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Table of Contents
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A. Public Participation
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Citizen Steering Committee and Technical Team
3
TaskGroups
3
Public Open Houses
4
Youth Meetings
4
Telephone Survey
5
Newsletters
5
Public Notices, Mailings and Flyers
5
Newsmedia
5
B. Data Gathering And Issue Identification
6
C. Pahrump’s Strengths
8
D. Housing Background and Resources
9
1. Housing Resources
10
Nevada Rural Housing Authority
10
Rural Nevada Development Corporation
10
E. Economic Strengths and Opportunities
11
1. Location, Location, Location
11
2. Job Training Programs
11
University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension Service
12
3. Land Availability
12
4. Regional Cooperation and Economic Development Agencies
12
Economic Development Authority of Esmeralda/Nye Counties (EDEN) 12
Pahrump Economic Development Advisory Board
12
Rural Nevada Development Corporation (RNDC)
13
Pahrump Small Business Development Center
13
5. Existing Industries
13
Gaming
13
Defense
13
Construction
13
6. Tourism and Recreational Opportunities
14
7. Tax Structure and Incentive Programs
14
8. Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
15
F. Economic Challenges
15
1. Economic Leakage
15
2. Lack of Sufficient Zoning Categories
15
Infrastructure
3.
16
4. Lack of Trained Workforce
16
5. Lack of Retention of Young Professionals
17
6. Airport Service
17
G. Community Facilities
17
1. Education and Library Facilities
17
H. Community Facility and Service Issues
18
1. Fire and Rescue
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2. Sheriffs Department
3. Recycling
4. Aging Services
I. Land Use Pattern
1. Calvada Development/Preferred Equities Corporation
J. Pahrump’s Character
1. Rural Lifestyle
2. Built Environment
3. Town Center
4. Brothels
K. Geotechnical
1. Planning Process
2. Project Area Description
3. Interviews with Agency Personnel and Homeowners
5. Geology
Regional Geologic Setting
Geologic Concerns
Faulting
Ground Fissures
Seismicity and Liquefaction
General Soil and Groundwater Conditions
General Soil Conditions
General Groundwater Conditions
Moisture-Sensitive Soil
Leach Field (ISDS) Issues
Discussion and Preliminary Conclusions and Recommendations
Moisture-Sensitive Soil
Leach Field Issues
Geologic Concerns
L. Conclusion
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Appendix A: Telephone Survey-Executive Summary
Appendix B: Goals and Objectives Questionnaire Tally
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Background Document for the Pahrump Regional
Planning District, Master Plan Update
This document is a companion document to the Master Plan and provides
rationale behind the goals, objectives, policies and implementation actions that
are found in the plan. The Background Document also details the public
participation component of the planning process to in form decision-makers of the
strong relationship between the plan and the ideas and direction that guided the
plan. This document will not be adopted by Nye County. It is for informational
purposes only.
The Tn-Core Planning Team was selected by the Nye County Board of County
Commissioners and the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission to update the
existing Master Plan and to amend the Pahrump Regional Planning District’s
Zoning Code, as well as produce a Streets and Highways Plan, Adequate Public
Facilities Plan and Ordinance, and a Staffing and Implementation Plan. The 20month project began in January of 2003. The consultants include: Tn-Core
Engineering, the lead firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona; Consensus Planning,
Inc. of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Enviroscientist of Reno, Nevada; Ninyo and
Moore of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Kummer, Kaempfer, Bonner & Renshaw of
Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, land use planning and planning facilitation,
engineering, air quality studies and geotechnical analysis creates a dynamic mix
of expertise for undertaking the Master Plan Update.
A. Public Participation
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Extensive public participation formed the basis for decision-making and goal
setting. The following list describes the various public input and involvement
components that have occurred during the planning process.
Citizen Steering Committee and Technical Team
The Citizen Steering Committee (CSC) was comprised of Pahrump
residents who completed a questionnaire and were subsequently
appointed by the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission. The CSC
consisted of 19 members with joint meetings held with the Technical
Team. The Technical Team consisted of members of county agencies,
including Utility Companies, Nye County Public Works, Public Schools,
Building and Safety, the District Attorney as well as members of the Nye
County Board of County Commissioners, Regional Planning Commission
and the Pahrump Town Board. The Citizen’s Steering Committee and
Technical Team members held monthly meetings, which were open to the
public.
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Task Groups
The task groups were organized to offer a profound, and more involved
level of participation relating to elements of the Master Plan. Five task
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groups charged with reviewing issues of Land Use, History, Natural
Resources, Recreation, and Community Character helped define Master
Plan concepts, identify issues, create goals, objectives, and policies, as
well as assist in mapping, neighborhood facilitation, and public outreach.
The Task Groups were led and staffed entirely by citizen volunteers.
Some of the Task Groups held additional neighborhood meetings,
distributed information, and staffed “stations” at the open houses.
Public Open Houses
The purpose of the public open houses was twofold. First, the Open
House provided a venue for sharing information. The TCPT brought maps,
charts, questionnaires, reports, made presentations, etc. to the Open
Houses to educate the public about planning issues and resources in their
town. Second, the Open Houses provided a venue for the public to
vocalize issues they had with the County and to provide input and make
decisions about future growth and development. Land Use, Zoning,
Infrastructure, and Community Character issues were common topics of
discussion.
Stakeholder meetings were held throughout the planning period. The
TCPT met with:
• Citizen’s Aware of Virtually Everything (CAVE)
• Nye County Public School District Officials
• Pah rump Chamber of Commerce
• Pahrump Valley Citizen’s Action Team (PVCAT)
• Economic Development Advisory Board
• Michaelson/Cooper Marketing Firm
• Realtors Group
• Pahrump Valley Construction Industries Association (PVCIA)
• Citizens for Responsible Government
• Yucca Mountain Project Office
• Calvada Valley Attorney/Jay Hampton
• Calvada Architectural Review Committee
• Public Lands Advisory Board
• Nye County Sheriffs Department
• Area Developers
• Small groups or individuals with specific land use or infrastructure
issues
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Youth Meetings
Three youth meetings were organized for April of 2003 with youth from the
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Rosemary Clarke Middle School. The TCPT met with 6’, 7
and 8
grade
students to ask them what they envisioned for their town, what they would do
if they were King or Queen of the community and what would make them live
in Pahrump after graduating high school. This interaction offered the TCPT a
new and diverse perspective about life and planning in Pahrump.
