ENVISION WASHOE 2040
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ENVISION WASHOE 2040
ADOPTED JANUARY 2024
REVISED SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Assembled by OpenPublica from the documents it serves for this government. Each section below is a separate publication by the government, and its page numbers are that section's own. We have pinned 1 slot here, so an element absent from this file may simply not have been reviewed yet.
ENVISION WASHOE 2040
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ADOPTED JANUARY 2024
REVISED SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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Ashleigh Burke and Jordan Robinson were both freshmen at Reno High School when they collaborated to create the Washoe County Master Plan Logo. They provided 3 options after being inspired by the idea of Planning in partnership with the community and making the “W” from Washoe a stronger symbol of recognition.
Ashleigh loves art, especially sports art and animation. She hopes to pursue a career in graphic arts design. Jordan has a passion for animation and hopes one day to work for Disney or DreamWorks Animation. Both were thrilled to have work on this logo as it is the very first real- world project for them. Washoe County is grateful for the young talent in our community.
Commissioner Vaughn Hartung, Washoe County Board of County Commissioners
Chris Melton, Public Works Director, Sun Valley General Improvement District
Cori Burke, Chief Deputy Assessor, Washoe County Assessor's Office
Dale Way, Deputy Chief, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
Daniel Doenges, Planning Manager, Regional Transportation Commission
Dave Solaro, Assistant County Manager, Washoe County
Eric Brown, County Manager, Washoe County
Eric Crump, Director, Washoe County Operations Division
Jeff Scott, Director, Washoe County Libraries
Jeremy Smith, Director, Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency
Kelly Echeverria, Program Coordinator, Washoe County Emergency Management
Steve McBride, Division Director, Washoe County Human Services Agency
Vahid Behmaram, Water Rights Program Consultant, CSD
Aaron Smith, Business Intelligence Program Manager
Angela Fuss
Chad Giesinger, Planning Manager
Chris Melton, Sun Valley GID
Dave Snelgrove
John Krmpotic
Mike Railey
Paulo Vandenburg, Technology Systems Developer II
Roger Pelham, Senior Planner
Sarah Chvilicek
Faye-Marie Pekar, Park Planner
Timber Weiss, Licensed Engineer
Vahid Behmaram, Water Rights Program Consultant, CSD
Bill Naylor
Carmen Ortiz
Cliff Low
James Barnes
Karen Valitski
Ken Theiss
Kevin Cook
Marc Chapelle
Marge Frandsen
Patrick Shea
Robert Dunbar
Seth Schrenzel
Teresa Aquila
Tom Burkhart
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L O G A N S I M P S O N
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PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.......................................................................................................................................... 10
PLAN ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................................................... 12
PLAN PROCESS........................................................................................................................................................ 16
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 17
WHAT WE HEARD ................................................................................................................................................... 19
PLANNING AREA DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................... 23
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VISION STATEMENT............................................................................................................................................... 25
PLAN ELEMENTS..................................................................................................................................................... 26
» POPULATION AND HOUSING ELEMENT.... 28 » REGIONAL FORM AND COORDINATION ELEMENT ................................................................ 34 » CONSERVATION OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES....................................... 40
» ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY..................... 48 » LAND USE ELEMENT .......................................... 58 » TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT ........................ 66 » PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ELEMENT ....................................................................... 72
PLANNING AREAS ................................................................................................................................................. 78
» COLD SPRINGS..................................................... 84 » FOREST .................................................................. 90 » HIGH DESERT ........................................................ 96 » NORTH VALLEYS............................................... 102 » SOUTH VALLEYS............................................... 108 » SOUTHEAST TRUCKEE MEADOWS............ 114 » SOUTHWEST TRUCKEE MEADOWS ......... 120
» SPANISH SPRINGS ........................................... 126 » SUN VALLEY....................................................... 132 » TRUCKEE CANYON.......................................... 138 » VERDI................................................................... 144 » WARM SPRINGS ............................................... 150 » OTHER PLANNING AREAS............................. 158
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USING THE PLAN ......................................................................................................................... 162 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ............................................................................................. 165 ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS ................................................................................ 168
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ACRONYMS AND GLOSSARY ................................................................................................. 180 STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEW SUMMARY ................................................................................ 190 PLAN AUDIT................................................................................................................................ 191 CONSERVATION PLAN: WASHOE COUNTY REGIONAL OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................... 192 WARM SPRINGS WATER MANAGEMENT FUTURE POLICY DISCUSSION AND 2023 WATER RIGHTS INVENTORY................................................................................................................. 193
FIGURE 1. CONCEPT INTEGRATION .......................................................................................................................................................14 FIGURE 2. AREA PLAN INTEGRATION ...................................................................................................................................................15 FIGURE 3. ENVISION WASHOE 2040 COMMITTEES ............................................................................................................................17 FIGURE 4. WASHOE COUNTY VALUES.................................................................................................................................................18 FIGURE 5. CONCERNS, IDEAS, AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE...........................................................................................................20 FIGURE 6. WASHOE COUNTY MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND MEDIAN HOME VALUE .............................................................29 FIGURE 7. 2020-2040 PREDICTED POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD INCREASE FROM THE CONSENSUS FORECAST ........................30 FIGURE 8. WASHOE COUNTY EMPLOYMENT .......................................................................................................................................34 FIGURE 9. JOBS BY DISTANCE .............................................................................................................................................................34 FIGURE 10. BOWERS MANSION............................................................................................................................................................42 FIGURE 11. WADSWORTH UNION CHURCH .........................................................................................................................................42 FIGURE 12. RTC BUS ROUTES MAP ......................................................................................................................................................66 FIGURE 13. 2000-2020 WATER DEMAND AND 2040 DEMAND PREDICTIONS...................................................................................72 FIGURE 14. COLD SPRINGS KEY FEATURES........................................................................................................................................85 FIGURE 15. FOREST KEY FEATURES....................................................................................................................................................91 FIGURE 16. HIGH DESERT KEY FEATURES ..........................................................................................................................................97 FIGURE 17. NORTH VALLEYS KEY FEATURES ...................................................................................................................................103 FIGURE 18. SOUTH VALLEYS KEY FEATURES ..................................................................................................................................109 FIGURE 19. SOUTHEAST TRUCKEE MEADOWS KEY FEATURES ......................................................................................................115 FIGURE 20. SOUTHWEST TRUCKEE MEADOWS KEY FEATURES......................................................................................................121 FIGURE 21. SPANISH SPRINGS KEY FEATURES.................................................................................................................................127 FIGURE 22. SUN VALLEY KEY FEATURES...........................................................................................................................................133 FIGURE 23. TRUCKEE CANYON KEY FEATURES ...............................................................................................................................139 FIGURE 24. VERDI KEY FEATURES......................................................................................................................................................145 FIGURE 25. WARM SPRINGS KEY FEATURES......................................................................................................................................151
MAP 1. WASHOE COUNTY..................................................................................................................................................................23 MAP 2. REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES..........................................................................................................................................35 MAP 3. GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS....................................................................................................................................35 MAP 4. FEDERALLY MANAGED LANDS IN WASHOE COUNTY..........................................................................................................36 MAP 5. PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IN WASHOE COUNTY..................................................................................................................40 MAP 6. TRUCKEE RIVER WITHIN WASHOE COUNTY.........................................................................................................................41 MAP 7. NRHP DESIGNATED PLACES................................................................................................................................................43 MAP 8. NATURAL HAZARDS IN WASHOE COUNTY...........................................................................................................................51 MAP 9. REGIONAL LAND DESIGNATIONS..........................................................................................................................................59 MAP 10. TMWA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE BOUNDARY.............................................................................................................72 MAP 11. COLD SPRINGS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP..................................................................................................................88 MAP 12. FOREST MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP.............................................................................................................................94 MAP 13. HIGH DESERT MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP.................................................................................................................100 MAP 14. NORTH VALLEYS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP............................................................................................................106 MAP 15. SOUTH VALLEYS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP............................................................................................................113 MAP 16. SOUTHEAST TRUCKEE MEADOWS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP................................................................................118 MAP 17. SOUTHWEST TRUCKEE MEADOWS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP...............................................................................124 MAP 18. SPANISH SPRINGS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP.........................................................................................................130 MAP 19. SUN VALLEY MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP...................................................................................................................136 MAP 20. TRUCKEE CANYON MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP........................................................................................................142 MAP 21. VERDI MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP.............................................................................................................................148 MAP 22. WARM SPRINGS MASTER PLAN LAND USE MAP............................................................................................................156
TABLE 1. POTENTIAL POPULATION INCREASE BY JURISDICTION.................................................................................................28 TABLE 2. PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE MANAGED BY WASHOE COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE (2020).............41 TABLE 3. REGIONAL LAND DESIGNATIONS WITHIN WASHOE COUNTY*........................................................................................58 TABLE 4. ENVISION WASHOE 2040 MASTER PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS............................................................................61 TABLE 5. WASHOE COUNTY BROADBAND, 2021...........................................................................................................................73
IN RESPONSE TO THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING OUR REGION, WASHOE COUNTY IS RE-ENVISIONING THE COUNTY’S APPROACH TO GROWTH. ENVISION WASHOE 2040 IS A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PROCESS AIMED AT UPDATING OUR MASTER PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO FOCUS ON THE PRINCIPLES, POLICIES, CODES, AND PROGRAMS NEEDED FOR OUR DIVERSE AND DYNAMIC COMMUNITY TO THRIVE IN THE NEXT TEN TO TWENTY YEARS.
The Envision Washoe 2040 County Master Plan (Envision Washoe 2040) is a policy document that establishes a long-range framework to guide land development, environmental protection, public services, housing, transportation, and the economy within unincorporated Washoe County. Envision Washoe 2040 replaces the 2010 Washoe County Master Plan and drafters of the Envision Washoe 2040 Plan have made every effort to honor past work while adapting to today's challenges and opportunities. Additionally, Envision Washoe 2040 is founded on a community vision and four cross-cutting themes that influence the adopted principles, policies, and actions in the 2040 Master Plan.
