Planning commission approves 2-year extension for Stan Lucas Mortensen Ranch tentative map

The Reno City Planning Commission unanimously approved a two-year extension for the Stan Lucas Mortensen Ranch tentative map at its Dec. 17 meeting, extending the deadline to record an initial final map from Jan. 27, 2026 to Jan. 27, 2028.

Jeff Foster, associate planner, told commissioners the tentative map for a 632 single-family-lot subdivision was originally approved by decision letter on Jan. 27, 2022, and that an initial final map for a first phase was submitted in October 2024. Foster said the applicant had shown progress on permitting and that the passing of property owner Stan Lucas on Jan. 10 disrupted the project schedule. "Staff believes that additional time is warranted for the new property owner to decide on the next steps for the property," Foster said.

Applicant representative Donald Smith explained the practical constraints facing trustees after Lucas's death. He told the commission the 31-lot initial final map was sited to avoid a Kinder Morgan pipeline and said the trustees—three appointees without development experience—are managing roughly 3,600 acres and 52 projects. "They are overwhelmed," Smith said, adding that submitting a final map required between $25 million and $30 million and that financing provided by Stan Lucas is no longer available. "We…need 2 years in order to probably sell the property, work out maybe some of the conditions with Kinder Morgan," Smith said.

Commissioners asked whether the tentative map and special use permits run with the land. Foster said the tentative map is an entitlement that "runs with the land" and that the two-year extension would preserve the existing conditions of approval. The city attorney advised the commission to evaluate whether there was "good cause" for an extension; he said the record showing progress plus the owner's death supported a finding of good cause.

During deliberations commissioners emphasized the legal constraints and the need to apply the extension standard consistently. Commissioner Valto said the existence of a court order directing the city to allow development changed his analysis and agreed there was sufficient reason to grant the extension. Commissioner Delviar moved to approve the two-year extension under NRS 278.36; Commissioner Ganpientini seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The extension applies to the existing tentative map and the original conditions of approval remain in force. If an initial final map is not submitted and approved by Jan. 27, 2028, the entitlement will expire.