County takes steps to protect Eldorado Valley

Stephen Curran

Thursday, May 5, 2005 | 9:35 a.m.

Clark County commissioners Wednesday ordered county staff members not to accept applications from developers seeking increased density in Eldorado Valley near Boulder City's borders, as a first step for enacting a moratorium.

Without any objections, commissioners introduced an ordinance with the intent to preserve the no-growth character of Boulder City. A public hearing will be held May 17 on the ordinance that would prevent developers and landowners from seeking zoning changes for up to one year or until Boulder City and the county adopt an agreement dictating the type of development allowed in unincorporated portions of the Eldorado Valley.

Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who proposed the ordinance, said he expects a moratorium to be in place for two to three months.

Complaints from Boulder City prompted the ordinance. Residents and city council members said they were concerned about the potential for massive development adjacent to the city's western border. The unincorporated property is zoned primarily for low-density residential use of one home per two acres and there is some industrial zoning.

Woodbury and city officials said they want the low density to remain in place to preview hillside views and limit traffic congestion.

The ordinance was prompted by a proposal from the Eldorado Valley Development Co., which owns 640 acres in the area. Company officials said they were considering seeking a zoning change that would allow as many as 2,000 homes.