Planning commission unanimously recommends heavy‑industrial rezoning for six parcels south of I‑80

The Churchill County Planning Commission on May 13 voted unanimously to recommend a zone change for six parcels south of Interstate 80 from RR‑20 (rural resource) to I‑3 (heavy industrial), a move applicants say would unlock sites for power generation, solar and data‑storage projects.

"The zone change really does directly advance the county's master plan," Stacy Huggins of Wood Rogers told the commission, outlining how the parcels lie adjacent to an existing industrial corridor and the Ormat Desert Peak geothermal facility. Dan Cloughton, planning staff, told commissioners the request met the three required findings, including compatibility with nearby industrial uses and no expected detrimental impacts to public services.

Representatives for the applicant said the parcels are privately owned, remote from residential neighborhoods and could accommodate low‑water energy projects with defensible, fire‑resistant design. Randy Rice (Redwood Materials) attended as a technical adviser and offered support if questions arise about future project details.

Commissioners discussed access and federal checkerboarding of nearby Bureau of Reclamation and BLM lands; staff said legal or physical access would be addressed at the development stage. Commissioner Vikram Soderghi moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners; the motion, seconded by Commissioner Hyde, passed 5‑0.

The commission's recommendation does not itself change zoning. The Board of County Commissioners will conduct its own review before any rezoning is adopted.