The 2010 Master Plan consisted of 6 elements, 13 area plans, and 6 specific plans. The elements and area plans, though all part of the 2010 Master Plan, existed largely as separate documents. The area plans in particular were long, with policies and regulatory language which made it difficult to interpret land use transparently and consistently. The 2010 Master Plan in its entirety was over 1,500 pages with repetitive language and various regulatory requirements, not appropriate for the master plan. In Envision Washoe 2040, the Area Plans have been refined to much more concise “Planning Area” sections in Chapter 2. Regulatory language in the Area Plans is now in the Washoe County Development Code. A similar process was undertaken with the elements, making Envision Washoe 2040 concise and easy to understand. The elements themselves are similar to those in the 2010 Master Plan, but reorganized to align with the structure of the Regional Plan. This makes inter-jurisdictional coordination easier and improves consistency throughout the region. The specific plans, which only apply to certain parcels in the county, are now separate from both the Master Plan and the Development Code. The essential content of the 2010 Master Plan has therefore been preserved in the appropriate locations, while Envision Washoe 2040 reflects the current state of Washoe County and is a more concise, user friendly document.
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THE MASTER PLAN ESTABLISHES A COMMUNITY VISION AND THEN GUIDES AND SHAPES THAT VISION WITH PRINCIPLES, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS THAT GUIDE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS. THE PLAN INCORPORATES A SERIES OF MAPS INTENDED TO BOTH EXPLAIN AND DEFINE THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY OF ALL LAND WITHIN UNINCORPORATED WASHOE COUNTY.
Washoe County is undertaking the Envision Washoe 2040 project now for many reasons. The last comprehensive master plan update occurred between 2003 and 2010. The plan that arose from that effort has reached the end of its anticipated time frame of 10 to 20 years and a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities facing the community in the next 10 to 20 years is due. Envision Washoe 2040 makes every effort to honor past work while adapting to today’s context.
New Regional Plan: In 2019, the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency (TMRPA) adopted a comprehensive update to the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan (the Regional Plan). Washoe County, Reno, and Sparks are required to adopt master plans that align with and implement the Regional Plan.
Changing Population: The demographic character of the community is changing. While the community has been aware of the need to plan for an aging population, the recent influx of residents has resulted in growth across most age groups. Growth in younger age groups has increased demand for alternative transportation, outdoor recreation opportunities, and more diverse and more affordable housing types.
Significant Build-Out: Since 2005, the region has experienced significant build-out in areas planned for growth at that time. As the demand for additional land for development increases, a renewed focus on infill, redevelopment, and the efficient use of land is necessary to minimize suburban sprawl.
Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA): The TROA governs how the Truckee River Flows and how storage reservoirs are managed in support of the many valid competing interests for water use in our community. After many years of negotiations, TROA was approved in 2008 which established management of the River based on scientific forecasts, and mandated regulatory, administrative, and operational practices.
Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA): At the time of the 2010 Master Plan, residents obtained municipal water services from two major water purveyors, TMWA and Washoe County, and several smaller water providers.
However, the region has transitioned to a single major provider (TMWA), with several smaller water purveyors still remaining in operation, including Great Basin Water Company.
Annexation: The 2010 master plan was adopted with a series of “specific plans” which included additional planning focus and standards for development. Several of these areas have since been annexed by the cities of Reno and Sparks, and no longer need to be addressed in the County’s master plan.
New Information Technologies: Since the adoption of the current plan, significant technological advances have changed the ways in which individuals are able to and expect to interact with government and information in general. There are new opportunities and challenges associated with ensuring access to the County’s plans and codes in ways consistent with community expectations.
Climate Change: Widespread recognition of the impacts of climate change in planning for natural resources, natural hazards, infrastructure, and public health has changed the way the County views the role of land use. Incorporation of these considerations are fundamental in the short- and long-term community response to climate change.
Community Equity and Public Health: The impacts of land use on a community’s social equity profile and overall community health are now commonly understood to be significant. Equity focuses on the disparate impact on traditionally marginalized persons. Community health extends beyond just access to healthcare and permeates every aspect of life. Even seemingly unrelated social and economic functions of a community have intrinsic links to community health.
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS.) § 278.160 require all master plans to contain specific elements, but counties have flexibility in the organization of the elements to reflect local needs and context. Additionally, Envision Washoe 2040 is connected to other regional and local planning efforts like the 2019 Truckee Meadows Regional Plan (Regional Plan), the Truckee Meadows Regional Strategy for Housing Affordability, the Regional Transportation Plan, and the Regional Public Infrastructure Plan. Continued coordination with these plans and documents, as well as with the different regional districts, is important and could inform the development and refinement of other plans. Coordination with regional entities may focus on regional transportation, land use compatibility, open space and wildlife protection, resource conservation, provision of water and sewer, and education and economic development
To access the most recent version of the plans listed above and other resources, please visit Washoe County's Community Services website.
CONTINUED COORDINATION WITH THESE PLANS AND DOCUMENTS AS WELL AS WITH THE DIFFERENT REGIONAL AGENCIES IS IMPORTANT TO INFORM THE DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT OF OTHER PLANS.
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Envision Washoe 2040 is organized around seven community elements interwoven with four cross-cutting themes. The seven community elements are guided by NRS, and mirror the Regional Plan, illustrating Washoe County's commitment to the greater region. The four cross-cutting themes (at right) were identified by community members through the Envision Washoe 2040 process and illustrate a commitment from the County to preserve character-defining features and enhance Washoe County's sense of community.
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POPULATION GROWTH | REGIONAL COORDINATION | NATURAL RESOURCES | REGIONAL FORM | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES
| HOUSING | INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION | CONSERVATION | LAND USE | TRANSPORTATION | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annexation | Utility Projects | ||||
| HISTORIC PRESERVATION | URBAN AGRICULTURE | SAFETY | |||
| RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE |
COMMUNITY ELEMENTS (An umbrella topic)
| 01 POPULATION & HOUSING | 02 REGIONAL FORM & COORDINATION | 03 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES | 04 ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY | 05 LAND USE | 06 TRANSPORTATION | 07 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truckee Meadows Regional Strategy for Housing Affordability | Washoe County Open Space & Natural Resource Management Plan | 2050 Regional Transportation Plan | Regional Public Infrastructure Plan (Update in Process now) |
One of the main goals of the Envision Washoe 2040 process was to better integrate County planning documents and adopted County policy guidance to facilitate more seamless implementation and allow for ease of use. The first step in the process was to build the framework, as described on the previous page. The intent was to build upon the strong foundation of the 2010 Master Plan and build from the Regional Plan. This step also included relocating any regulatory and development-focused items from the 2010 Master Plan six community elements into the Washoe County Development Code.
FIGURE 1. CONCEPT INTEGRATION
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The second step was to integrate the thirteen Area Plans and several Specific Plans from the 2010 Master Plan into Envision Washoe 2040, without losing the character-defining features of each area. With input from residents of each area, the thirteen Area Plans were condensed into planning areas, with area-specific principles and policies. Statements, principles, goals, and policies which appeared across multiple area plans were incorporated into one of the seven community elements. Detailed code standards were incorporated into the Washoe County Development Code to ensure implementation of those standards.
FIGURE 2. AREA PLAN INTEGRATION
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CHAPTER 1: FOUNDATION P. 15
The planning process built a solid foundation for public engagement and discussion by establishing baseline information about the ability of the 2010 Master Plan to meet the basic expectations of the community and partner agencies, such as the State of Nevada and the TMRPA. The process led to the creation of several important documents, including an internal audit of the 2010 Master Plan that formed a critical foundation for Envision Washoe 2040. The purpose of the 2010 Master Plan Audit was to identify goals and policies that needed to be modified or removed due to redundancy (i.e., addressed in multiple places or multiple area plans) or irrelevance (i.e., already completed or no longer a priority), and to identify any additional goals or policies that could aid Envision Washoe 2040 in aligning with the Regional Plan. The audit's findings helped elevate general principles and policies to a master plan level and improved the usability of the area-specific principles and policies.
Prior to the Envision Washoe 2040 process, county staff consulted with TMRPA to conduct an audit of the newly adopted Regional Plan requirements against the 2010 Washoe County Master Plan and applicable Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). As a result, the County developed a list of both short-term and long-term required amendments to the County Master Plan. Washoe County has completed this list of short-term amendments, while the list of long-term amendments are incorporated into Envision Washoe 2040.
The County also conducted an internal review with staff to identify issues related to the 2010 Master Plan's utility. Valuable insights came out of this exercise, including suggested enhancements resolving administrative inefficiencies, obsolete language, inconsistent codes and policies, repeated community frustrations, and unclear policy and code. See Appendix 3 for more information about the plan audit.
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| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEETING DATES Steering Committee Meeting (Sep) Steering Committee Meeting (Nov) | MEETING DATES Steering Committee Meeting (Feb) Questionnaires (Oct 2021 through Apr 2022) Steering Committee Meeting (Oct) Advisory Committee Meetings (Dec) Planning Commission Update (Dec) | MEETING DATES Planning Commission Updates (Feb, Aug, Dec) In Person Workshops (Feb) Steering Committee Meeting (June) Advisory Committee Meetings (June) Questionnaires (Oct 2021 through Apr 2022 and June-Aug 2022) | MEETING DATES Advisory Committee Meetings (Feb) Steering Committee Meeting (Feb) Planning Commission Updates (Mar, June, Aug, Sept, Oct) In Person Workshops (3 in Mar) Advisory Committee Meeting (May) Steering Committee Meeting (May) Advisory Committee Meeting (Aug) Steering Committee Meeting (Aug) Virtual Meetings (April, June, Aug) Draft Plan Outreach Series (16 in Sept) |
| NOTIFICATIONS Social Media Posts | NOTIFICATIONS Social Media Posts | NOTIFICATIONS EBlast (November) Social Media Posts | NOTIFICATIONS EBlast (April, June, August) |
Throughout the Envision Washoe 2040 process, the County sought to engage a broad array of regional stakeholders, organizations, technical plan users, and the general public through multiple methods. All outreach efforts aimed to be broad and inclusive, seeking input from all members of the county regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other status or identity. At each stage of the process, County staff and consultants reviewed demographic information of engagement participants to ensure a wide array of community members were involved.