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Telephone Survey
The statistically valid community survey was conducted by Research and
Polling, Inc and prepared by the TCPT. The telephone survey was prepared
after the first two open houses that assisted in providing the framework for the
questions and issues important to the community. The 64 question survey
was administered via telephone to more than 407 residents and represents
the viewpoints of Pahrump residents regarding growth, land use, planning,
and development. The telephone calls were successfully completed during
the month of April 2003. The results were tabulated and the final report and
analysis was provided to the Regional Planning Commission, County staff
and Board of County Commissioners, Town Board and Town Manager, the
Citizen Steering Committee, and the Technical Team. A press release of the
results was prepared that resulted in front page newspaper coverage of the
survey. Since it is statistically valid, and the survey population represents all
of the residents of the Pahrump Valley, the survey is a tool for decisionmakers looking to make recommendations and govern in a manner
representative of the community at large. The survey has been used to guide
the development of the plan, specifically goals and objectives.
Newsletters
Newsletters sent to more than 450 residents in the Pahrump Regional
Planning District and beyond, provided a continuing source for dispensing
and accessing information. Public comments, survey results, goals and
objectives and land use maps were published in newsletter format.
Newsletters were distributed on a monthly basis. Additional copies of the
newsletters were provided to Town offices, County offices, and in electronic
format for posting to the Nye County website.
Public Notices, Mailings and Flyers
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Several mailings were sent to Citizen Steering Committee and Technical
Team members notifying them of each meeting. Flyers were distributed at a
local job fair, Earth Day celebration and the public library to raise awareness
about the telephone survey and Open Houses. Additional flyers were
prepared to notify people that the draft land use plan was available for public
review and comment at locations throughout the town.
Newsmedia
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Press releases and invitations to the local media outlets asking them to attend
any of the Citizen Steering Committee/Technical Team meetings and Open
Houses resulted in numerous articles in the Pahrump Valley Times and
interviews on the Channel 41 cable television station. Almost every week, the
words Master Plan Update appeared in the Pahrump Valley Times, and many
citizens mentioned they had seen an update about the Plan on channel 41.
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B. Data Gathering And Issue Identification
Data gathering and issue identification occurred at various stages through out the
project. With every visit to Pahrump occupied with public open houses,
stakeholder meetings, and committee meetings, the TCPT was provided with
new information that related to the Master Plan Update. Using reports previously
compiled for the Pahrump Regional Planning District, including a 2001 Visioning
Workshop Report; the TCPT• was able to compile a list of issues relating to the
area. Residents voted on these issues for the purposes of raising awareness and
learning about new issues not found in existing documents. Once the results
were compiled, they were used as the basis for gathering further information and
creating the survey questionnaire.
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Examples of sources used for data gathering included:
• Land Use Inventory,
• Existing Covenants,
• Existing Mapping,
• Existing Infrastructure,
• Research pertaining to demographics, community character, housing,
and community services and community facilities,
• Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code, and
• Previous studies and research reports from a variety of sources.
A windshield survey formed the basis of the existing land use map. With the help
of the Land Use Task Group, parcel level detail was compiled for commercial
land uses within the District. The TCPT conducted the windshield survey by
driving each street to learn the land use pattern. The land uses were mapped
and the map served as the basis for decision-making regarding the Preferred
Future Land Use Map. The existing land uses were mapped as generalized land
uses. This meant that the predominant land use was noted initially, with site
specific parcel level data provided later in the process.
The TCPT presented the Existing Land Use map to the Citizen Steering
Committee and Technical Team for review. The groups offered input into
additions and modifications to the map. Once the map was revised, it became
the base map so that other maps could be overlaid to make decisions about
future land uses. With vacant lands, industrial, residential, commercial and parks
and recreation uses noted, the TCPT prioritized areas for additional
industrial/business park development and commercial uses, areas for increased
housing densities, mixed-use areas and expansion of park/recreation lands.
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The decisions for noting future community land uses were made by analyzing the
existing conditions, while taking into account the following:
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access routes and circulation,
existing land use,
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community input from open houses and the resident survey,
vacant and disturbed lands,
utility service areas,
community facilities,
endangered species,
geotechnical issues,
CC &R’s, and
BLM disposable lands.
Finally, the percentages of each of the land use categories were calculated to
analyze the land use mix. Healthy, economically vibrant communities have a mix
of land uses, with plenty of land dedicated to commercial, industrial, and
business park uses. The proportion of residential lands to other uses must be
enough to support a strong commercial base.
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The creation of the Existing Land Use Map and two Future Land Use Alternatives
offered a visual representation depicting desired locations for growth and
development. Each map was presented to the community at various locations
throughout town. Residents had the opportunity to offer feedback, which was
considered when producing the draft and final Land Use Maps.
The TCPT presented 19 goals and more than 90 objectives to Pahrump
residents at a public open house in June 2003 for review. The format used to
elicit feedback was a goals and objectives questionnaire. In addition to the Open
House attendees’ responses to the questionnaire, the questionnaires were given
to Nye County Planning staff, members of service groups, residents of a
retirement home, and employees at local casinos. Additionally, the Land Use
Task Group distributed an additional 400 copies of the goals and objectives
questionnaire during July 2003.
The tally from all of the questionnaires, which asked for an “x” to be placed in the
box marked yes, no or maybe, resulted in confirmation that the plan was heading
in the right direction. All the of the goals were viewed favorably, and only a few of
the objectives were controversial. Receiving the greatest spread of yes and no
answers was Transportation Objective 6A: Complete the Federal Aviation
Administration study for a general Aviation Airport at the previously selected site
in Southwest Pahrump. Throughout the course of the Master Plan Update
Planning Process, the airport has always ranked as an issue of divided opinion.
However, in a plan looking forward 20 years, the TCPT felt it was important to
keep the idea of a regional airport in the plan as a placeholder idea, even if the
location shown shifts over time after additional studies have been completed.
Second to the airport, the issues of nuisance abatement scored conflicting
opinions. Many people want to see residential lots that are neat, tidy and absent
of trash, broken and rusted vehicles, while others believe that they should be
able to do what they want on their own property.
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The Master Plan Update identifies these conflicts and suggests methods for
reconciling differences among stakeholder groups and residents. With more than
450 people on the Master Plan Update mailing list, and many others who read
about the process in different publications, the presentation of goals and
objectives in questionnaire format built momentum towards the draft plan.
C. Pahrump’s Strengths
The Pahrump Regional Planning District has many strengths to build upon, some
of which have been described more thoroughly in other sections of this Master
Plan Update. In addition to having an interesting agricultural history, proximity to
a top tourist destination, Las Vegas, and an abundance of recreational
opportunities, the District has many other strong points that make it an attractive
place to live and work. These include:
Scenic Beauty: The area’s location within the Pahrump Valley, surrounded by
Mt. Charleston and the Spring Mountain Range and the Nopah Mountain Range
to the west is very scenic. On clear days, a person can see the Sierra Madres in
California. Ash Meadows in another destination for visitors and residents, as it
contains a natural spring and wetlands attracting rare vegetation and bird
species.
