Reno-Area Upzoning Stirs Concern Among Residents

A county plan to allow a zoning change that slightly increases allowable density in unincorporated parts of Washoe County is drawing criticism from locals.

1 minute read

March 3, 2022, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Downtown Reno

Prayitno / Downtown Reno

Reno-area residents are pushing back against a county plan to loosen zoning restrictions. As Ben Margiott reports, "County staff are proposing to create a new zoning category in four neighborhoods that would allow up to 2 units per acre, with the goal of encouraging 'development at higher densities where appropriate.'" 

Property owners in the area can already request a variance of up to three housing units per acre, but residents still worry about the new upzoning rule changing the rural character of the area." Some expressed concern that the zoning change could open the door for developers to push for even higher density and strain the area's infrastructure and resources. 

Julee Olander, a planner with Washoe County, said the proposed change simply gives property owners another zoning option and that it corresponds with the county's vision to provide 'a range of housing opportunities.'" 

Planetizen will continue to cover the hotly debated topic of zoning reform as states and local jurisdictions find the balance between resident concerns and housing affordability.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 in My News 4

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

5 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

6 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

7 hours ago - Cities Today