Public involvement and planning documents were also fully integrated in an online format on a project website, www.EnvisionWashoe2040.org, and the County's Facebook page. Community members had convenient access to these platforms to learn more about the process and engage in interactive mapping, questionnaires, polls, and discussions.
Community Representatives:
The planning process began by listening and learning from County leaders, staff, and community representatives about what works in Washoe County and what sets the County apart within the state. Community representatives were interviewed during the first phase of the process. Read more in Appendix 2 Stakeholder Interview Summary.
FIGURE 3. ENVISION WASHOE 2040 COMMITTEES
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Steering Committee:
The Steering Committee (SC) worked early in the process to develop a set of guiding principles and vision for the project. The SC, made up of County and regional agency representatives, have been advocates for the process; acted as a sounding board for key concepts and alternatives; and assisted in the outreach process.
Technical Advisory Committee:
The role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was to ensure that Envision Washoe 2040's response to the community's priorities is technically sound, pursues best practices, and has a real path to implementation. The TAC reviewed and addressed each plan element in depth.
Community Advisory Committee:
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) served as a liaisons to the broader County and ensured that the public was heard and engaged. The CAC reviewed plan elements relating to committee member specialties and were tasked with educating and encouraging the public to participate. The CAC ensured goals, policies, and actions remained anchored in the community's values.
The Envision Washoe 2040 process relied on broad and representative community input to establish a unified vision and clearly articulate the shared values of the County's diverse population.
The planning process began by listening and learning from County leaders, staff, and other community members about what works in Washoe County, what is unique about the area, and what needs improvement. Interviews were conducted and designed to inform and energize community members about the planning process as well as gather preliminary insights about how the community views Washoe County now and into the future.
All interviewees lived in Washoe County, including some who claimed residency in the cities of Reno or Sparks. Several interviewees moved to the County in 2020 while some have a rooted, family history that goes back several generations within the region.
Following the interviews, County staff and consultants solicited community input through a series of questionnaires aimed at better understanding what residents love about the County and what could be improved.
FIGURE 4. WASHOE COUNTY VALUES
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Note: Community members who participated in interviews helped the County identify key values as described in the above graphic.
20 COMMUNITY INTERVIEWS
2000+ QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES
5 QUICK POLLS
3 QUESTIONNAIRES
Preserve and enhance access to open space, recreation, wildlife, and natural resources.
Promote pride in self-sufficiency and a rooted history in the region.
Incorporate resiliency into countywide decision making (climate, market, politics, etc.).
Expand and emphasize economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
Address housing affordability.
Increase access to public transportation, quality education, and mental health services.
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Access to Nature and Recreation Access to nature and recreation was the most common response in questionnaires and interviews. The access that residents have to hiking, biking, skiing, and open space was stated as the primary reason people were attracted to the area and one of the most important features that speaks to resident retention.
Economic Opportunity In addition to the recreational amenities, community members highlighted the immense opportunities within Washoe County. Economic opportunity and the ability to succeed still exists in the community, as does the opportunity to make a difference by getting involved at the local or regional level as it relates to development, planning, local politics, environmental preservation efforts, and more.
Top Challenges and Opportunities Key issues requiring attention include housing affordability, infrastructure and public transportation, homelessness, flexibility for developers, and creating a more efficient master plan. While economic and personal opportunity are at the forefront of the community, the ability for people to continue to live in, or move to the community, is becoming more difficult with the ever-increasing costs of housing and limited public transportation in certain areas. Several participants also indicated that there is room for improvement at the County level, related to flexibility in development review as a means of creating better development alternatives for the community and landowners. Lastly, stakeholders stated a need for increased access to food, mental health services, and overall healthcare access.
FIGURE 5. CONCERNS, IDEAS, AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
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Resiliency is one of the core components of Envision Washoe 2040, and community members were asked what it means to them in both interviews and questionnaires. To some stakeholders, resiliency translates to environmental resilience, or the ability to withstand and adapt to changing environments related to both climate change and shifts in the local and global economy. Mitigating the urban heat island effect and preparing for earthquakes and flooding were specific examples of being resilient in the face of environmental hazards. The concept of being able to adapt to unexpected changes and ensuring the master plan is developed with flexibility was stressed by multiple stakeholders. Unexpected changes related to the County’s budget, growth rate, technological advancements, environmental changes, and political changes were specifically stated. Several community members offered an alternative to the traditional view of resiliency, with a consideration for the community's social structure and the capacity to withstand stress-inducing events and periods, including pandemics and their effect on the physical and financial well-being of residents.
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To capture unique characteristics and perspectives from each of the planning areas, in person workshops were conducted in proximate locations to each of the areas. The key themes from the workshops mirrored the key themes described below:
Clear and Accessible Community members emphasized that clarity and accessibility were important in upcoming planning documents so that they are understandable and usable to the public. The consolidation and integration of the previous area plans into Envision Washoe 2040 creates a singular place for residents across the county to find policies that relate to their specific location, as well as see what policies other areas have prioritized.
Implementable Implementation was a key theme that emerged, as community members wanted to see their feedback translated into action items with tangible results from planning documents. The implementation chapter of this document accomplishes just that, with Area Specific Action items to accomplish the goals that emerged from the area plan outreach sessions that were translated into policy direction. The Element Implementation Actions matrix in Chapter 3 of Envision Washoe 2040 is another aspect of transparency for implementation so that progress on action items have clear criteria to judge whether they have been accomplished.
Regional Approach Throughout the public outreach process and emphasized at the area plan workshops, many concerns were raised about future water availability, lack of trail network connections, increasing fire risk, and other issues. Many of these concerns are not limited to single planning areas, suggesting the necessity for action items implemented by a regional approach. This plan establishes the basis for countywide policy that transcends planning area boundaries, so that in the case of common goals, collective geographies can benefit from actions that the County takes.
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Washoe County's geographic area has always been characterized by its diversity in land use, built form, and residential and commercial character. Historically, the County's various master plans have recognized that diversity and attempted to identify the unique issues that each area within the unincorporated County may experience. The most important planning tool the County has used in this effort is the establishment of separate "planning areas" (otherwise known as "Area Plans"), shown in Map 1 to the right. The planning area concept can be found in Washoe County master plans that pre-date the current regional planning system. In fact, planning areas are found in the original regional plans the County was responsible for developing prior to the creation of the TMRPA.
The original boundaries of these early planning areas were established to recognize diverse issues across the County. Often, these issues were based on natural resource constraints such as hydrographic basins or wetlands. Boundaries were also established to recognize historical communities, the impact of major roadways, or proximity to services. Later versions of the planning areas were developed to match a growth management system the County implemented throughout the 1990's known as a one-map system. These planning areas largely focused on managing the location and timing of the extension of infrastructure in support of development. As the Regional Plan evolved to more fully direct the location and timing of services, the planning areas evolved to manage the impacts of growth on existing communities. These planning areas sought to preserve an historic sense of place associated with each area, often characterized as rural, regardless of the prevailing land uses, or levels of service.
While each of these areas are unique, many of the goals and policies listed in the original area plans were applicable to the entire County and were more appropriately located in the general goals and policies in the plan elements. Elevating these goals and policies to countywide recommendations rather than repeating them in individual area plans reduces redundancy in each of the area plans and improves usability by highlighting only the area-specific goals and policies. Similarly, specific language pertaining to development regulations is most appropriate in the Washoe County Development Code.
Envision Washoe 2040 has integrated the area plan commonalities from the 2010 Master Plan into the Envision Washoe 2040 plan elements. This promotes a more efficient code administration process and also better facilitates plan implementation. The discussion, principles and policies set forth in Chapter 2's Planning Areas are the result of a dedicated effort to identify and refocus on characteristics that require special attention outside the countywide umbrella.
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| Planning Areas | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cold Springs |
| 2 | Forest |
| 3 | High Desert |
| 4 | North Valleys |
| 5 | Northeast Truckee Meadows* |
| 6 | Northwest Truckee Meadows* |
| 7 | Southeast Truckee Meadows |
| 8 | Southwest Truckee Meadows |
| 9 | South Valleys |
| 10 | Spanish Springs |
| 11 | Sun Valley |
| 12 | Tahoe |
| 13 | Truckee Canyon |
| 14 | Verdi |
| 15 | Warm Springs |
*Does not have an Area Plan
MAP 1. WASHOE COUNTY
IN THIS CHAPTER
"WASHOE COUNTY IS A PLACE OF DIVERSE AND RESILIENT OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD A QUALITY LIFE IN A SAFE AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY OFFERING UNPARALLELED ACCESS TO WASHOE COUNTY’S NATURAL LANDSCAPE, ITS ARTS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY, AND ITS RICH NETWORK OF COMMUNITY SERVICES."
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As mentioned in Chapter 1, the Regional Plan has been identified as an overall guiding structure for the Envision Washoe 2040 process. In reviewing the Regional Plan, applicable state law, and the 2010 Washoe County Master Plan, seven elements were identified for this Plan. Each element contains an existing conditions analysis, followed by principles and policies to address key opportunities and constraints related to each element.
An integral part of Envision Washoe 2040 (this Plan) was the Existing Conditions Summary produced as part of the plan audit and first round of public engagement. This document summarized existing data, reports, plans, and policies to create a snapshot of current conditions within the County. These snapshots were used to analyze the challenges and opportunities the County faces and, along with public input, served as the foundation for development of principles and policies for each plan element.
