Featured Projects

The Problem:

This 226-acre former ranch site, located in the southeast part of Gardnerville, presented several challenges for the developer. These included issues related to regional traffic improvements, requirements to use transferrable development rights, flood plains, community water and sewer connection and capacity issues, as well as zoning requirements for an integrated, long-term plan for the site as outlined in the County’s Master Plan.

The Solution:

To evaluate the feasibility of the proposal and develop a 20-year specific plan for Virginia Ranch. The plan proposed includes 715 single-family detached residential units, 304 multi-family dwelling units, a 10-acre school site, an 8-acre industrial area, and 23 acres designated for commercial zoning for a neighborhood shopping center. The community features parkways along all streets and a mix of community and linear parks. Maintenance of these community facilities would be handled by the local municipality, meeting the developer’s request to eliminate the need for a Homeowners' Association. Additionally, the developer requested the flexibility to sell “super pads” to individual builders, who would then design their own housing on those lots.

The Results:

During the project feasibility stage, the analysis revealed that the County’s current transportation plan was inadequate and unable to handle the traffic generated by the proposed project while meeting the minimum level of service standards. An alternative travel route was negotiated with off-site property owners to reduce potential traffic congestion points identified during the feasibility stage. This agreement also granted the developer vested development rights, allowing the developer to commit financially to off-site improvements without the risk of future growth control legislation.