RED ROCK CANYON OVERLAY EXPANSION
 

To maintain the rural characteristic of the Red Rock Canyon area, a County task force was formed by the County in Fall 2002 to expand the current Red Rock Overlay District (see background below). The task force had representatives from the development community, including the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, environmental groups, and 1 resident from Blue Diamond.  A final, amended ordinance, ORD-0785-02,  was introduced by Commissioner Mark James to the Board of County Commissioners on April 16.  The ordinance was unanimously approved by the Board of county Commissioners on May 21.  

Background

A task force was created by the County Commissioners to develop strategies to protect environmentally sensitive lands. The task force prioritized protection of Red Rock Canyon. Several methods of protection were discussed. After reviewing and investigating several methods, it was decided that an expansion of the existing Red Rock Overlay map would be most appropriate. The current Red Rock Overlay map is an excellently crafted zoning overlay which outlines design guidelines for commercial development on the Highway 160 and Highway 159 corridor to the Red Rocks. The Red Rock Citizens Advisory worked to include provisions for light and signage restrictions, architectural and landscaping guidelines and height restrictions for future commercial development. The proposed expansion would include the entire area served by the Red Rock Citizens Advisory Board, from 160 and Hualapai to Calico Basin. The expanded guidelines would apply to new commercial development and new subdivisions with more than 10 homes.

The residential guidelines include

• Density no greater than that of the underlying zoning, R-U2 or 1 home per 2 acres.
• Design guidelines
• Lighting restrictions
• Landscaping restrictions and guidelines
• Signage restrictions
• Ingress and Egress Restrictions
• Water features created with gray water only
• Grading restrictions
• and more...

The complete overlay draft can be viewed at the website for the Clark County Comprehensive Planning Department. Please note that the ordinance will probably be revised.