The data and analysis from the Existing Conditions Summary has been integrated into each element to provide context for the principles and policies. The information in these snapshots was compiled at a point in time and some of this information is particularly susceptible to becoming dated or less applicable over time, specifically maps and data from outside agencies. Therefore, as Envision Washoe 2040 is applied, implemented, and amended over time, new and updated information should be considered as appropriate. Washoe County may rely on updated data when applying and implementing this Plan and during development review to ensure the vision, principles, and policies are accurately represented.
While Envision Washoe 2040 is only applicable to unincorporated Washoe County, and excludes the Tahoe Basin, some data was only available for Washoe County as a whole, including the cities of Reno and Sparks. In those cases where data for just the unincorporated areas of Washoe County could not be extracted, the countywide data was used and noted as “countywide” data for clarity. Other references to “Washoe County” or “the County” should be interpreted to refer only to the unincorporated areas of Washoe County outside of the Tahoe Basin.
The Principles and Policies sections within each element describes Washoe County’s goals and policies designed to help the County enhance the lives of the residents, protect the environment, and operate within its resources. These sections also detail ongoing regional and state efforts which align with each element and includes links to each of the related plans described on the next page. To further Washoe County’s goal of regional coordination and cooperation, principles and policies from related plans which align with Washoe County’s overarching goals and County policies have been incorporated directly into the principles and policies. Principles and policies which are from relevant plans are indicated with italic text and an icon in the margin noting the goal/policy number which links to the source plan.
Principles are expressions of community ideals. They are broad directions that establish ideal future conditions toward which policies are focused.
Policies are statements which further refine the principles and guide the County’s course of action to achieve the principles. They should guide decision-making and give clear indication of intent.
It is important to note that within each element, there are multiple other plans which relate to the element, but have been created by other County Departments, conservation organizations, other agencies, or the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency (TRMPA). Each element contains a graphic identifying related plans and linking to those plans. Where possible, principles and policies were built from other adopted Washoe County and Regional Plans to build off work that has already been completed. Principles and policies which are from relevant plans are indicated with italic text and an icon in the margin which links to the source plan.
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The rate of population growth within Washoe County is expected to remain steady over the next twenty years at a rate of about 1%, as stated in the 2022 Washoe County Consensus Forecast (Consensus Forecast) within the Regional Plan. However, the age distribution of the population is expected to shift over the next two decades, due to the continued aging of the Baby Boomer population (people born 1946-1964). The retired age group (residents age 65+) is expected to increase by 3%, and the working age group (residents age 20-64) is expected to decrease by 2%, according to the 2022 Consensus Forecast. This increase in the retired population means that Washoe County will need to assess the ability of existing services and housing stock to meet the needs of an aging population. This assessment should include identifying opportunities to enhance the ability for the population to age in place, including improved public transportation and expanded housing diversity and options.
TABLE 1. POTENTIAL POPULATION INCREASE BY JURISDICTION
| Jurisdiction | Average Dwelling Unit Growth Share (%) | 2021 NV Governor’s Certified Estimate | Minimum Population Increase (-5%) 2022 to 2042 | Maximum Population Increase (+5%) 2022 to 2042 | Minimum 2042 Population Estimate ** | Maximum 2042 Population Estimate ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Reno | 60.6 | 264,318 | 56,591 | 62,547 | 323,373 | 329,330 |
| City of Sparks | 23.1 | 107,489 | 21,572 | 23,842 | 130,000 | 132,271 |
| Unincorporated Washoe County | 16.3 | 113,306 | 15,222 | 16,824 | 129,191 | 130,793 |
Data Source: 2022 Consensus Forecast, Table 15 ** Includes the calculated growth increment of 4,067 people from the 2021 Governor's Certified estimate of 485,113 people to the 2022 start value of the Consensus Forecast of 489,180 divided based on the average share of dwelling unit growth by jurisdiction.
The steady population increase can be largely attributed to in-migration. Based on data obtained from the US Census and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, there has been more in-migration to the County than there have been births over the past decade. This trend is expected to continue as the opportunities that have traditionally driven growth to the area (to build a career, raise a family, access nature, and/or access education, civic life, and quality services and infrastructure) continue to demonstrate their power to attract people to the region. Washoe County's current and future demographic profile requires a commitment to increasing the range of housing opportunities. In order to house those who want to visit or live here, Washoe County should assess strategies to diversify its housing portfolio with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
The 2022 Consensus Forecast utilizes the 2021 Governor's Certified Population Estimates and Jurisdictional Percentages to highlight areas which can accommodate the forecasted population increase. The Regional Plan states a preference for population growth to be centered in the core of the region, particularly lands designated as MU Core and Tier 1 in the Regional Plan (See Map 2 - Regional Form in the 2019 Regional Plan (pg 65)). As shown in Table 1, Reno is expected to accommodate the majority of future growth due to proximity
to services and employment centers. Sparks is expected to accommodate 24% of anticipated population growth over the next twenty years and the unincorporated County is expected to accommodate 16%.
During stakeholder interviews, community members expressed concern that housing prices are outpacing incomes in the County and pressure from in-migration is increasing pressure on Washoe County’s existing housing stock (See Appendix 1 for the full stakeholder interview summary).
Washoe County housing prices are increasing faster than its residents' incomes (Figure 6). This trend was identified in the 2019 Truckee Meadows Regional Strategy for Housing Affordability (2019 TMRSHA), but data from the US Census American Community Survey (ACS) demonstrates that the trend is continuing. Over the past ten years, the Median Home Value within Washoe County has increased 78%, from $215,700 in 2010 to $383,400 in 2019. During the same period, the Median Household Income within Washoe County increased by 42% from $50,556 in 2010 to $71,881 in 2019. In addition, the 2019 TMRSHA identified an increase in the proportion of renters from 40% in 2000 to 44% in 2016.
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78% increase in Median Home Value from 2010 to 2019
42% increase in Median Household Income from 2010 to 2019
FIGURE 6. WASHOE COUNTY MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND MEDIAN HOME VALUE Source: US Census Data. 2010-2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates
The 2019 TMRSHA set the foundation for specific policies and actions which should be taken to address regional housing affordability issues, for area jurisdictions, including Washoe County. Therefore, the TMRSHA has been incorporated as part of the population and housing element. The TMRSHA policies focus primarily on creating flexible development standards and development incentives to encourage creation of affordable housing, provide funding for affordable housing development, and support community education programs to address local housing issues. Many of these actions can be accomplished
through revisions to the Washoe County Development Code. However, the Washoe County Master Plan identifies County policies regarding affordable housing development.
The 2022 Consensus Forecast indicates that the overall population of Washoe County will increase by at least 98,299 persons between the years 2022 and 2042. Converting this to dwelling units using the County average of 2.46 persons per household, results in an overall demand for 39,959 additional dwelling units countywide by 2042. (Figure 7). In addition, the 2019 TMRSHA noted a countywide shortage of affordable and available units specifically for low-income households, particularly households earning 50% or less of Area Median Income (AMI). According to the 2019 TMRSHA, for every 100 households in unincorporated Washoe County there are only 40 available units for households earning 31-50% AMI and only 31 available units for households earning less than 30% AMI. This shortage is likely the result of an increase in competition for affordable rental housing and slower rates of production across Washoe County. Additionally, the combination of home prices and rental rates out-pacing wages indicates that housing options within Washoe County are shrinking.
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FIGURE 7. 2020-2040 PREDICTED POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD INCREASE FROM THE CONSENSUS FORECAST Source: Consensus Forecast and TMRSHA
Washoe County has working relationships throughout the community's housing network with public, private, and nonprofit agencies. Building upon these existing relationships will enable the County to strategically create policies with the goal of increasing affordable housing options and increasing the variety of housing options available in the County to retain residents and support the local economy. The Regional Plan encourages Washoe County to direct new housing into currently developed and developing areas, minimizing the impact of housing on agricultural lands, environmentally sensitive areas, and the region's many valued open spaces. Directing growth into existing developed areas within the Truckee Meadows Service Area (TMSA) also utilizes existing transportation and infrastructure networks to maximize efficiencies and minimize long-term costs.
The Principles and Policies of the Population and Housing Element frame Washoe County's approach to ensuring housing stock within the unincorporated County matches the demands for its forecasted population. Our region is expected to experience population growth that is marked by diversity across social, economic, and demographic profiles. An increased diversity of available housing types is necessary to support this expected population profile.
The economic and population growth that our region is experiencing commonly leads to imbalanced housing markets, where market segments at the higher end of the market respond to demand at a far greater rate than lower end market segments. This leads to an overall housing market that favors narrow and less accessible housing types. The consequence of this imbalance is a lack of adequate housing for families earning incomes of 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. The severity of the imbalance increases toward the lower end of the spectrum, particularly below 50% AMI where demand typically far outpaces supply. Housing market segments below 120% AMI represent a considerable component of the region's employment base as well as a key contributor to the County's economic, social, and ethnic diversity. Addressing this imbalance is fundamental to supporting an economically and socially healthy community.
Housing our diverse population will require the development of diverse housing types throughout the community. Housing options should include both ownership and rental opportunities across the spectrum of both affordable (income restricted) and market housing. Within a regional framework, future housing development in Washoe County should provide a variety of housing types in rural, suburban and urban like environments. Washoe County's housing policies should not exclude any housing types; however, they should prioritize actions that create additional workforce housing, including owner-occupied duplexes, triplexes, and condos, and rental housing to serve all sectors of the local workforce.
The following principles and policies reflect the County's commitment to work with regional partners to increase housing diversity. The overarching goal of the county's approach is to ensure accessibility of adequate housing across all market segments and particularly those segments impacted by the natural imbalances that accompany growing communities.
Principles and policies from the Regional Plan and the TMRSHA that align with Washoe County overarching goals and policies are indicated with italic text and an icon in the margin noting the goal/policy number which links to the source plan. The text in the blue boxes indicates the goal/policy number from the related plan, not from the Envision Washoe 2040 plan. For example, "NR 5" is the policy number in the related plan.
