WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA, 2005
Project Description
Washoe County’s Comprehensive Plan is part of a larger Growth Management Program. Twelve individual plans for unincorporated planning areas within the County account for micro-regional differences in location and character. While all of the Area Management Plans pay some attention to community character and protecting local values, a few have begun to incorporate character directly in planning maps and ordinances. The Spanish Springs Area Management Plan, for example, contains a Character Statement, upon which the rest of the plan was based. It included elements for Land Use, Transportation, Scenic/Recreational/Cultural Resources, and Natural Resources. The Character Statement defines a general character of the Area and explains the origin of that character; for example, the western character of the region is due to a significant presence of equestrian uses and large parcels, and the Pyramid Highway sharply divides regions of rural and suburban character. A complementary Character Management Map (Fig. 1.10.) shows outlines of the various character areas, and is used in accordance with the guidelines in the Plan.
Finance and Support
The Character Management planning was funded and completed as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Stakeholders
All residents of the County were stakeholders, but no groups or individuals were specifically identified in the Area Management Plan.
Methods
Methods for identifying the character of the region, including public input, are unclear. The Plan states that the community expressed a preference for a “Western Theme,” but does not explain how that preference was determined. Implementation of the character map is achieved primarily through a set of design guidelines, which require western elements such as native plants in landscaping and exterior buildings with colors and materials that complement the architectural theme. Limits on residential development are also another important tool in maintaining character, which is heavily dependent upon the existence of open spaces.
A
Character Management Plan for the Spanish Springs Area outlines regions in
which certain types of character are to be protected. Image:
Outcomes
Community character is written directly into the Plan, and so is incorporated in all the design guidelines and, presumably, planning and development decisions. A section on maintaining the Plan also requires that amendments be evaluated for their ability to maintain the character of the region. It is unclear how the Plan has actually affected the community on the ground.
Evaluation
Aside from provisions in the Maintenance section of the Plan and the standard development review process, there is no mention of evaluation procedures.
Innovative Ideas
The Character Management Map is the most innovative feature of this plan. By drawing out regions and establishing them as part of the Comprehensive Plan, Washoe County elevates the importance of community character in planning decisions to the level of development suitability, recreational opportunities, and other more traditional criteria. The institutionalization of character considerations validates them and ensures that they will remain a priority in the region.