Gateway to Tourist Destinations: Pahrump is the gateway to Death Valley,
California, a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The proposed
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository is about 75 miles northwest of Pahrump in
the Amargosa basin and, if built, will become a popular destination for scientists
and other visitors. Pahrump is near the Spring Mountain National Recreation
Area, with Mt. Charleston and Red Rock Canyon. Tourists also come to Pahrump
for visits to the casinos, RV parks and brothels.
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Favorable Climate: The Pahrump Valley is a desert climate, with summer
temperatures ranging from 108 degrees in the day to 70-80 degrees in the
evening. Winters are clear and sunny with temperatures in the high 50’s and
evening temperatures dropping to the 30’s with occasional frost. Spring and Fall
weather ranges from 90 to 60 degrees depending on the month.
Major Facilities: Pahrump has many community facilities including a community
center, state of the art library, middle school and high school, casinos, golf
courses, a winery, an active chamber of commerce with over 500 members, and
future plans for a hospital and fairgrounds complete with convention facilities and
recreational features.
These assets were considered in the preparation of land use and infrastructure
plans and ordinances, so the area’s natural and existing attractions can be
maxim ized. Further ordinances to be developed after the Master Plan is adopted
will work towards concepts favorable to maintaining scenic beauty and enhancing
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economic development opportunities, including tourism and retail development.
D. Housing Background and Resources
A diverse housing stock is crucial for any community. En Pahrump there is a need
for affordable, multi-family, senior and high-end housing. Multi-family housing
typically consists of apartment complexes, four-plexes and condominium
communities. Although there are multi-family housing units for low-income
individuals in Pahrump, there are a limited number of multi-family units for middle
and upper income families, and for seniors interested in a retirement community
or just wanting to eliminate the responsibility for a detached home and yard.
Other evidence about the needs for diversification can be ascertained by
reviewing the percentages of housing types provided by the 2000 Census. With
49% of the residents are living in manufactured housing, and another 41% are
living in single family detached housing, it should be a priority for the County to
begin prioritizing programs and private investment that includes a mix of housing
options. Regulations to eliminate the proliferation of unsafe or substandard
housing must also be examined.
The three types of senior facilities in Pahrump are assisted living, nursing home
and independent living.
Assisted Living: Assisted living provides an alternative to a retirement home.
These facilities provide rooms, meals, personal care and supervision to the
elderly and frail in a private atmosphere. There is a shortage of assisted living
facilities in Pahrump. There are only three assisted living facilities available for a
growing senior population.
Nursing Home: Nursing homes are licensed or approved to provide care under
medical supervision 24-hours a day. The Evergreen facility in Pahrump offers
short and long term care as well as rehabilitation services. The facility
accommodates 120 beds and occasionally has a waiting list.
Independent Living: Opening in August of 2003 is a 64 unit independent living
facility for seniors. The facility offers recreational amenities, such as a pool,
theater and exercise room, as well as a computer center. The project was funded
in part through a partnership from the Rural Nevada Development Corporation,
which helped the developer access a low-interest loan from the State of Nevada.
Independent living facilities are becoming a large segment of the senior housing
stock across the country, and Pah rump will be in need of more of these facilities
based on existing demographics.
In recent informal telephone interviews, as well as during the youth meetings,
homelessness is noted as becoming more of an issue in Pahrump. With
population increasing, and a proximity to Las Vegas/Clark County, the homeless
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population is migrating to the Pahrump Valley. Many residents, including
Pahrump youth, have acknowledged the need to remedy the homeless situation.
Although there is a soup kitchen (which does not yet serve soup) and affordable
venues for meals, there is not a homeless shelter in Pahrump, which could
provide a safe, clean and affordable location for homeless to sleep. At a
minimum, referrals to existing shelters in the region should be made, along with
referrals to other social services.
1. Housing Resources
Nevada Rural I-lousing Authority
According to their website, the Nevada Housing Division was created by the
Nevada Legislature in 1975 when it was recognized that a shortage of safe,
decent, and sanitary housing existed throughout the State for persons and
families of low- and moderate-income. The division has a mission statement to
assist and encourage the private sector and other government entities in the
creation and maintenance of affordable housing throughout the State. The
Nevada Rural Housing Authority is a component of the Nevada Housing Division.
In Pahrump the HOME Investment Partnership Program provides low income
families with rental assistance in the form of vouchers for Section 8 housing.
The housing authority offers other opportunities for private sector developers
interested in building affordable housing units. The Federal Government offers
several programs that provide tax credits for building affordable housing units
and funding for acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, moderate or
substantial rehabilitation, site improvements, conversion, demolition and certain
soft costs associated with affordable rental housing.
In Pahrump, there are approximately 225 families currently utilizing the rental
assistance and the Nye County Social Services Department, who receives
funding from the Nevada Rural Housing Authority, oversees this program. One of
the multi-family housing units in Pahrump was built using federal funds for
affordable housing. It is a private enterprise that offers rental units for low-income
residents. Two other multi-family residences in Pahrump offer affordable rental
units for low-income seniors. Based upon the community’s demographics, more
of these projects are needed to meet existing needs and projected future
demand.
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Rural Nevada Development Corporation
The Rural Nevada Development Corporation (RNDC) is a registered 501 (c) (3)
non-profit organization. The organization assists entrepreneurs by providing
technical assistance and training, small business loans, weatherization of homes,
provision of financial assistance to private investors interested in developing
affordable residential housing, and targeting loans to Native American
entrepreneurs. RNDC is an asset to any town aiming to cultivate and maintain
locally owned businesses and provide quality housing.
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E. Economic Strengths and Opportunities
1. Location, Location, Location
1:
The Pahrump Regional District covers approximately 400 square miles in
Southern Nye County. From Johnnie in the North and Tecopah Road in the
South, the District covers most of the Pahrump Valley including the public lands
largely managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Only 50 miles west of Las
Vegas, Pahrump is easily accessed by State Highway 160 from Interstate 15.
Death Valley, the main tourist destination in the area is only 60 miles from
Pahrump and access to the valley requires driving through the Town from
Highway 160 north to Bell Vista and continuing west on Highway 190.
The Nevada Test Site, a major outdoor laboratory and nuclear weapons testing
facility is approximately 1,375 square miles in size and is located northeast of
Pahrump, about 75 miles. The test site is the number one employer of Nye
County residents, and is overseen by the United States Department of Energy.
The Test Site welcomes visitors year round to its facilities.
According to the Yucca Mountain Project website, the U.S. Department of Energy
began studying Yucca Mountain, Nevada, in 1978 to determine whether it would
be suitable for the nation’s first long-term geologic repository for spent nuclear
fuel and high-level radioactive waste. If constructed, this facility would bring
thousands of construction workers, employees and potential new residents to
Pah rump, since it is largest city close to the site. Local community planning for all
regional around the Yucca Mountain project should be completed prior to
construction to plan for new employees and residents.