<br>| 0 | 1.1. | Utilize the Consensus Forecast and the TMRSHA to ensure the most recent population data is used to implement the Principles and Policies relevant to Housing, Land Use, Transportation, Public Services and Facilities, and Natural Resources. |
| 1.2. | Continue to work with regional partners through the Washoe County HOME Consortium to support housing with attached services. | |
| 1.3. | Work with advocacy groups to support development of housing for people with special housing needs such as the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living. |
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1.4. Encourage strategic utilization of the Washoe County Affordable Housing Trust Fund to further the implementation of the TMRSHA and the policies of this master plan.
2.1. Promote development of affordable and workforce housing near public facilities, schools, jobs, and public transportation using mixed-use and higher density development.
2.2. Direct development of residential densities greater than 1 unit per five acres into the TMSA where it can utilize planned local and regional infrastructure.
3.1. Allow for more flexibility in the zoning and land use regulations to enable more housing types to be built throughout the community where adequate infrastructure exists.
3.2. Reduce regulatory barriers to the provision of affordable and workforce housing through methods including, but not limited to streamlining the development process or offering regulatory flexibility and/or financial incentives for affordable and attainable housing.
3.3. Regularly monitor and reevaluate the fees associated with housing development.
3.4. Support accessory dwelling units as a method of providing affordable and workforce housing.
3.5. Require and/or incentivize a mixture of housing types (i.e. product types, unit sizes, and price points) in large development applications and subdivisions.
3.6. Disperse affordable and attainable housing throughout developments and neighborhoods.
4.1. Support stable housing as part of the County’s social services network in conjunction with other Washoe County department efforts.
4.2. Encourage housing development for persons with disabilities, special needs, and seniors with attached services.
3 5.1. Support existing local and regional home rehabilitation, rental, and home ownership programs.
5.2. Support a “no net loss” policy at the regional level as a framework for continuing availability of affordable housing.
4 5.3. Prioritize preservation of existing affordable housing stock.
5.4. Consider establishing standards to mitigate the negative effects of housing that is either vacant or ill-maintained by absentee owners.
5.5. Prioritize financial assistance for projects that will provide long-term affordability.
6.1. Work cooperatively with the cities of Reno and Sparks to pursue regional efficiencies in all matters related to affordable housing.
0 6.2. Partner with local employers to determine employee housing needs and explore programs to address these needs.
6.3. Explore opportunities to utilize state and federal funds, including HOME funds, to support the development of affordable housing.
An operating standard used in affordable housing, conservation, etc. that prevents or offsets the destruction of those resources.
According to the 2022 Consensus Forecast, the per capita income (income per person) for Washoe County is expected to increase from the current $59,982 in 2022 to $83,294 in 2042. This increase accounts for inflation and increase in population growth. With this increase in per capita income, Washoe County has the opportunity to target the provision of additional housing affordable to Washoe County residents using the forecasted 2042 per capita income.
In addition, the 2022 Consensus Forecast predicts an increase in total employment for all of Washoe County (including Reno and Sparks) from 316,833 in 2022 to 392,609 in 2042, with the largest shifts in employment industries being an increase in "Finance, Insurance and Real Estate", and "Services", and a decrease in "Retail". "Services" remains the largest employment industry across the County, encompassing over 45% of jobs countywide.
Of the total 226,568 full-time year-round workers living within Washoe County in 2018, 79% of workers (180,917 people) both live and work within the County. The most common places of employment in Washoe County are located within the City of Reno, which employs 60% of the residents of Washoe County, and within the City of Sparks, which employs 16% of residents. 45,651 residents that live within Washoe County, or about 21% of residents, commute outside the County for work, primarily south and southeast of the County.
Generally, high percentages of workers commuting out of an area to other areas indicate a lack of jobs within their home community. However, given the high percentage of people that both live and work within the County, and that the percentages of workers commuting into and out of the County are fairly equal, Washoe County's priority should be to retain existing businesses and help them expand, rather than recruiting new businesses into the area. Retaining these existing businesses and supporting their growth could increase the region's economic resiliency, as it would ensure that the balanced distribution of workers who commute out of and into the County remains stable. Retaining existing businesses can also encourage sources of job growth to continue creating new opportunities for current and future Washoe County residents.
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FIGURE 8. WASHOE COUNTY EMPLOYMENT Source: US Census Data. 2010-2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates
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FIGURE 9. JOBS BY DISTANCE Source: US Census Data. 2010-2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates
Many aspects of Washoe County planning rely on regional coordination to ensure consistency and implementation. Specifically, annexation and ensuring consistent land uses along the City-County interfaces requires frequent, meaningful coordination between the County and the cities of Reno and Sparks. The Regional Plan identifies Spheres of Influence (SOI) for both Reno and Sparks specifically to define appropriate annexation boundaries and policies.
Two regional planning agencies directly deal with land use issues in Washoe County. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency focuses on preserving the natural features and resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The jurisdictions surrounding Lake Tahoe must conform to the Tahoe Regional Plan. The Tahoe Planning Area is the only planning area within Washoe County that is within the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency jurisdiction and is therefore not included in the Envision Washoe 2040 Plan.
Remaining portions of Washoe County, with the exception of tribal lands, fall within the jurisdiction of TMRPA. In 1989 the Nevada legislature created the TMRPA specifically to foster coordination between Washoe County, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks. TMRPA is comprised of the Regional Planning Governing Board (RPGB), the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and TMRPA's staff. TMRPA facilitates conversations between public and private decision makers regarding land use, infrastructure provision, and resource management. It also serves as an information and data warehouse, coordinating regional data collection and delivering advanced geospatial analytics for regional solutions including demographic, economic, and housing data.
In addition to coordination with regional planning agencies, Washoe County also coordinates land use decisions with various Special Districts, neighboring counties and municipalities, Washoe County School District (WCSD), Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH), the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), General Improvement Districts (GIDs), the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA), Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF), the Western Regional Water Commission (WRWC), Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Tribal Council, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Council, multiple County agencies, federal land management agencies, Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW), and other state, tribal, and local agencies.
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MAP 2. REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES
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MAP 3. GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
In the past, Washoe county has worked with the cities of Reno and Sparks on a variety of joint planning ventures. While none of the regional jurisdictions are currently implementing or pursuing any joint plans as described in Nevada Revised Statute 278.02784, Washoe County is committed to pursuing opportunities for coordination of land use plans and development decisions when appropriate.
Like the rest of the State of Nevada, Washoe County is largely composed of federal land, with approximately 80% of the unincorporated County being federally managed (Map 4). The largest federal land manager in Washoe County is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages 65% of the land in the unincorporated County. Tribal lands and lands managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), also comprise 7.8% and 4.6% of the land in the unincorporated County respectively. This land ownership mandates that the County continue to work cooperatively with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies to manage the County effectively.
Periodically, concepts for the disposal of certain federal lands are considered. These have been referred to as the Federal Lands Bill, Washoe Lands Bill, or most recently, Truckee Meadows Public Land Management Act. In the future, lands that meet criteria in a Federal Lands Bill may be disposed of for either governmental or private use. While some lands near the metro area may be more appropriately disposed of for private sale, other areas in more northern parts of the County should be preserved as wilderness, open space, or recreation areas. Washoe County will continue to monitor these proposals and to actively participate in the development of potential language for future Lands Bills. Future updates to the Regional Plan are expected to consider the best way to incorporate federal lands into the portfolio of developable lands.
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| Legend | |
|---|---|
| ⬜ County Boundary | 🟪 Tribal Lands |
| ➖ TMSA | Federally Managed Lands |
| 🟦 Playas | 🟨 Bureau of Land Management |
| 🟦 Lake | 🟨 Bureau of Reclamation |
| ➖ Railroad | 🟩 Fish and Wildlife Service |
| ➖ Highway | 🟩 Forest Service |
| ➖ Major Road | 🟦 State of Nevada |
| Incorporated | |
| ⬜ Reno/Sparks | |
| ⬜ Sphere Of Influence |
MAP 4. FEDERALLY MANAGED LANDS IN WASHOE COUNTY
The Regional Form and Coordination Element consists of a set of cross-cutting principles and policies that target opportunities for collaboration among planning jurisdictions. The principles covered under this element are comprehensive, addressing topics like the economy, agriculture, transportation, and land use. Each of these principles provides opportunities for all areas to work toward mutually beneficial agreements and solutions that strengthen the region as a whole.
Growth and development in this region are managed through a complex, multi-jurisdictional collaboration of federal, state, tribal, and local agencies. Each of these agencies develops and maintains their own master plan or similar document to guide their roles within the region, and the Washoe County Master Plan is one of these plans. Ideally, the agencies responsible for each of these plans will coordinate with the others. The following principles and policies seek to demonstrate Washoe County's commitment to developing valuable regional partnerships to manage the challenges of the next 10-20 years. In particular, the principles and policies address how regional coordination contributes to growth management and what the priorities for future regional coordination should be.
Principles and policies from the Relevant Plans listed in the call out box above that align with Washoe County overarching goals and policies are indicated with italic text and an icon in the margin noting the goal/policy number which links to the source plan. The text in the blue boxes indicates the goal/policy number from the related plan, not from the Envision Washoe 2040 plan. For example, "NR 5" is the policy number in the related plan.
1.1. Support development of reliable methods of communication to keep the region informed and engaged.
1.2. Seek opportunities to leverage County resources to advance the County's economic development strategy and Master Plan goals through creative public/private partnerships.
1.3. Coordinate with TMRPA, TMWA, WRWC, and the cities of Reno and Sparks regarding the Population Consensus Forecast to ensure sustainable water and wastewater resources and infrastructure.
1.4. Work with the GIDs within Washoe County to provide opportunities to communicate the unique challenges regional and local growth present to their efficient operation and fiscal sustainability.
1.5. Coordinate with the cities of Reno and Sparks to implement annexation and de-annexation protocols and administration of lands within the Sphere of Influence that ensure a transparent and efficient transition of land use opportunities.
1.6. Coordinate with WCSD on growth and new development as it relates to school capacity
1.7. Coordinate with the cities of Reno and Sparks, regional and local military installations, and tribal authorities regarding matters of land use compatibility wherever land-uses interact across jurisdictional boundaries or otherwise impact the relevant agency.
