Sustainable Growth Initiative time line

March 7, 2002 -- The Sustainable Growth Initiative Committee holds "Rally for the Valley" in front of the Douglas County Administrative Building, gathers 2,700 signatures to put initiative that limits dwelling units to 280 per year in Douglas County. The initiative is intended to slow growth to a rate consistent with a 2 percent population growth rate based on the latest U.S. Census data

July -- Carson Valley developer Nevada Northwest LLC sues Douglas County, its county commissioners, county clerk and the five leading proponents of the Sustainable Growth Initiative, arguing the decision to limit growth must be made by commissioners, not voters. Nevada Northwest received approval in November 2001 to build a casino in Minden, east of Highway 395, that will include more than 376 housing units.

Aug. 20 -- Douglas District Court Judge David Gamble rules the right to file an initiative does not extend to voters on administrative matters. Growth initiative proponents appeal.

Sept. 5 -- The Supreme Court rules the initiative will be on the ballot, although it wants more time to make a sufficient ruling on the matter.

Nov. 5 -- Douglas County voters in general election approve growth initative with 53.22 percent of the ballots cast in favor of the initiative.

Nov. 7 -- Douglas County commissioners canvass the votes from the Nov. 5 general election, making the growth initiative law. Douglas District Court Judge Michael Gibbons grants a temporary restraining order.

Nov. 12 -- Nevada Supreme Court expected to hear oral arguments in the case of Nevada Northwest vs. Douglas County.

Dec. 19 -- Hearing date for lawsuit filed by Jumpers LLC and Century 21 Clark Properties, stalling implementation of building permit restrictions.