Zoning change sparks heated debate over water rights and development
August 15, 2024 | Elko County , Nevada
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In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a preliminary hearing regarding a proposed zoning change for two parcels of land in Spring Creek, identified by assessor parcel numbers 006-52-0065 and 006-51-0013. The meeting served as a platform to move forward to a public hearing, where further discussions on development plans, water rights, and access issues will take place.
Mike Shanks, representing Modern Land and Development, outlined the owner's intention to divide the land into 40-acre parcels, with the potential to further subdivide into five-acre lots if the zoning change is approved. While the current zoning allows for the 40-acre parcels, the change would provide the owner with the flexibility to create smaller lots, which could significantly impact local infrastructure and resources.
Local resident John George expressed his opposition to the zoning change, citing concerns about the land's suitability for development based on soil limitations and the lack of available water rights. He presented data indicating that the soil in the area is rated as \"very limited\" for road, dwelling, and septic system development, raising alarms about potential future health impacts from septic failures.
George also highlighted the critical issue of water availability, noting that the proposed subdivision could require over 756 million gallons of water annually, a demand that current water rights in the area may not meet. He emphasized that the Dixie Creek ten-mile basin is a closed basin, meaning no new water rights can be appropriated, and any development would need to rely on existing water rights, which may not suffice for the proposed density of homes.
County officials clarified that the zoning change does not guarantee development but allows for the possibility, contingent on water rights availability. They reiterated that any new parcels created would require relinquishing existing water rights, which could limit the number of homes that could be built.
The meeting underscored the complexities surrounding land development in the area, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and resource management. As the discussion moves toward a public hearing, the community remains divided on the implications of the proposed zoning change, with significant concerns about water resources and land suitability at the forefront.
Mike Shanks, representing Modern Land and Development, outlined the owner's intention to divide the land into 40-acre parcels, with the potential to further subdivide into five-acre lots if the zoning change is approved. While the current zoning allows for the 40-acre parcels, the change would provide the owner with the flexibility to create smaller lots, which could significantly impact local infrastructure and resources.
Local resident John George expressed his opposition to the zoning change, citing concerns about the land's suitability for development based on soil limitations and the lack of available water rights. He presented data indicating that the soil in the area is rated as \"very limited\" for road, dwelling, and septic system development, raising alarms about potential future health impacts from septic failures.
George also highlighted the critical issue of water availability, noting that the proposed subdivision could require over 756 million gallons of water annually, a demand that current water rights in the area may not meet. He emphasized that the Dixie Creek ten-mile basin is a closed basin, meaning no new water rights can be appropriated, and any development would need to rely on existing water rights, which may not suffice for the proposed density of homes.
County officials clarified that the zoning change does not guarantee development but allows for the possibility, contingent on water rights availability. They reiterated that any new parcels created would require relinquishing existing water rights, which could limit the number of homes that could be built.
The meeting underscored the complexities surrounding land development in the area, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and resource management. As the discussion moves toward a public hearing, the community remains divided on the implications of the proposed zoning change, with significant concerns about water resources and land suitability at the forefront.
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