Chapter 17.04
HUMBOLDT COUNTY REGIONAL MASTER PLAN

Sections:

17.04.010    Master plan—Preparation and adoption by planning commission—Adoption by governing body.

17.04.020    Governing body may adopt master plan or portions thereof.

17.04.030    Governing body to put adopted plan into effect.

17.04.040    Certification.

17.04.050    Adoption of maps.

17.04.060    Adoption of amendments and/or additions.

    Prior ordinance history: Ord. 1-5-87A.

17.04.010 Master plan—Preparation and adoption by planning commission—Adoption by governing body.

NRS 278.150(1) provides that the planning commission shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the city, county or region which in the commission’s judgment bears relation to the planning thereof. (Ord. 12-16-02 § 1)

17.04.020 Governing body may adopt master plan or portions thereof.

NRS 278.220 permits local governments to adopt such parts of the master plan as may practicably be applied to the development of the region for a reasonable period of time ensuing. (Ord. 12-16-02 § 1)

17.04.030 Governing body to put adopted plan into effect.

NRS 278.230 provides that if a master plan has been adopted by the governing body it must, upon recommendation of the planning commission, determine upon reasonable and practical means for putting it into effect, in order that the same will serve as a pattern and guide for that kind of orderly physical growth and development of the city or county which will cause the least amount of natural resource impairment and will conform to the adopted population plan, where required, and as a basis for the efficient expenditure of funds thereof relating to the subjects of the master plan. The governing body may adopt and use such procedure as may be necessary for this purpose. (Ord. 12-16-02 § 1)

17.04.040 Certification.

Adopting the master plan document dated September 30, 2002, including the introduction, community profile, history and population; land use element, including findings, goals and policies; economic development element, including findings, goals and policies; transportation element, including findings, goals and policies; capital facilities element, including findings, goals and policies; implementation strategies and appendices, as they have been modified by the regional planning commission, and said master plan document specifically includes pages i through iii, 1 through 46 and A-1 through A-57 in the foregoing document, by reference which is on file in the office of the Humboldt County regional planning commission. The master plan adopted August 2, 1979, by Humboldt County, which was not modified by the above, remains in effect. (Ord. 12-16-02 § 1)

17.04.050 Adoption of maps.

The following master plans/zoning maps as approved by the regional planning commission are adopted by reference and made a part of this title as constituting a part of the master plan of Humboldt County pursuant to the provisions of NRS Chapter 278.

A. Map of the Grass Valley area as approved by the Humboldt County commission on October 16, 1995 (Ordinance number 10-16-95).

B. Map/general plan of the Golconda area as approved by the Humboldt County commission on June 5, 1989.

C. Map/general plan of the Orovada area as approved by the Humboldt County commission on July 21, 1986.

D. Map/master plan of the Paradise Valley area dated 1993 and amended 1994 as approved by the Humboldt County commission on January 21, 1993 and June 20, 1994 (Ordinance Number 6-20-94).

E. Map/master plan of the McDermitt area dated November 27, 1979, as approved by the Humboldt County commission on December 13, 1979.

F. Map of the Jungo Road area as approved by the Humboldt County commission on April 15, 1996 (Ordinance Number 5-6-96). (Ord. 12-16-02 § 1)

17.04.060 Adoption of amendments and/or additions.

The following master plan amendments and/or additions as approved by the regional planning commission are adopted by reference and made a part of this title as constituting a part of the master plan of Humboldt County pursuant to the provisions of NRS Chapter 278.

A. Open space element as approved by the Humboldt County commission on 07-07-03 (Ordinance number 07-07-03).

Open Space Element

Open space areas are intended to set aside lands for preservation of natural resources, remnant landscapes and to preserve natural settings for active and passive recreation opportunities. Such open space areas can provide active and passive recreational opportunities and contribute to the quality of life of the community by protecting views, vistas and panoramas; by protecting air, water, soil, plant and wildlife habitat; unstable soils or areas of geological instability; and by protecting airport approach and departure areas.

The “Trails to the Future” activities produced community consensus on a common vision for a sustainable Winnemucca and Humboldt County based on the ideals of a livable community, healthy environment and diverse economy:

Provide orderly growth and development for the citizens of Humboldt County. Ensure the health, safety and welfare of those who reside here through sound planning and regulation. Encourage community development and downtown redevelopment. Diversify our economic base through incentives, private partnerships and governmental cooperation. Foster full utilization of our airport and provide for additional parks and open space. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning and decision-making process. Protect the property rights of landowners from arbitrary and discriminatory actions; no private property shall be taken without just compensation.

The dominant land use in the combined urbanized area of Winnemucca, Grass Valley, Rose Creek, Jungo Road and outer county is range land. These lands make up the scenic vistas and provide important open space buffers and watershed protection for the urban area. The surrounding ridgelines provide a pleasing landscape boundary, and the prominent peak of Winnemucca Mountain is an important landscape and cultural symbol. The river and riparian corridor is another prominent and valuable landscape feature providing visual resource, economic benefit, wildlife habitat, natural amenities, flood way and water quality benefits.

Goal: To guide development within well-defined boundaries that will enhance the health, safety and welfare of the community and its residents, promote economic development, and protect the region’s natural environment.

Policy: Encourage clustering, purchase of development rights, conservation easements and other innovative rural development techniques that provide flexibility for development while conserving open space, protecting environmental quality and preserving property rights.

Policy: Retain suitable open space areas for active or passive recreation, scenic areas or natural areas.

Policy: Use natural boundaries such as rivers, streams, gullies and changes in topography; major transportation routes such as highways, arterials, collectors and railroad lines; platted blocks, lots and improved alleys for zoning district boundaries.

Policy: Encourage compatible land uses with development incentives in addition to regulatory mechanisms.

(Ord. 7-07-03 § 1)