The Washoe County Comprehensive Plan includes twelve individual plans with the goal of articulating and enhancing the unique character of their respective communities. Some have even incorporated character directly into planning maps and ordinances.
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 shows outlines of the various character areas, and is used in accordance with the guidelines in the Plan.
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.
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