2. Job Training Programs
Job training scored high as a need for the Pahrump Valley. According to the April
2003 Youth Meeting results, many area youth already planning to leave the
community. Therefore, finding education and employment opportunity is critical to
maintaining a young, vibrant and skilled employment base. Several local
resources are available to area youth and should be encouraged to expand their
services through public/private partnerships.
Community College of Southern Nevada
The Community College of Southern Nevada, Pahrump Valley Center, is a
rural extension site that offers a broad range of classes to fulfill general
education requirements to complete more than 140 degree and 90
certificate programs. Continuing education courses are offered as well,
providing learning opportunities to students of all age brackets. Computer
skills courses, networking, basic programming classes are offered, as well
as accounting, business law and composition. The College partners with
the Nye County Sheriffs office, Nevada Bell, Mountain Valley Health and
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Rehab, Nye County School District and Nevada Business Services to offer
workforce training and professional development.
University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension Service
Cooperative Extension Services exist statewide and are based within each
land grant university. The cooperative extension services offers training
programs and clubs for people of all ages to provide youth development,
master gardener and nutrition programs in Pahrump. The Cooperative
Extension services are an asset to Pahrump by helping to teach citizens
how to deal with the land, have better nutrition and encourage agricultural
producers to improve their bottom line.
3. Land Availability
The Pahrump Regional Planning District comprises more than 400 square miles,
and much of this land is undeveloped. In addition to the privately owned,
undeveloped land, exists a vast amount of public lands managed by the Bureau
of Land Management, which is slated for disposal to Nye County. The BLM
maintains a map and a list of available properties. Any individual interested in
paying the fair market value can purchase the properties slated for disposal. Both
the BLM and Nye County must approve the sale to verify that the proposed future
use is consistent with the Master Plan. Nye County is eligible for purchasing the
property for any use, and if the desired use is public recreation/public purpose,
the county can acquire this property free of charge.
4. Regional Coopration and Economic Development Agencies
Several agencies located in Pahrump and Nye County help to promote economic
development in the Pahrump Regional Planning District.
Economic Development Authority of Esmeralda/Nye Counties (EDEN)
The Nevada Commission on Economic Development works with a
network of development authorities, including EDEN. These groups are
experts regarding local political climates, business opportunities, and real
estate coss and availability. EDEN is involved with the planning and
promotion of a Nevada Science and Technology Corridor. This conceptual
corridor will link Science and Technology Parks from Indian Springs (30
miles north of Las Vegas) to Tonopah, in Nye County. The concepts for
the Corridor include the Pahrump Valley, where the Pahrump Center for
Technology Training and Development would be located.
Pahrump Economic Development Adviso,y Board
The Pahrump Economic Development Advisory Board is comprised of 7
members, and 2 alternates. The group holds weekly meetings, and is
charged with informing the public about economic development incentives
in the Town of Pah rump. Operating costs for the Board are covered by the
Town of Pahrump through the Lodgers Tax. Each year, the Board hosts
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an Economic Development Conference for networking, recruitment, and
training.
Rural Nevada Development Corporation (RNDC)
As mentioned in the Housing Section of this document, the Rural Nevada
Development Corporation is a non-profit organization working to foster
economic development opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Pahrump
Valley by providing loans for start-up, and expansion of a business. RNDC
is a non-traditional lender because they guarantee and extend loans to
people who have been turned down by a commercial bank. RNDC is
seeing a growth in the number of business owners in the Valley. The
location of new businesses is shifting, as well, with more people interested
in locating in the southern half of the valley, which is closer to Las Vegas
and large housing developments like Mountain Falls and the new
fairgrounds.
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Pahrump Small Business Development Center
The Pahrump Small Business Development Center is part of the Nevada
Small Business Development Center and is one of 14 located throughout
the State. Each of the 14 Small Business Development Centers work with
the United States Small Business Administration to promote small
business development. The Pahrump Small Business Administration
offers training sessions pertaining to business expansion, sales and
marketing, accounting, permitting, licensing, and legal issues.
5. Existing Industries
Gaming
The gaming industry is the largest industry in Nevada, and employs the
greatest number of people in Pahrump. In fact, the three largest
employers in the Town are the Pahrump Nugget, Mountain View* and
Saddle West casinos. The gaming industry provides service-related jobs.
*A recent fire destroyed the Mountain View Casino; however, the casino
will be rebuilt.
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Defense
With the proximity of the Nevada Test Site and Yucca Mountain to the
Town of Pahrump, the federal defense and energy industries employ
approximately 250 Pahrump residents. Bechtel Nevada Corporation ranks
as the number one employer in Nye County. Engineering and
Management Services is the highest wage industry in Nye County
attributed to the defense contracts from the Test Site and Yucca Mountain.
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Construction
With the growing numbers of residents in Pahrump, the construction
industry continues to increase. Building homes and infrastructure is a
necessity to absorb the 30% annual growth rate. Construction managers
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are ranked as the 2’ highest wage occupation in Nye County, according
to the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.
6. Tourism and Recreational Opportunities
Mt. Charleston, the Spring Mountain Range, and the Nopah Mountain Range
surround the Pahrump Valley. On clear days, a person can see the Sierra Madre
Mountain Range in California. These magnificent views have the ability to lure
tourists to the area in pursuit of outdoor recreational activities. Pahrump is near
the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, with Mt. Charleston and Red
Rock Canyon that offer hiking, biking, climbing, equestrian and skiing activities.
Another recreational area is the Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge.
The variety of outdoor recreational experiences should be capitalized on by the
County and Town through marketing efforts and complementary tourism support
services such as hotels, specialty retail, travel agencies, restaurants and
air/ground transport. The potential for offering courses in the hospitality industry
and customer services should be explored through Nye County School District,
the Community College of Southern Nevada, and the High Desert Youth
Foundation. Tourism is an important element in bringing new outside money into
the community, and the local residents frequently noted that efforts should be
made to develop this industry in the Pahrump Regional Planning District.
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7. Tax Structure and Incentive Programs
The State of Nevada has historically had one of the most relaxed taxing
structures, due to the revenue generated from gaming. To lure businesses to the
State of Nevada and Nye County, promoting the lack of taxes should be
continued. Taxes not collected in the State of Nevada and Nye County include:
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No franchise tax
No corporate income tax
No unitary tax
No inventory tax
No estate or gift tax
No personal income tax
No inheritance tax
No special intangible tax
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There are several statewide incentive programs to attract business that include:
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Sales and Use Tax Deferral Program
Sales and Use Tax Abatement
Business Tax Abatement
Property Tax Abatement
Train Employees Now (TEN)
Property Tax Abatement for Recycling/Retail Wheeling
Renewable Energy Abatements
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8. Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
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Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDRB’s) are available from the State of
Nevada. The program is aimed at assisting to diversity the State’s economy.
