Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
What Happened
Reno City Council approved zoning changes for affordable housing, established new data center regulations, and donated equipment to fire rescue and parks programs across 19 agenda items in a regular meeting.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Rezone 1.966 acres on Harvard Way from multifamily to general commercial for 168-unit affordable housing project by Pacific West — Unanimous — Expands affordable housing supply on west side.
APPROVED — Sierra Nevada Construction contract for annual pothole and excavation repair program — Vote count unknown — $1 million+ from permit fee fund for citywide road maintenance.
APPROVED — Zoning code update establishing data centers as conditional use requiring permits and limiting dock doors to 3 — Unanimous — New standards trigger review process for future data center applications.
APPROVED — Rezone 2.2-acre Security Circle property from Mixed Use Suburban to Mixed Employment — Vote count unknown — Legalizes existing outdoor boat and RV storage use.
APPROVED — Accept donation of two Aqua-Eye sonar devices from Gary S Foundation for Reno Fire Department — Unanimous — Water rescue equipment detects submerged individuals up to 50 meters during ice rescues.
APPROVED — Accept $22,000-$23,000 yoga equipment donation (199 cushions, 193 mats) from Givkind — Unanimous — Distributed citywide for fitness classes including senior programs.
APPROVED — City takes ownership of streets in Ward 4 from developer — Unanimous — City assumes snow plowing and pothole repairs.
CONTINUED — Zoning request for Stevenson Street property to February 12 — Allows applicant time to address development benefits and neighborhood impacts.
Debated But Not Resolved
Data center standards — Council members Derer and Nebert want stricter requirements including solar offsets, battery backup, and water efficiency standards before approving developments. Current approval only requires conditional use permits. — Staff will bring back text amendment for separate meeting with full public review process.
Warehouse development aesthetics — Council suggested large warehouse projects add murals and recreation opportunities to improve community impact. — No formal action taken; flagged for future consideration.
Planning Commission Ward 6 representation — New city ward lacks Planning Commission member due to four-year terms not aligning with ward boundaries. — City Manager and City Attorney researching statutory options and will present recommendations at next meeting.
Conditional use permits and property transfers — Council concerned that conditional use permits run with the property when sold, potentially allowing new operators to skip original operational standards. — Flagged for future review.
What to Watch
$1 million+ — Annual roadway repair (pothole patching, excavation damage) — Excavation and encroachment permit fees.
$3,660 — Thermographic roof assessment at Reno Event Center — Funding source unknown.
Data center text amendment — Council will bring back separate meeting to establish special operating standards. Potential moratorium being considered. Matters because data centers are energy and water-intensive; council wants standards matching best practices like Switch's Story County facility.
Planning Commission representation fix — City investigating whether Ward 6 needs new representation or if statute change required. Matters because planning decisions affect all neighborhoods.
Stevenson Street zoning decision (February 12) — Property owner has 30 days to revise proposal. Outcome will determine commercial use compatibility with surrounding area.
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