Rural zoning designation put on hold

Thursday, July 19, 2001 | 10:30 a.m.

Neither supporters nor opponents of a move to place a rural zoning designation on thousands of acres in the Las Vegas Valley were able to declare victory Wednesday, as Clark County commissioners won't address the issue issue until Aug. 22.

Placing a Rural Neighborhood Preservation designation on the area, which is about 7,600 acres, would make it more difficult to develop property as commercial in the Lone Mountain area, as both sides agree.

Supporters, who included representatives from the Northwest Citizens Association and other community groups, argued that the designation would help preserve a threatened rural lifestyle.

Opponents, who included landowners in the area, said many properties scattered throughout Lone Mountain aren't appropriate for the designation because traffic and development have already changed their neighborhoods. An "RNP" designation would hurt their property values, they said.

Commissioner Chip Maxfield, who represents the area, championed the move. He also proposed the hold to study the issue further and to show residents that traffic can be controlled in the region, making it more attractive for landowners who now fear traffic will discourage low-density housing appropriate for rural zoning.

Maxfield and county staffers said the zoning designation would not preclude any landowner or developer from seeking commercial or high-density residential zoning. However, it would send a clear message to potential investors or buyers that the area is slated for rural development.

Commissioners Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, Erin Kenny and Myrna Williams argued against the move. They said development would occur just as it has in other parts of the urbanized valley, and putting a rural stamp on Lone Mountain would give people a false sense of security that the growth can be stopped.