IDRBs are a special tax-exempt form of financing made available by the State of
Nevada to finance qualified projects at interest rates substantially below
comparable commercial rates.
According to the Nevada Office of Business Finance and Planning website, 53
bonds have been issued, representing financing of $810 million and the creation
of about 4,000 new jobs. Bonds offer flexible terms at variable and fixed interest
rates. The Nevada Office of Business Finance and Planning offers financing for
the following:
Manufacturing Facilities
• Solid Waste or Recycling Facilities
•
Non-Profit facilities for Health Care, Assisted Living, Educational, Civic
or Cultural activities owned and operated by qualified non-profit
organizations
•
Small Projects through the Mini-Bond Direct Placement Program
($500,000 to $3 Million)
.
Renewable Energy Projects
F. Economic Challenges
1. Economic Leakage
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The Town of Pahrump and Southern Nye County competes economically with
Clark County and the City of Las Vegas. With a significantly larger population
base, large scale retailers and industry have opted for Las Vegas, which boasts
up scale housing, shopping malls and discount stores and big name casinos. Las
Vegas has a regional airport, industrial parks, enhanced transportation networks,
a university and junior college, and many residential master planned
communities, with golf courses and other recreational amenities. Until recently,
big box retailers were not located in the Pahrump Valley, however, a large-scale
retailer, which opened its doors in 2003, may help to capture and fill some of the
economic leaks.
2. Lack of Sufficient Zoning Categories
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The Pahrump Regional Planning District has a zoning code that includes two
zone categories, Highway Frontage and Open Use. Highway Frontage applies to
certain properties along state Routes 160 and 372, and Bell Vista Avenue the
primary transportation corridors through town. Allowable uses are retail and
commercial. Open Use, which includes around 95% of the Valley, allows for any
use subject to the Nevada State Division of Health. For large scale retailers or
employers looking to invest in Pahrump, the lack of zoning poses two distinct
problems. First, banks are less likely to extend loans without commercial zoning
designations and second, having an Open Zone neighbor may result in an
activity on the lot, which could diminish neighboring property values. These
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problems can be addressed in the zoning code that follows the completion of the
Master Plan Update.
3. Infrastructure
Over 70% of the roadways in Pahrump are unpaved. Three utility companies
serve portions of the Pahrump Valley, however 85% of the valley is not served by
water and sewer utilities, and instead is serviced by private wells and septic
systems. Electricity is supplied throughout the valley by a member-owned
cooperative. Natural gas is not available in Pahrump, instead, propane is
provided. Local utility companies serve portions of northern, central and southern
Pahrump. Planned Unit Developments are required to have water and sewer
service. Water and sewer hookups and expansion of service areas is determined
by each utility company, thus placing a level of uncertainty on potential business
interests looking to locate in the Valley.
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4. Lack of Trained Workforce
With a potential influx of technology related businesses from the Nevada Test
Site and Yucca Mountain, an increase in demand for workers knowledgeable in
this field can be expected. According to the Nevada Department of Employment,
Training and Rehabilitation, network and computer systems and computer
software engineers, and computer support specialists are among the fastest
growing occupations in Nevada.
A comparison of educational attainment for Nye County compared with the State
of Nevada shows that the percentage of high school graduates is greater in Nye
County compared to the State, at 40.7% and 29.3% respectively. However, the
percentage of individuals with associates, bachelor’s and graduate degrees is
significantly less in Nye County compared to the state. School dropout rates for
Nye County are lower than the State by almost 50%, with the County at 3.6 and
the State at 6.3% for 2001 according to the Nevada Department of Education.
Table 1: Nye County School District Dropout Rate
Year
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Dropout Rate
7.0%
5.2%
3.9%
7.2%
6.1%
8.1%
11.0%
5.6%
4.3%
7.2%
3.6%
Source: Nevada Department of Education
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5. Lack of Retention of Young Professionals
Many Nevada communities face the challenge of retaining young professionals.
This results in a lack of trained workforce and lack of age diversification (See
Community Profile Section of the Master Plan for Population Pyramid depicting
this phenomenon). To retain youth, the County must provide amenities for young
professionals including affordable housing, higher paying jobs, entertainment and
the arts, cultural diversity, a thriving town center and open spaces among others.
With a median age of 45 (2000 Census), Pahrump must make efforts to attract
and retain young people to create and maintain vitality in the community.
The youth currently in Pahrump are not planning on staying there when they
grow up. During youth meetings with middle school students, questions were
posed regarding how many of them planned to leave Pahrump for work when
they were done with school. Virtually all the kids raised their hands.
6. Airport Service
By far the most divided issue in the Pahrump Regional Planning District is the
need for an airport. Promoters of the airport see it as a catalyst for economic
development, and acknowledge that other industrial and business park
developments could be located adjacent to the site, to save for future
employment needs. The airport remains shown on the land use map as a
placeholder for the concept of a future regional airport. It is good planning to
anticipate this future need in a 20-year plan, even if it is not built today. The site
has been chosen through the Pahrump Valley Airport Site Selection Study of
1987 and is currently shown adjacent to the California border on BLM land. The
site is elevated from the surrounding areas and is away from the floodplain.
G. Community Facilities
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Community facilities are the civic backbone, providing for the health, safety and
welfare of community members. Without schools, police and fire, libraries and
parks, and recreational facilities, a community would simply consist of homes and
businesses. The community facilities often draw newcomers to a place, and are
often what keeps people from leaving. In Pahrump, the library and educational
facilities are growing as every new person arrives. However, our analysis
identified areas for improving some community facilities, namely police, fire, solid
waste and senior services.
1. Education and Library Facilities
The Manse Elementary School is the oldest facility in Pahrump, built in 1954, and
commercial development is taking place adjacent to the school. This facility will
likely need to be replaced in the next several years.
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The School District currently owns about 80 acres of land that they plan to
develop at the Hafen Elementary School site. This land is tentatively planned for
another high school and middle school. There are an additional 15 acres of
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school district land near the current middle school that will likely be developed as
an elementary school and the Mountain Falls Development has donated land to
the school district that will likely be developed as an elementary school.
In addition to the public schools, there are two private schools in Pahrump. One
has an enrollment of 104 students with grades kindergarten through eight. The
other has approximately 56 students with grades kindergarten through 12.
