Lyon County Commissioners Approve Ordinance Changes for Renewable Energy and Multifamily Roof Designs

Lyon County Commissioners Approve Ordinance Changes for Renewable Energy and Multi-Family Roof Structures
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On June 18, 2025, the Lyon County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened to discuss and take action on several important agenda items. Here are the key highlights from the meeting:

### Renewable Energy Ordinance

After a presentation from County Manager Haskin, the Board voted 3-2 in favor of an ordinance that amends Lyon County Code Title 15, Chapter 336, sections 6-9 and section 12, as well as Chapter 320, tables 320-1 and 320-4. This ordinance introduces modifications to performance standards for wind energy conversion, geothermal power generation, and solar energy systems. Additionally, it allows for energy storage systems in certain zoning districts and establishes performance standards for these systems. The ordinance also sets forth guidelines for the decommissioning and reclamation of renewable energy projects.

### Multi-Family Roof Ordinance

The Board approved an ordinance that amends Lyon County Code Title 15, specifically the Land Use and Development Code, Chapter 348, Section 4. This amendment establishes design standards for the roof forms of multi-family residential structures in Lyon County, addressing various related matters.

### Outcomes from the 83rd Nevada Legislature

Taylor Allison, the Director of Lyon County Emergency Management & Government Affairs, provided insights into the outcomes of the 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature, which concluded on June 3rd. The Government Affairs team monitored and engaged with 625 of the 1,210 bills and resolutions introduced during the session. They estimated that the initial fiscal impact of these bills on Lyon County could exceed $10 million for the FY26-27 biennium; however, most of these bills either failed or were amended to have a neutral impact on the County. This estimate does not account for the 85 bills with fiscal notes indicating indeterminate impacts. The Government Affairs Team will continue to collaborate with department heads and policymakers on County issues during the interim period.

### Storm Drain Easement

The Commissioners approved the acquisition of the remaining portion of a storm drain easement, which encompasses approximately 41,359 square feet. This easement is designated for the storm drain channel and associated infrastructure located at 145 River Road and 1 Bill Eitel Road in Mark Twain, NV, at a cost not to exceed $17,123.

### Other Board Actions

– **Debt Management Policy and Capital Improvement Plan**: The Board approved the Debt Management Plan and Capital Improvement Plan for 2025-2026.
– **Dayton Depot Insurance Claim**: Comptroller Josh Foli updated the Board on the history of the Dayton Depot insurance claim filed after the historic rail depot was destroyed by fire on June 17, 2020. He discussed the County’s efforts, in collaboration with the insurance company and the Dayton Historical Society, to reconstruct the depot.
– **Public Defender Agreements**: Amendments to public defender service agreements were approved, including a reduction in the contract with Brock Law, LTD for the Dayton Justice Court from $480,000 to $400,500. Additionally, the contract for the Walker River Justice Court was increased from $420,000 to $640,500, and the agreement with the Mansfield & Mayo Law Firm for the Fernley Justice Court was raised from $80,000 to $640,500.
– **Interim Utilities Director**: The Board authorized the County Manager to appoint an Interim Utilities Director with a salary within the D2 salary range.
– **Commissioner Travel**: The Board approved travel expenses for three commissioners to attend the 2025 Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) Annual Conference, scheduled for September 23-25, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV, with an estimated cost of $2,500 per person.

For more details, the complete agenda and accompanying materials are available online at [www.lyon-county.org/Agendacenter](http://www.lyon-county.org/Agendacenter). Residents can also view recordings of the Board of County Commission meetings on the Lyon County YouTube Channel.