Changes sought in city rezoning notices

CARSON CITY -- A bill requiring local governments to give wider public notice when they amend their master plans or grant special-use permits cleared the Assembly Wednesday 26-16 on a near party-line vote.

Assemblyman Kelly Thomas, D-Las Vegas, who sponsored Assembly Bill 349, said the bill would make the community "more aware of what is going on."

But Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson, said requiring more mailing to residents would "skyrocket the cost" for local governments.

Before amending a master plan with a change in the boundary of a zoning district, the bill calls for local governments in Clark County to provide notice to those who live within 1,000 feet of the property. Currently notice must be given only to those within 500 feet of the property.

When a local governing board is to consider granting a special-use permit or a conditional-use permit, residents in Clark County within 500 feet must receive notice, up from the present 300 feet. But if the business is a bar, then those living within 1,000 feet of the project must be notified.

A government that considers a variance must notify property owners within 300 feet of the change, the same as the current requirement.

The bill now goes to the Senate. All Republicans except Dennis Nolan of Las Vegas and David Humke of Reno voted against the bill. Democrats opposing were Roy Neighbors of Tonopah, Bonnie Parnell of Carson City, Kathy McClain of Las Vegas and Bob Price of North Las Vegas.

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