Facilities at the library include five computers with Internet access. These
computers have a 93% booked rate and are used for a wide range of purposes
including email, and research. One of their most popular uses is an Internet
Program for test preparation for such tests as the GED, Civil Service,
Cosmetology, and Real Estate among others. There is also a computer lab with
eight additional computers used for computer classes and overflow for the five
designated for Internet use. The library includes both adult and children’s library
sections, and meeting rooms. In addition to computer classes, the library offers
many organized activities for children and adults, and monthly art displays. The
Citizen Steering Committee met at the library throughout the process.
Currently, the library employs four full time staff members and has many
volunteers. One of the most immediate staffing needs is for a full time
maintenance employee, however, they have not been able to hire this position
due to budget constraints.
The library is expecting to construct an additional 19 parking spaces on land
between the library building and the cemetery. The Library also owns about one
acre of land behind the current facilities that can be used for expansion of the
existing facilities, although there are no expansions planned at this time.
H. Community Facility and Service Issues
1. Fire and Rescue
The Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Department provides services to both
residents of Pahrump as well as in the surrounding area. Because of limited
resources, coupled with a large service area, emergency calls are often
prioritized. Provisions should be made to have the staff and facilities to
simultaneously cover multiple emergency situations. The Fire and Rescue
Department currently falls short on state and federal standards for safety and
providing fire and rescue services due to insufficient numbers of employees and
facilities. Funding sources should be identified that will address these issues and
begin to provide staff and facilities that meet these standards.
Infrastructure needs are also critical to quick response times by the Fire and
Rescue Department. Providing appropriate lighting to illuminate building
numbers, providing accurate signage, and appropriate road construction will help
facilitate quick response times and improve community safety and well being.
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Also, proper facilities and extension of fire hydrant facilities could reduce ISO fire
insurance ratings making insurance cheaper for residents. Finally, the provision
of additional emergency medical facilities at a new hospital can provide relief to
the current EMS staff.
2. Sheriff’s Department
The level of services that the Sheriff’s Department provides impacts very
significantly upon the residents of the Pahrump Valley. The Sheriff’s Department
currently falls short of federal recommendations for the amount of officers and
support staff appropriate for rural communities. In addition to increased staff, the
sheriff’s department would benefit from new technologies that would improve
their ability to provide services in a more effective and efficient manner. Funding
sources should be identified that can address these issues. As with Fire and
Rescue, there are infrastructure needs in the Pahrump Valley, such as signage
and road conditions, that should be addressed to improve the ability of the
Sheriff’s department to respond quickly to emergencies.
3. Recycling
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Efforts are underway to increase the capacity of the current landfill site in the
Pahrump Valley Landfill, which currently is expected to serve Pahrump through
2007. Opportunities to recycle, reduce or reuse waste should be identified.
Such efforts could extend the life of the current landfill and any future landfill as
well as conserve natural resources.
4. Aging Services
Aging services are important for the more than 5,200 people over the age of 65
in Pahrump, and the number of seniors is rising. Additional facilities and services
for this increasing population should be planned. Satellite facilities that support
the main senior center should be explored as a way of making services more
available in outlying areas. Additional senior housing facilities should be
explored.
I. Land Use Pattern
The Pahrump Regional Planning District is approximately 400 square miles.
Historically, land use consisted of agricultural and residential, with a
predominance of land dedicated to cotton and feed crops. Natural springs
provided a dependable source of water, which helped create one of Nevada’s
largest agricultural areas. Today, agriculture is virtually absent, with an
increasing number of fields lying fallow, waiting for suburban development. One
feedlot near Wilson and Blagg remains, and Nevada’s only winery is actively
growing a small field of grapes and producing wine.
1. Caivada Development/Preferred Equities Corporation
From the 1970s-1990s, Calvada and Preferred Equities Corporation bought and
sold property throughout the Pahrump Valley. Land sold by Calvada was
PAFIRUMP
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promised to include infrastructure, water and sewer service extensions and
assigned specific land uses though Covenants, Codes and Restrictions
(CC&R’s). Land was parceled into varying lot sizes, oftentimes at dimensions
less than one acre, and sold to individuals living worldwide. In fact, a recent study
entitled ‘Who Owns Pahrump,” by a local resident shows that a significant
number of landowners live outside the United States, especially in Canada.
Today, due to the antiquated platting patterns and CC&R designations that are
inconsistent with recent development, there are thousands of parcels of land that
cannot be developed because water and sewer services have not been extended
to these areas and they are too small for individual systems.
The Pahrump Regional Planning District and Nye County Planning would be well
served to invest in having a parcel-level base map created within an updateable
GIS format so that a more detailed land use map could be constructed and future
zoning could be easily tracked.
J. Pahrump’s Character
1. Rural Lifestyle
The name Pahrump is Southern Paiute, meaning springs or flowing waters
emerging from rock. The Pahrump Regional Planning District is situated in a
picturesque valley, shadowed by Mt. Charleston, Nevada’s highest peak.
According to many, the price of land is affordable compared to Las Vegas, and
since lot sizes are larger compared to that of Las Vegas, people are choosing to
live in Pahrump for the calm, private and open feeling of the community in a
place they can afford. Unpaved streets, visibility of the night sky, clean air, and
the ability to board and raise animals are all rural qualities enjoyed by Pahrump
residents.
2. Built Environment
The built environment in Pahrump is one of mixed architectural styles and
varying degrees of streetscaping or landscaping. Design standards and
landscaping requirements for commercial buildings are not required, however, if
imposed, they could provide a cohesive and consistent image in Pahrump. The
District does not exhibit one particular architectural style, in fact, style is not as
much a priority as landscaping requirements for commercial and retail
establishments with recommendations for native vegetation and drought tolerant
plant species. However, with the environmental and natural beauty of Pahrump
as one of its strengths, the built environment should also reflect that beauty and
unity. Limiting the height of buildings, regulating setbacks and massing, locating
gateway entries and enforcing architectural elements for style can have a
profound impact on the community character.
3. Town Center
The issue of a Town Center in Pahrump has surfaced during recent meetings.
According to community members, Pahrump has no formally designated or
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designed Town Center. Residents have mentioned the commercial centers of
town, specifically the intersection of State Highway 160 and Basin Ave. and State
Highway 160 and Nevada Rt. 372, as well as gathering places away from the
highways as Town Centers. The opportunity exists for the designation and
design of a Pahrump Town Center that could serve as a community-gathering
place, with mixed-use development to support residential, and neighborhoodscale commercial development.
4. Brothels
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Perhaps one of the more unique community character features in the Pahrump
Regional Planning District is the presence of brothels. Brothels are legal in Nye
County, however, they are prohibited within the Pahrump Town boundary. There
are two brothels located in the southern portion of the District, near the Clark
County border.
