As part of the Transform Clark County initiative, an amended Title 30 Development Code — which houses guidelines for the Red Rock Overlay District (RRO) — was updated and adopted by the County.
We successfully organized a public comment campaign that resulted in hundreds of responses and letters sent to your Commissioners, urging them to keep the development code in that area Rural. Thank you so much for rallying together and sending a strong message to your local officials. We know they heard it and it resonated!
What protections are in the updated RRO?
You may remember that the purpose of the RRO is to minimize the visual impact, maintain the rural character, preserve the wildlife habitat and minimize additional traffic in the region of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
We are so pleased to say that the updated RRO still contains many protections. It:
- Contains specific land use application parameters and a prohibition of waivers;
- Protects recreational safety by prohibiting additional residential or commercial ingress/egress from SR159;
- Requires suitable fencing for wildlife and animal migration standards as identified by BLM;
- Complements the natural environment with limitations on commercial signage, color palettes and architectural designs;
- Maintains a rural feel by requiring low-level lighting;
- Encourages use of native and low-water use plants.
What protections are not in the updated RRO?
While we are pleased that the code states:
“Land Use applications that increase the number of residential dwelling units allowed by the zoning, that establish a new nonresidential zoning district, or that expand the size of any nonresidential zoning district in effect since 2003 will not be accepted”
and that
“no waivers of these development standards will be granted…”
SRR is concerned about the language regarding clustering and PUD’s (Planned Use Development Credits). Currently, clustered development is allowed on hillsides and the trading of development credits is allowed.
So what does that mean?
It means we all must remain vigilant and keep a close eye on any/all development applications in the area, and continue to put pressure on our local authorities to enforce the code precisely.
What should we do?
Please make sure you’re on our email list for action items and updates. We will keep you alerted to any and all potential threats.
