Commission OKs new friction zone rules

A plan to make it harder to build electrical substations next to homes is headed to Carson City supervisors.

City planning commissioners approved the plan to change city zoning rules to require electrical companies to endure a public hearing and obtain a special-use permit before being allowed to build next to residences.

The change was prompted by Sierra Pacific Power Co.'s recent plan to build a high-voltage substation in a limited industrial lot behind a Carson City neighborhood. The company has yet to obtain a building permit for the facility and may be required to go through the new public process if it is approved by the Board of Supervisors in the next few months.

The ordinance revision will be considered by the board June 17.

Resident Al LeBalch asked the Planning Commission on Wednesday to include stronger language that would bar intensive industrial facilities from building on industrial land next to homes.

LeBalch is one of many Carson City residents who are finding out they live next door to open industrial land that could become future sites to factories or major retail. The "friction zones" are located throughout the city following years of development and zoning changes.

"I wanted to make sure they didn't inadvertently change the language," LeBalch said. "There's supposed to be a buffer between residential and general industrial. In order to do that, they need to have some pretty strict guidelines."

If the ordinance changes are approved, the city could attach conditions to address structure heights, landscaping, design and setbacks before the company could build a new facility.

Substations are currently allowed in all residential zoning districts with a special-use permit and that wouldn't change, said principal planner Lee Plemel. The new ordinance would make almost any city location available for substations if a special-use permit were obtained.

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.