2.1. Strengthen the identity of the region by encouraging land uses that both contribute to the character of the community and enable the area to sustain a viable economic base.
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GOAL 3
2.2. Support development projects that align with master plan policies and promote business retention and expansion.
2.3. Protect industrial areas and employment centers from encroachment by potentially incompatible land uses or conversion to alternative uses.
2.4. Promote new industrial land use and zoning where services are available or can be provided in accordance with the Regional Plan.
2.5. Ensure that land use practices and regulations accommodate the needs of rural communities, and changing trends regarding businesses, including home and accessory rural occupations.
3.1. Coordinate with the TMRPA and Federal legislators and officials to support land exchanges, acquisitions, and disposals when such actions are in the public interest, support the Washoe County Open Space Plan, or add unique cultural resource sites to public ownership.
3.2. Work with planning partners to develop funding sources and incentives for the acquisition, dedication, and maintenance of open space and sensitive lands.
3.3. Support partnerships for the use of Southern Nevada Public Land Management (SNPLMA) Funds for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands.
3.4. Coordinate with NDOW and USFWS on acquisitions to benefit habitat management and species diversity identified in the Nevada Wildlife Action Plan and USFWS Updated Goals and Objectives for the Conservation of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.
3.5. Prioritize open space acquisitions which protect aquifer recharge areas, current and future wellhead protection areas, source water protection areas, vegetation and tree canopies in areas with high urban heat island effect, and areas with natural hazards (floodplains, steep slopes, forested areas, etc.).
3.6. Support WCSD in acquisition(s) of land in new subdivisions where inadequate school capacity is present, in accordance with NRS 278.180 & 278.346.
4.1. Support the establishment of consistent or complementary conditions of approval for dedication of sensitive lands as open space across the region.
4.2. Partner with other public lands management agencies to encourage inter-jurisdictional compatibility of policies governing public access and use.
4.3. Continue interagency and inter-jurisdictional coordination in the planning, development, operations, and maintenance of park and recreational facilities.
4.4. Coordinate with other agencies to address lakes, rivers, and water-based recreation on a regional-level to ensure the sustainability of the natural environment.
5.1. Seek funding opportunities that leverage economic development dollars and job creation targeted at rural communities to expand natural resource-based businesses.
5.2. Support sustainable forest management practices and initiatives with federal agencies that reduce fire risk and increase production.
5.3. Build on Washoe County's easily accessible location, proximity to Lake Tahoe, and other existing tourism activity to promote the County as a national destination for outdoor recreation, arts, and culture.
6.1. Develop partnerships and standards aimed at increasing local food production.
6.2. Support alternative agriculture techniques, such as healthy soil initiatives and geothermal supported agriculture.
6.3. Be responsive, supportive, and adaptable to new forms of agriculture for both large- and small-scale farming.
6.4. Support secondary-income options on agricultural land such as agritourism uses, rural occupations, and agriculture related uses.
7.1. Explore tools to promote economic development that does not require the investment of local funds.
7.2. Collaborate with municipalities, economic development, and business groups, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions on a coordinated regional approach to economic and workforce development.
Agritourism is defined as agricultural-adjacent uses which compliment or support existing agricultural operations. These uses are generally linked to production or processing of agricultural products to attract visitors and tourists to the farm/ranches as a supplemental income source.
Agritourism uses can be on-site, such as dude ranches, short-term rentals, camping, and agri-vacation, or off-site like fishing tours, snowmobile tours, and horseback riding.
Washoe County is characterized by an abundance of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Nevada boasts the highest percentage of public lands of any state in the nation. Access to this vast network of open space and preservation of important natural features remains integral to Washoe County residents' quality of life.
During the first phase of the Envision Washoe 2040 engagement, nearly every community member described the preservation of natural resources and continued opportunities for public access to open spaces as a critical priority. Community members discussed active and passive outdoor recreation opportunities, a high level of access to open space (both developed and natural), provision of greenways and parks, an expansive and interconnected trail network, accessible gathering spaces, and an abundance of scenic vistas as most important in maintaining access to nature. Generally, residents stated that they are happy with the level of access to outdoor recreation and natural resources. Ensuring the resilience of these opportunities was the highest priority from the community.
Access to the outdoors is one of the critical factors that draws people and businesses to the region. Yet as the region grows, risks related to encroachment
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MAP 5. PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IN WASHOE COUNTY
in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) increase, along with the increased demand for outdoor recreation opportunities. Protecting open space areas that support key ecosystem functions, such as flood retention and water filtration, not only creates a community that is more resilient to a changing climate, but also provides opportunities to enhance quality of life and public health by preserving scenic resources and providing more recreational benefits. Fortunately, Washoe County, including its Regional Parks and Open Space Program, operates within an extensive network of public and nonprofit agencies to manage natural resources within Washoe County and identify opportunities for improved management techniques and priorities.
In 2019, Washoe County adopted a Park Master Plan outlining the existing recreational amenities managed by the County as well as future goals and priorities, including acquisition of open space, expanding the regional trail system, and building out regional park facilities. The Truckee Meadows Trails Plan was also completed in 2021, which inventoried existing trails in the Truckee Meadows Region and identified trail connectivity gaps and future desired alignments. The main goals of that planning effort were to establish an accessible, expandable, interconnected regional trail network; ensure high quality trail experiences; build awareness of the area's natural, cultural and recreational resources; and establish a set of sustainable trail design standards to be utilized across all jurisdictions.
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MAP 6. TRUCKEE RIVER WITHIN WASHOE COUNTY
Currently Washoe County manages approximately 70 miles of existing trails over 9,000 acres of open space, including an impressive patchwork of public lands primarily managed by the BLM and the US Forest Service (USFS). Two state parks provide public access to natural resources and open spaces in Washoe County: Sand Harbor State Park along Lake Tahoe, and Washoe Lake State Park.
Key among the area's natural resources is the Truckee River, which provides important habitat functions for the federally endangered Cui-ui and federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout, as well as drinking water for residents. The Truckee River also creates unique recreational opportunities and connects the people and places of this community. During the first outreach phase, stakeholders indicated a strong interest in further investment in and protection of the Truckee River. The One Truckee River Management Plan, developed by One Truckee River, focuses on improving the health of the river through long-term and sustainable management strategies and collaboration with public and private partners. The importance of the Truckee River is also recognized in Washoe County's Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan, which details the unique vegetative communities and habitat types that define Washoe County. The Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan is a component of the Conservation Plan required by NRS and provides greater detail of the region's biodiversity, cultural resources, natural hazards, recreational resources, visual and scenic character, and water resources (see Appendix 4 for the full Washoe County Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan).
TABLE 2. PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE MANAGED BY WASHOE COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE (2020)
| PARK TYPE | NUMBER OF LOCATIONS | ACRES |
|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood & Community Park | 39 | 435+ |
| Regional Park | 10 | 2,694+ |
| Special Use Parks | 7 | 982+ |
| Open Space & Trails | 69 | 9,113+ |
| Totals | 119 | 13,224+ |
Historically, present-day Washoe County was home to the Numa/Numu, Washeshu, Newe, and Nuwuv tribes. These tribes lived nomadically, in tune with the seasons. Nearby Lake Tahoe was an important gathering place for these tribes and many other peoples, and provided trade opportunities. Presently, there are two tribal entities in Washoe County: the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Paiute Tribe of Pyramid Lake. Both tribes continue to honor the land and their ancestral traditions, with populations totaling around 3,000 registered members.
The County has a deep history tied to mining, as it was mostly uncolonized until the Comstock Lode was discovered in 1859, drawing thousands of settlers to the area. There are several historic places throughout the County that demonstrate its history as a settler state for many moving westward. Outside of the limits of Reno and Sparks, Washoe County's various landmarks and historic places tell the County's story of development from a small railroad town to the nationwide attraction that it is today.
In northern Washoe County there are two places listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): the Gerlach Water Tower and Wadsworth Union Church. Both locations are a result of the Western and Central Pacific Railroads that ran through the area and spurred development of the towns that stand today. Early on, Washoe County was an important stop for trains carrying cargo to the west, and the Gerlach Water Tower provided a necessary resource for trains that still utilized steam engines. The Wadsworth Union Church serves as an important social center, providing a point of gathering for the early community of Wadsworth, as it continues to in the present day.
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FIGURE 10. BOWERS MANSION
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FIGURE 11. WADSWORTH UNION CHURCH
Further south is a wealth of historical locations, namely surrounding Washoe Lake. This area was known for its ranching. Many communities developed around the area's agricultural industry and wealth of resources, creating schoolhouses to educate children and food systems to provide for the many Comstock Lode miners. The historical places in the valley consist of ranches, the Bowers Mansion, and schoolhouses dating back to 1860. Notably, the Alamo Ranch house lies north of Washoe Lake, which was once home to Governor John Sparks, who was in office from 1903-1908. Among the ranches around Washoe Lake are the Twaddle/Pedroli Ranch, Old Winters Ranch, and Walter Cliff Ranch, each with its own impact on the history of the region. The Winters Ranch was home to Theodore Winters and his family, who transformed horse racing into an extremely popular activity in Nevada's early history. Walter Cliff Ranch supplied food and supplies to Comstock Lode miners for almost thirty years, and the Twaddle/Pedroli Ranch sits next to another historic home, the Bowers Mansion. This Mansion reflects the wealth that the Comstock Lode produced for the region, with its impressive architecture and idyllic grounds that many still visit.
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On the edge of Washoe County is Lake Tahoe, where history ties into the region's resort economy. This history is represented by the famous Cal-Vada lodge, which attracted many vacationers to Lake Tahoe's shores and jump-started the area's development. Further down the shore is the Whittell Estate, which was 30,000 acres in size. Following a lawsuit between Whittell and the State of Nevada, 20,000 acres of the land created the Lake Tahoe State Park.
