Reno City Council
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
What Happened
City Council met for one session, approving roughly 30 items ranging from public art contracts to zoning changes, while leaving accessory dwelling unit rules unfinished after two hours of debate.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Qualcomm wireless program contract — Unanimous — $750,000 over 5 years to expand internet access for residents outside city facilities.
APPROVED — Two public art installations (John Fleming's Public Safety Center plaza sculpture, Mark Regelman's Kinley sculpture) — 6-1 vote — Part of 2% art allocation for public buildings; debate continues over whether to prioritize local artists.
APPROVED — Zoning map amendment for 43.13-acre site at East Plum Lane and Harvard Way — Unanimous — Rezoned from single-family residential to public facility.
APPROVED — Plumis Redevelopment conditional use permit (273 apartment units) — 4-3 vote — Allows project to proceed despite traffic concerns at already-congested McCarron-Plumis intersection (rated F for safety).
APPROVED — River Ranger program grant — Continued funding from Truckee Meadows Water Authority for river safety and junior/senior ranger programs.
APPROVED — Weed management and invasive species control — Maintains 12 pesticide-free parks while using integrated pest management on larger city areas.
CONTINUED — Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance — Sent to Planning Commission for formal review; council cannot agree on minimum lot size (9,000 sq ft vs. 5,000-7,000 sq ft), parking requirements, design standards, and whether short-term rentals should be restricted.
Debated But Not Resolved
2% Art Allocation Ordinance — Mayor wants funds spread more equitably and directed toward local artists and historical exhibits. Current rule doesn't include historical displays. No decision made.
ADU Ordinance Details — Council split on lot size thresholds, whether deed restrictions should prevent investor purchases, parking space requirements, and public notice to neighbors. Planning Commission will study lot size implications with maps before recommendation.
Short-Term Rental Regulation — Council agreed this needs separate ordinance; currently unregulated in city limits. Deferred as standalone item.
Downtown Code Enforcement — State law caps fines at $1,000 per violation. Council asked city attorney to explore creative enforcement like consent orders to speed property owner compliance.
McCarron Boulevard Widening — Project at 15% design, funded through 2031-2050 if at all. RTC declined developer's $900,000 offer to accelerate work. No solution identified.
What to Watch
$750,000 — Qualcomm wireless program contract (5-year term) — No funding source specified.
$375,000 — Two public art sculptures for Public Safety Center — 2% art allocation fund for public buildings.
ADU Ordinance Return (Summer 2025) — Planning Commission must resolve lot size minimum and recommend to Council. Decision will determine how many properties can legally add rental units. This directly affects housing supply and affordability.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Separate Track) — Council to bring back as standalone agenda item. Will determine if ADUs can be rented short-term, a major community concern about investor takeover.
McCarron Boulevard Traffic Fix (Pending RTC Decision) — Infrastructure component set-aside discussion promised to Regional Transportation Commission. Council needs solution for intersection rated F for safety before approving more developments on that corridor.
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