NLV eyes development changes

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002 | 9:02 a.m.

North Las Vegas may allow developers to build more homes on smaller lots, but if the city relaxes its zoning rules, developers will have to reciprocate with more parks and open spaces, city officials say.

The City Council and Planning Commission considered the change as it began a comprehensive review of design standards and open spaces at a special joint meeting Tuesday.

The idea is to attract developers to the city's available land, but Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said developers need to be ready to offer more to residents.

In the next 10 weeks city administrators, attorneys and planners will develop recommendations for action by the council and the commission.

No matter what changes are made to the planning process, projects already submitted for review will continue under existing ordinances.

However, the council may meet in a special session to stop new site maps and tentative maps until standards are set, once the city attorney's office reviews the law.

But while the new zoning proposal was the main agenda item, developments in the city's Ranch Estates Preservation Areas drew the most public comment. Residents complained that the number of churches and schools being built in the areas were eroding the rural nature of the communities.

Greg Vasquez, a resident of one of the city's preservation areas, said he is watching a 40-acre lot owned by the Clark County School District.

There are two elementary schools already operating in the area and the empty lot could become a third, Vasquez said.

"We moved there to preserve a rural lifestyle," he said. "We aren't against schools."

However, too many schools or churches increases traffic in the neighborhoods with no sidewalks or street lights.

"It becomes a safety issue," Vasquez said. "All the traffic will fly down my street or my neighbors' streets."