Graduate Abstract

Maria Kaseko
Spring 2005

Examining the basis for change in Clark county non-conforming zone change process. Was it needed?

by

Maria Kaseko

Bachelor of Science
University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
1984

Bachelor of Arts
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
1999

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Spring 2005

Dr. Krystyna Stave, Examination Committee Chair
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

This study reviews Clark County’s non-conforming zone change process from 1990 to 2002. A non-conforming zone change, sometimes known as a non-conforming zone boundary amendment is a proposed request that is not within the range of residential densities and/or non-residential intensities indicated on the applicable land use plan map, master plan, or concept plan. This research explores and examines two questions raised by the Clark Count’s new implementation plan, which was approved in April 2003 to amend the non-conforming zone change process.

  1. Clark County assumed there was a public perception that non-conforming zone changes were being approved without regard to the master plan. Was this assumption correct?
  2. Are decisions in approving non-conforming zone changes consistent among all levels of decision-making?

According to the new implementation plan, the change is an effort to improve the negative public perception that land use plans are unimportant because of the continuous number of approved non-conforming zone changes. In addition, the ordinance indicates the need to improve public participation in the non-conforming zone change process. The changes in the new non-conforming zone change process have been principally based on the assumption that the old regulations are not effective. There is no clear knowledge of what was deemed effective or ineffective in the old process because neither data nor interviews were collected to support the statements and subsequent changes made. In order to test the two hypotheses: 1. Yes, there were too many non-conforming zone changes approved that did not adhere to the master plan, and 2. Yes, consistency of decisions among levels of decision-making is low. This research evaluates and analyses randomly selected 687 non-conforming reports in Clark Count.

The results from the non-conforming zone change reports will be used to propose recommendations that can be used by Clark County Department of Comprehensive Planning to help improve the planning process in general, restore public confidence, and improve the public’s involvement in the non-conforming zone change process