Commission approves conditional use permit to return Wells Avenue property to single-family use

The Reno City Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit on June 4 to reestablish single-family occupancy at a 1940 house on Wells Avenue (case LDC26-000074).

Nathan Gilbert, principal planner, told commissioners the property is on the city’s historic inventory for the Wells Avenue Conservation District and that a conditional use permit would allow the owner to rehabilitate the structure and return it to residential use while the remainder of the parcel continues to support commercial activity. "The change of occupancy to a single-family home is compatible with the surrounding area," Gilbert said.

No members of the public registered opposition. Commissioners asked whether the applicant sought financing to move the project forward; staff said the CUP would facilitate rehabilitation and financing. Commissioner David Jockman moved to approve the CUP subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, Commissioner Sean McCoy seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote with all present in favor.

Conditions include building permits and construction to meet code (including a required fire-rated wall for the change of occupancy), landscaping improvements and removal of outdoor storage on the commercial portion of the parcel. The applicant may proceed to the building-permit stage to implement the approved conversion.