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MAP 7. NRHP DESIGNATED PLACES
The Conservation of Natural and Cultural Resources Element serves to provide principles and policies that not only preserve, but enhance the unique natural amenities found throughout Washoe County. The Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan (Appendix 4) , Heat Mitigation Plan (pg. 49), and Transportation Policy TR4.3 serve as the Conservation Plan required by NRS. Natural features such as the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, the seemingly endless expanse of basin and range geography, and vast playas not only provide scenic and recreational amenities, but also vital habitat for iconic species such as the greater sage-grouse and California Bighorn Sheep. Water bodies like Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Washoe Lake and surrounding wetlands also provide key habitat for aquatic species and extensive recreational opportunities. Washoe County residents value these natural amenities and often cite preserving access to these natural areas and conserving the resources within them as being priorities. Open space, parks, and trails also mitigate urban heat, helping to build a more resilient community.
The County’s natural resources provide vital ecosystem services to its inhabitants. Access to expansive trail networks and regional parks throughout the County are vital to the health and wellness of County residents. The indigenous peoples of Washoe County—the Northern Paiute and Washoe—have deep-seated cultural and spiritual connections to the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Water resources in the form of both surface water such as the Truckee River and ground water provide residents with reliable water for domestic and agricultural uses. There is also a strong link between watershed vegetation management and wildfire fuels management to sustain water resources from local watershed, especially in communities located in the wildland urban interface (WUI). The County also has many economic ties related to natural resources, ranging from recreation and resort amenities in Lake Tahoe; to resources extraction industries such as mining, geothermal, and natural gas development; to agricultural and cattle grazing.
The interconnectedness between the County’s residents and the natural amenities, coupled with the growth and development within the County emphasizes the need for principles and policies meant to conserve these resources. As such, the County and its partner agencies within the region should regard these natural amenities as green infrastructure, which should be maintained or—in the event that they are adversely impacted—mitigated and replaced. The principles and policies found within this element serve to ensure that this green infrastructure is preserved throughout the County for the benefit of current and future generations.
Principles and policies from the Relevant Plans listed in the call out box above that align with Washoe County overarching policies are indicated with italic text and an icon in the margin noting the goal/policy number which links to the source plan. The text in the blue boxes indicates the goal/policy number from the related
plan, not from the Envision Washoe 2040 plan. For example, "NR 5" is the policy number in the related plan.
1.1. Collaborate with all planning partners to identify and protect the region’s significant visual gateways and viewsheds including ridge lines, buttes, mountains, and riparian corridors.
1.2. Maintain dark night skies.
1.3. Coordinate with law enforcement agencies to reduce impacts on visual, cultural, and natural resources from illegal trail creation, OHV use, dumping, and impacts to public lands from illegal activities.
1.4. Support and participate in the Illegal Dumping Task Force and collaborate to inform the public on dumping and improve current efforts to eliminate illegal dumping.
1.5. Educate local and regional organizations and special interest groups of the Regional Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan’s direct ties to economic development, tourism, the region’s quality of life and sense of pride.
2.1. Continue to support and participate in the management actions, efforts, and on-going projects of the BLM and USFS for the conservation and preservation of natural resources within Washoe County.
2.2. Work cooperatively with the USFS and the BLM to mitigate impacts of land uses on private land adjacent to or within the National Forest and the public lands.
2.3. Coordinate wildlife protection efforts with NDOW, USFS, USFWS, the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage, Nevada Division of Parks, Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space.
2.4. Continue to partner with public and private agencies and individuals to implement methods for conservation of key wildlife habitats, habitats of threatened or endangered species, and cultural resources.
2.5. Work closely with agencies and jurisdictions to develop solutions for encouraging OHV use in appropriate areas.
3.1. Protect key wildlife and fishery habitats; habitats of threatened, endangered, or rare species; key migration routes or critical seasonal habitats; and areas important for scientific study.
3.2. Protect sensitive and important lands through development techniques such as common open space, conservation easements, and voluntary limitation on development such as a transferable development rights program.
3.3. Cooperate with RTC and NDOT to minimize wildlife conflicts within transportation corridors.
3.4. Create new tools within the Washoe County Development Code to value environmentally sensitive vegetation and wildlife within the development review process.
3.5. Acquire and restore critical habitat areas with particular
The USFWS periodically updates Goals and Objectives for federally threatened species. In 2019, the USFWS updated the Goals and Objectives for the Conservation of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.
View the full document here to learn more about their efforts:
2019 Updated Goals and Objectives for the Conservation of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
attention to threatened and endangered species and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs).
3.6. Support government and private efforts to control the spread of invasive, nonnative species throughout the region.
3.7. Coordinate with NDOW, NDF, and USFWS as necessary when analyzing or permitting management plans, projects, and other land use actions to provide adequate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to protect wildlife and natural resources within Washoe County.
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4.1. Prioritize preservation of existing wetlands over mitigation of impacts.
4.2. Buffer water bodies, seeps, springs, playas, wetlands, and riparian areas from development and special use permits.
4.3. Protect Critical Source Water Protection Areas.
4.4. Collaborate with WRWC, TMWA, Local Governments, Tribes, and other regional partners to manage land use practices to protect the watershed and water supply sources.
4.5. Continue to implement the One Truckee River Management Plan to protect the Truckee River and its tributaries and apply best practices to all stretches of the Truckee River in Washoe County.
4.6. Support the use of recycled water for uses that benefit wildlife and natural habitats or multiple beneficial uses including purified water projects.
4.7. Ensure water importation proposals are environmentally sound as set forth in NRS 533.370(3).
One Truckee River is a coalition of public and private partners from 22 agencies working together to ensure a healthy and thriving Truckee River.
Visit their website to learn more about their efforts: www.onetruckeeriver.org
5.1. Support Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) in enhancing public education and advocacy efforts concerning air quality issues, sources, and solutions.
5.2. Support NNPH Air Quality Management Division in their efforts to continuously monitor air quality and mitigate identified health impacts.
5.3. Include air quality considerations in the development review and construction process.
5.4. Mitigate impacts of disturbances such as grading and tilling to future air quality.
5.5. Evaluate the need to develop enhanced landscaping standards to mitigate air pollution impacts.
6.1. Develop a major regional trail or corridor system that connects the peaks and ranges in southern Washoe County, as well as a network connecting parks and open space.
6.2. Prioritize building upon existing infrastructure in the development and connection of trail corridors and facilities.
6.3. Support neighborhood and roadway design to minimize speeding and increase safety for all users of the system.
6.4. Integrate interpretation and environmental education into regional parks and open space to communicate the region's cultural heritage, natural history, and wildlife.
NR 9 6.5. Work with partner agencies including TMRPA, WCSD, NDOT, and RTC to support a collaborative approach to the creation of a network of parks, bikeways, greenbelts, recreational trails, multi-purpose corridors, and public facilities.
6.6. Utilize the Truckee Meadows Regional Trail Plan (TMRTP) in the development review process and promote the construction of trails, trail heads, and other improvements necessary to achieve the trail network described in the TMRTP.
6.7. Require public access easements from subdivisions that are adjacent to public lands.
6.8. Pursue long-term funding opportunities for acquisition, development, and maintenance of parks, trails, open space, and other recreational facilities.
NR 15 # NCR Principle 7. Protect cultural resources within the region's suburban, rural, and urban interface areas.
7.1. Buffer designated Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and known significant or sensitive cultural resources from development.
7.2. Work in conjunction with tribes, federal, state, and local partners to identify critical cultural resource sites and protect them through acquisition, conservation easements, Recreation & Public Purpose (R&PP) leases, or other appropriate means.
7.3. Provide incentives for developers to voluntarily protect cultural resources in sensitive areas.
7.4. Encourage ongoing inter-jurisdictional coordination in cultural resource management.
8.1. Work with partners to support development and maintenance of a comprehensive public education program to teach citizens about the history, legacy, and uniqueness of the region's cultural and scenic resources.
8.2. Incorporate the tribal legacy and history of Washoe County in the naming of trails, facilities, and points of interest.
8.3. Encourage preservation of unique geologic and mineral formations for educational, scientific, and other public purposes.
9.1. Ensure continued tribal access to areas used for cultural purposes, including gathering and hunting and traditional cultural practices.
9.2. Work with local tribes to identify important traditional cultural gathering areas and associated plant species; recommend appropriate protection measures for maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.
10.1. Development review for projects that require a finding of conformance with the Truckee Meadows Regional Plan shall utilize the Natural Resource Consideration Areas (NRCA) policy, map and data layers tool contained in that plan to identify spatial interactions between the project the natural resources available in the tool. The NRCA spatial interactions identified in TMRPA's Initial Review Memorandum (IRM) should be addressed through the development review process.
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Washoe County is subject to wildfires, earthquakes, floods, drought, volcanos, infectious disease, avalanches, and landslides as well as extreme winter and summer weather events. Each of these natural hazards has both an immediate and long-term impact on development. However, floods and wildfires pose the most frequent threats to the community. According to the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI), Washoe County’s Risk Index and Expected Annual Loss are considered "relatively high," specifically tied to flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes. The Risk Index calculates overall risk to the community based on eight natural hazards, and the Expected Annual Loss represents the average economic loss in dollars resulting from natural hazards each year.
Catastrophic floods are part of the history of the region and have played a significant role in shaping current development practices. Significant efforts have been made to mitigate the impact of these floods on the community, including implementation of development standards and the creation of the Truckee River Flood Management Authority. More recently, as in other western areas, wildfire has become a more consistent threat with large portions of the County affected by fires between 2011 and 2020, and a significant portion of the County located in the wildland urban interface (WUI) (Map 8). The Truckee Meadows has been increasingly impacted by smoke from local and distant wildfires, causing increasing air quality and health issues throughout the region. Fire response in Washoe County is currently split between three fire departments and two fire protection districts, with a combined total of 47 stations and departments.
Consists of:
Washoe County has implemented development standards that address each of the natural hazards residents may face. However, as threats change in response to local or global conditions, Washoe County will have the opportunity to explore new practices to best protect the community. In the long term, site and building standards should align to best practices for climate change mitigation and adaption, including the State of Nevada's Climate Action Plan. When a best practice solution requires a regional effort, Washoe County will seek opportunities to be productively engaged in those efforts.