All of these character aspects of Pahrump shape its land use and development
patterns. The qualities are what makes Pahrump unique and stand out from other
Southwestern communities. Residents have placed value on each of these
characteristics; therefore, when considering area-wide Community Design,
priority should be placed on maintaining them so the town can continue to live up
to its slogan, ‘The Heart of the New Old West.”
K. Geotechnical
This geotechnical section, prepared by Ninyo & Moore, describes the process
and outcomes of the first phase of the geotechnical evaluation. Findings from
interviews and data analysis point to a potential need for regulations that require
soils testing prior to land development in certain parts of Pahrump. Further
findings from soil samples will be provided by December of 2003.
1. Planning Process
The scope of Ninyo & Moore’s Phase I geotechnical evaluation included the
following:
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Review of pertinent background data listed in Section 12. This
information included in-house geotechnical data, readily available
geotechnical reports for previous developments in Pahrump Valley,
aerial photographs, and published geologic maps and soils data.
Attendance at the Pahrump Master Plan Update Public Open House,
on April 30, 2003, and the Mapping Open House, on June 4, 2003.
Performance of interviews with agency personnel and residents of
Pahrump, Nevada. Topics discussed during these interviews included
general soil conditions, geotechnically related concerns, and ISDS and
groundwater issues.
Performance of a geotechnical field reconnaissance to evaluate
potential moisture-sensitive soil areas and areas where reported
problems with ISDSs have previously occurred.
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Compilation and analysis of the accumulated data.
Preparation of report presenting findings and preliminary conclusions
and recommendations regarding the Phase I geotechnical evaluation
forthe project.
2. Project Area Description
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The Pahrump Master Plan Update project area (study area) is located in the
southern portion of Nye County, Nevada, approximately 50 miles west of Las
Vegas, Nevada. The study area is approximately 136 square miles in size and is
located in the central portion of Pahrump Valley. This valley is bounded by the
Spring Mountains to the northeast, the Montgomery Mountains to the northwest,
the Nopah Range to the west, the Kingston Range to the southwest, and
Mesquite Valley to the southeast. The Pahrump Valley extends in a roughly
northwest-southeast direction and is up to approximately 10 miles wide and
30 miles long. Coalescing alluvial fans extend outward into the valley from the
surrounding mountains. The northeast portion of the study area, which is located
on alluvial fan deposits, generally slopes gently downward toward the southwest.
The southeast portion of the study area, which is located in the lower portion of
the valley, is generally relatively level. Elevations across the study area range
from approximately 5,250 feet above mean sea level (MSL) in the higher portions
of the alluvial fans to approximately 2,650 feet above MSL in the lower portions of
the valley.
The study area is comprised of the Pahrump Regional Planning District, which is
bordered by undeveloped Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Property
within the study area generally includes residential and commercial/industrial
developments, and agricultural and undeveloped desert land. The
commercial/industrial developments are located primarily along State Routes 160
and 372. Most of the more highly developed portions of the study area are
located in the central and western portions, while the eastern portion is generally
undeveloped with scattered residential properties. Although there are a few
residential subdivisions and apartments within the study area, most of the
residential development consists of single-family custom homes and modular
homes, typically up to approximately 2,000 square feet in size, on 1 or more
acres. The majority of the residential lots in the valley have on-site water wells
and ISDSs for disposal of wastewater.
3. Interviews with Agency Personnel and Homeowners
Ninyo & Moore conducted interviews with agency personnel and residents of
Pahrump to discuss general soil conditions, geotechnically related concerns, and
ISDS and groundwater issues. Approximately 50 homeowners and agency
personnel were interviewed at the public open houses for the project, through
telephone conversations, and during our site visits. A summary of the information
obtained from the interviews has been provided below:
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Several homeowners described damage that has occurred to their
residences and exterior site improvements. Some of the damage
appears to have been caused by subsurface soil movement.
Several homeowners stated that a design geotechnical evaluation was
not performed prior to construction of their residences. A few
commercial building owners also stated that such an evaluation was
not performed during development of their properties.
Numerous homeowners indicated that observation and testing of soils
was not performed during grading of their properties and that
geotechnical pad grading reports were not prepared.
Numerous homeowners and some building contractors stated that the
relatively newer residences in the Pahrump Valley have generally been
constructed on graded pads of “pit-run” material, a few feet thick and
comprised primarily of coarse-grained material.
Several homeowners stated that removal of native soils, generally to a
depth of a few feet, was performed during grading of their lots due to
the presence of loose or otherwise unsuitable soils. Reportedly, these
overexcavated soils were generally re-used as compacted fill, or
replaced with layers of imported/blended fill material.
Several homeowners indicated that they observed cemented soils
(caliche) on their properties.
Several homeowners stated that they have had previous problems with
their ISDSs. These problems included periodic back-ups and blockage
of the system, failure of the system, and accumulation of water and
moist soil on the ground surface above leach lines.
Several homeowners stated that the majority of the ISDS failures
occurred at residences that were constructed after late-l999Jearly2000.
Several homeowners stated that they have previously experienced
surface drainage problems on their properties, including ponding
adjacent to and near building foundations. Some of these homeowners
stated the drainage problems were associated with nearby roadway
and runoff from neighboring properties. A few homeowners indicated
that they have constructed soil berms to block water runoff directed
toward their properties.
A few homeowners stated that they have observed long cracks in the
ground surface on their lots and neighboring properties.
Several homeowners stated that the depth to groundwater on their
properties is approximately 40 feet.
A few homeowners stated that they have had to abandon their original
water wells and have new deeper wells constructed due to lowering of
the groundwater level.
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5. Geology
Descriptions of the regional geologic setting, geologic concerns, and general soil
and groundwater conditions in the study area are provided in the following
sections.
Regional Geologic Setting
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The Pahrump Regional Planning District is located in the southern portion of the
Great Basin, which is part of the Basin and Range geomorphic province.
Pahrump Valley is bordered by mountain ranges to the north, east, and west.
These mountains, which range in elevation up to approximately 11,000 feet
(MSL), are composed primarily of Precambrian and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks.
The Kingston Range, which borders the Pahrump Valley to the southwest, is
composed primarily of igneous rock. The Mesquite Valley, which is composed
primarily of relatively unconsolidated Quaternary alluvial sediments, borders the
Pahrump Valley to the south.
Large coalescing Quaternary-age
Valley from the bordering mountain
the valley include Quaternary-age,
and eolian (wind-blown) deposits.
bedrock composed predominantly
rocks underlie the valley sediments.
alluvial fans extend outward into Pahrump
ranges. Surficial soils in the lower portions of
lakebed (lacustrine), playa (beach), stream,
Tertiary tuft and Tertiary to Pre-Cambrian
of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic
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Geologic Concerns
The following sections summarize faulting, ground fissures, and seismicity and
liquefaction in the project area.
