Development on small lots halted until rules in place

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002 | 9:19 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution that halts residential development on lots of less than 4,500 square feet until Feb. 4, when the city expects to have new guidelines in place for developing smaller properties.

The vote on the resolution was unanimous, but it came after the council approved a 40-acre development with 266 homes off the northwest corner of Ann Road and Valley Drive.

The council imposed 50 conditions on developer AM Star Homes for the property owned by Tevel Land Development LLC.

Neighboring residents opposed the development, particularly plans for a proposed Instant Replay tavern and a market with gasoline pumps.

George Garcia, representing the developer, said the project would conform to any conditions the council would impose as it draws its guidelines for more dense building on urban lots.

Mayor Michael Montandon and the council discussed the project for almost two hours.

"The project is cutting-edge, almost a risky challenge," the mayor said.

The development is a perfect example of why the city is developing guidelines for small lots, Councilwoman Shari Buck said.

"He has the misfortune of being the first one to come before the council before design guidelines are in place," she said.

City Attorney Sean McGowan said the council could not impose guidelines that would become effective in the future.

Jean Withers, who lives near Washburn Drive and Decatur Avenue, said allowing development on smaller lots would create traffic and parking problems. Four fire trucks answering a recent call caused "a nightmare" in her own neighborhood, she said.

The council changed the tavern to a supper club, and that part of the project will have to come back before the council.