According to Nevada's Climate Action Plan, which identifies the ways in which Nevada's climate is changing, there is a strong likelihood that, over time, the community will experience hotter temperatures, more extreme droughts, a reduction in snowpack, and more frequent extreme floods and wildfires than in the past. The Climate Action Plan also outlines climate solutions, including greenhouse gas reduction targets and innovative methods for building community resilience. These solutions often go hand-in-hand with recreation
goals and job opportunities. As the population increases over the next twenty years and the impacts of climate change intensify, Washoe County will need to balance the demand to provide continuing opportunities for access to outdoor recreation with safeguarding of the region's natural resources.
In addition to fire and flood risk, the Regional Plan policy Natural Resources 3 defines the Development Constraints Area (DCA) as an overlay within the County that identifies additional development constraints including federal lands, playas, wetlands, and steep slopes (Map 8). The DCA overlay takes precedence over otherwise applicable policies describing the desired density and intensity of development within the County. According to the Regional Plan, development within the DCA is limited to communication facilities, recreational facilities, parks and open space, agriculture, forestry and mining, and transportation and utilities infrastructure necessary to service development. Residential development is limited to a maximum density of one dwelling unit per 40 acres or one dwelling unit per existing parcel in 2019, whichever is greater. Other uses may be allowed in isolated areas if the encroachments enhance the overall project design and a 2:1 ratio of non-constrained area is preserved as open space for every developed constrained area.
According to the Regional Plan, the primary intent of the DCA is to preserve development-constrained lands in an undeveloped state wherever possible, to minimize encroachments into the DCA, and to provide additional design features to mitigate the visual impact of necessary encroachments. Much of northern Washoe County lies outside the DCA, but large swaths of southern Washoe County, primarily lands along the Nevada - California border lie within the DCA (Map 8). Development on federal lands within the DCA will also need to be coordinated with the appropriate federal land management agency.
In 2025, a new provision was introduced to Nevada Revised Statutes requiring that a Heat Mitigation Plan be included in the Conservation Element for several jurisdictions, including Washoe County. As a region with a semi-arid desert climate, Washoe County has always been subject to higher temperatures and the challenges heat brings. Climate change exacerbates harsh conditions, especially heat-related issues as average temperatures are projected to increase between 3 and 12 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100 in the United States (Reidmiller, D.R. et al., 2017). As of 2026, Reno is the fastest-warming city in the United States. This Heat Mitigation Plan addresses heat's impact along various dimensions, for the urban and rural areas of the County.
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Legend
| --- County Boundary | Tribal Lands |
| [ ] TMSA | /// Fires 2011-2020 |
| — Lake | Development Constraints Area |
| — Railroad | ■ Slopes 30% and greater |
| — Highway | ■ Playas |
| --- Major Road | ■ Wetlands |
| Incorporated | /// Floodway |
| ■ Reno/Sparks | |
| ■ Sphere Of Influence |
MAP 8. NATURAL HAZARDS IN WASHOE COUNTY
Extreme heat is the nation’s most deadly natural hazard (Keith and Meerow, 2021). Projected warming in the southwest United States, including Nevada, is expected to increase heat-related illnesses, which can lead to hospitalizations and fatalities (Crimmins, A.R. (editor) et al., 2023). Heat also has public health, social, and economic impacts. Adapting to extreme heat is therefore essential to quality of life.
The public health impacts of extreme heat include heat-related illnesses but extend beyond them. Higher temperatures accelerate ozone formation from transportation, industry, and utilities emissions, worsening air quality and increasing health risks for sensitive groups such as people with lung disease, older adults, children, and outdoor workers (EPA, 2026). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strengthened ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) over time with the latest being the 2015 NAAQS of 0.070 parts per million (ppm) for attainment. Since 2015, Washoe County has either been only slightly below the threshold or has violated it, meaning that any strengthening of the NAAQS or increase in ozone from extreme heat could cause Washoe County to be designated nonattainment by EPA. In addition to public health consequences, nonattainment also has significant economic implications including potential reduction in transportation funding, raising compliance and permitting costs, and reducing business investment. Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH), formerly known as Washoe County Health District, joined the EPA’s Ozone Advance program in 2017 to strengthen voluntary attainment efforts. Several of the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in reducing ozone precursor emissions are land use related, including vehicle miles traveled, tree canopy, and bikeways (Washoe County Health District, 2017). Although the EPA discontinued the Advance Program in 2025, NNPH still uses its framework to prioritize strategies for reducing ozone precursors.
Other potential impacts of extreme heat are interconnected and touch every aspect of life. On days with high temperatures, thermal comfort—which is influenced by temperature, humidity, wind, and other factors—decreases, which may decrease the likelihood that an individual will go to an event, bike to work, or go shopping. Each of these decisions impacts the social vibrancy and economic wellbeing of a community, particularly for those who already are more likely to be isolated, such as seniors. Warming also has impacts on agriculture by reducing crop yields, stressing livestock, and increasing irrigation demand.
The University of California Center for Disease Control Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry developed a Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) which depicts areas where populations may be more or less resilient and able to respond to hazardous events. The SVI uses a series of census-derived factors relating to socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, and housing type and transportation. SVI scores range from 0 to 1, with a score of 0 being not vulnerable and a score of 1 being very vulnerable. Washoe County, as a whole, has a medium-high vulnerability SVI score of 0.67. The census tracts with the highest SVI scores and therefore the most vulnerable populations, are the unincorporated portions of the county immediately adjacent to Reno and Sparks in Sun Valley, Cold Springs, and North Valleys, as well as the High Desert planning area.
Although heat conditions are expected to worsen across urban and suburban areas where much of the county’s population is concentrated, rural parts of the County are also expected to experience the effects of increased heat, especially related to water, medical services, and energy. Infrastructure access and quality is important in rural planning areas where extreme heat poses a greater threat to human health and safety due to a lack of localized services. Ensuring that water is available to rural communities, providing reliable energy and power grids, and providing emergency medical services will be priorities for rural areas facing heat challenges.
While extreme heat impacts all parts of Washoe County, urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to impervious surfaces like buildings, roads, and other paved surfaces that absorb and release heat, increasing temperatures in concentrated areas. These areas of concentrated heat are described as urban heat islands (UHIs) and require special consideration to mitigate their impacts.
UHIs are influenced by many factors, including land use patterns, air temperature, and wind. Hotter areas tend to correlate with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. UHI effect leads to warmer nights, which compounds public health risks as people and infrastructure do not have time to cool down. In 2024, the CAPA Heat Watch program, in association with Washoe County and other local agencies, mapped UHIs in the urban and suburban areas of Washoe County. The maximum mapped temperature differential between neighborhoods was 23-degrees Fahrenheit. While UHIs are often associated with highly urbanized areas, the CAPA Heat Watch mapping found that areas with more sparse suburban development and low tree cover can also concentrate heat in the day and evening, pointing to the importance of tree canopy and shade for neighborhood cooling.
Washoe County has a mix of rural, suburban, and urban areas across a large geographic region, some of which fall under County jurisdiction and others under the Cities of Reno and Sparks jurisdiction. Suburban and urban planning areas adjacent to cities require multi-jurisdictional collaboration as the County works to reduce the impacts of UHIs. Jurisdictions can and should collaborate on providing and communicating resources such as public air-conditioned spaces (cooling centers) and public drinking water, as well as on heat-related land use policies and best building practices.
Land use decisions underpin the majority of urban heat solutions because of the built environment's impact on local climates. Managing growth to limit outward sprawl helps reduce the need for new roads, parking areas, and other heat-absorbing surfaces, while preserving open space. Establishing urban growth boundaries within the County can provide cooling to surrounding areas. As the County grows, land use decisions regarding locations and types of development should carefully assess potential for urban heat impacts.
The Washoe County Development Code can serve as an effective tool for reducing urban heat island effects and strengthening community resilience to rising temperatures in the Truckee Meadows. Expanding shade and tree planting requirements is a practical and cost-effective approach to improving public health while supporting long term sustainability goals. Increasing summer temperatures, extensive paved surfaces, and limited existing shade contribute to elevated surface and ambient temperatures in developed areas, particularly within parking lots, commercial centers, and pedestrian corridors. Integrating shade into existing landscaping and parking lot design standards would help reduce heat absorption without substantially altering established development patterns. Site design strategies such as planting shade trees to reduce heat gain on pavement and building surfaces, providing shaded pedestrian routes, and encouraging the use of reflective or permeable materials can lower localized temperatures, reduce building cooling demands, and improve walkability.
In Washoe County's high desert climate, tree canopy expansion should emphasize drought-tolerant and cold-hardy species capable of providing meaningful cooling benefits while conserving water resources and withstanding seasonal extremes. Tree shade has been shown to significantly reduce surface temperatures and ambient heat exposure, making it one of the most effective passive cooling strategies available. Even modest increases in canopy coverage along streetscapes, parking areas, trails, and public spaces can improve pedestrian comfort and reduce heat-related health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Establishing canopy expectations within future development standards would allow shade infrastructure to be incrementally integrated as growth occurs. New and infill development can integrate multiple heat mitigation practices at once, eventually creating a connected shade system that keeps the community safe in public spaces. Over time, this approach would expand tree canopy coverage, improve energy efficiency, and enhance community resilience to extreme heat.
Higher elevation parts of southern Washoe County, including the Tahoe Basin, experience less direct impacts of extreme heat due to cooler climates and high amounts of shade in forested areas. However, even these areas are experiencing warming, and building infrastructure may not include air conditioning or other cooling technologies and designs. The Tahoe Basin also may experience indirect impacts of extreme heat in the Truckee Meadows from increased trips to Lake Tahoe where conditions are cooler. Thus, policies that decrease heat in urban areas of the Truckee Meadows will also mitigate indirect impacts to the Tahoe Basin.
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