Villanueva warned that allowing 8 new homes in Canyon's Edge could create precedent for future upslope development; staff and others argued deed restrictions and tier three designation prevent expansion — Conditions included but underlying concern unresolved.
What to Watch
None exceeding $50,000 identified in meeting records.
Title 18 Code Update — Planning staff committed to incorporate sustainability revisions and will return recommendations to commission; affects how future development meets environmental standards.
Tree Ordinance Update — Project on hold after lead staff departed; timeline and completion unclear.
Canyon's Edge Conditions — Applicant must complete wildlife impact analysis with state agencies before construction begins.
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