Faulting
Based on our review of referenced geologic data, several previously
mapped faults and fault zones are located within and near the study area.
These faults and fault zones include the Pahrump Valley fault zone, West
Spring Mountains fault, Grapevine fault, and other unnamed faults.
The Pahrump Valley fault zone (PVFZ) is an active strike-slip fault that
extends in a northwest-southeast direction near the California-Nevada
border and near the southwest portion of the study area. Louie, et. at.,
(1997) reported the presence of numerous unnamed fault segments that
extend up to approximately 60 miles in length along the fault zone. A few
other unnamed faults in the area of the PVFZ extend into the southwest
portion of the study area. The referenced report (Louise, et. al., 1997)
indicates that the PVFZ is active and may have the potential to produce
earthquakes with moment magnitudes up to approximately 7.
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Several other major tectonic fault zones near the study area are located in
Owens Valley, Panamint-Saline Valley, Death Valley-Furnace Creek-Fish
Lake Valley, and Las Vegas Valley. Slemmons (2000) reports that
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paleoseismic events in these areas indicate estimated
earthquake moment magnitudes ranging from 6.8 to 7.6.
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The Spring Mountains fault, Grapevine fault, and several other unnamed
faults that off-set Quaternary-age alluvial fan deposits are located in the
northeast portion of the study area, on and near the Pah rump Fan. These
faults, which generally trend in a north-south and northwest-southeast
direction, are up to several miles in length. A geologic map prepared by
Dohrenwend, et.aL, (1991) indicates that the relatively more pronounced
faults on the Pahrump Fan area are located near the base of the adjacent
Spring Mountains range.
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Several other unnamed faults that transect Quaternary-age soil units are
located in and near the study area. These faults have been shown on
geologic maps prepared by Hoffard (1991), dePolo (1999), and Lundstrom
(2003). The activity level of these faults has not been evaluated to date.
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Review of referenced geologic data also indicates the presence of
numerous older faults extending through bedrock units in the mountain
ranges adjacent to the Pahrump Valley. Review of published seismic data
indicates that these faults are generally considered inactive.
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Ground Fissures
Ground fissures have been previously mapped within the study area.
Ninyo & Moore’s review of published geologic and soils data indicates that
ground cracks, near-surface voids in the soil, and ground fissures typically
form below the ground surface as a result of tensional or horizontal
stresses from localized land subsidence, due primarily to withdrawal of
groundwater, or from ground shaking from earthquakes. The ground
fissures propagate upward to the ground surface with time. Erosional
processes, such as surface runoff, gullying, and infiltration of water, widen
and deepen the cracks as the soils above and below the void spaces
collapse.
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DePolo (1999) mapped areas of ground fissuring in the Pahrump Valley,
including the study area. Ground fissure zones were mapped in the vicinity
of the intersection of Homestead Road and Dandelion Street, near the
intersection of Pahrump Valley Boulevard and Thousandaire Boulevard,
and approximately 2,500 feet south and approximately 2,700 feet east of
the intersection of Thousandaire Boulevard and Hafen Ranch Road.
DePolo also mapped an unnamed fault near the Pahrump Valley
Boulevard and Thousandaire Boulevard, and the Thousandaire Boulevard
and Hafen Ranch Road ground fissure zones. The mapped ground fissure
zones are up to approximately 4,000 feet long and up to a few hundred
feet wide, and generally extend in north-south and northwest-southeast
directions.
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A ground fissure zone previously mapped by dePolo (1999) is located
near the intersection of Homestead Road and Dandelion Street. Based on
our discussions with homeowners in this area, they reportedly first
observed ground cracks in the vicinity of their homes within the past few
years. Ground fissures were reportedly recently filled with gravel where
they crossed Oakridge Street. During our site reconnaissance, we
observed several ground cracks that were up to approximately 1 inch wide
and up to approximately 100 feet long in this area. These ground cracks
were located in the area of the fissure that reportedly had been previously
filled with gravel. A few homeowners in the area of ground fissuring
reported that damage to their residences, including cracks in walls and
apparent tilting of floor slabs, had previously occurred.
Seismicity and Liquefaction
Based on a Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for the Western
United States, issued by the United States Geological Survey (2002), the
horizontal peak ground accelerations having a 5 percent probability of
exceedance in 50 years range from 0.14g (percent gravity) to 0.18g in the
study area. The horizontal peak ground accelerations having a 10 percent
probability of exceedance in 50 years range from 0.lOg to 0.13g in the
study area.
Depending on the specific location in the Pahrump Valley, the maximum
considered earthquake spectral response accelerations at short (0.2
seconds) and long (1 second) periods are determined from Figure 161 5(1)
and Figure 1615(2) in the 2000 and 2003 International Building Codes
(lBCs). For design of structures, maximum considered earthquake
spectral response accelerations at short periods generally range from
approximately 0.47g to 0.57g in the study area. Maximum considered
earthquake spectral response accelerations at long periods generally
range from approximately 0.17g to 0.21g in the study area.
Soil liquefaction is a process by which the shear strength of granular,
saturated soils is reduced due to an increase in pore water pressure
during seismic shaking. Requisite conditions for liquefaction to occur
include saturated, primarily granular soils that have a loosely packed grain
structure capable of progressive rearrangement of soil grains during
repeated cycles of seismic loading. Liquefaction may be a potential hazard
in localized areas of the study area that underlain by shallow groundwater
and where loose, granular soils are present.
General Soil and Groundwater Conditions
The following sections summarize general
groundwater conditions in the project area.
soil
conditions and
general
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General Soil Conditions
The northeast portion of the study area is located on two prominent
coalescing alluvial fans, the Pahrump Fan and Manse Fan. These fans
extend outward into the valley from the base of the Spring Mountains
range to the northeast. The relatively unconsolidated alluvial fan deposits,
are predominantly derived from bedrock sources in the adjacent
mountains. Upper portions of the fans are generally composed of coarse
grained material, such as sand, gravel, cobbles, and boulders, while the
lower portions of the fans are typically comprised of silt, sand, gravel, and
small cobbles. Several moderately incised ephemeral (dry) washes are
located on the Pahrump Fan and Manse Fan. Stream deposits in the
washes are typically composed of unconsolidated fine- to coarse-grained
material.
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Stream and lakebed deposits comprise the majority of the surficial valley
floor sediments in the central portion, lower elevation area of the valley.
These deposits are comprised generally of unconsolidated fine-grained
soils, including silt and clay, with fine sand. Shallow washes containing
unconsolidated fine- to coarse-grained material are present in portions of
the lower valley areas.
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Subsurface soils comprised typically of alternating layers of fine- and
coarse-grained soils occur in transitional areas between the alluvial fans
and the lower valley floor deposits. Dry lakebed, sand dune, marsh, and
spring mound deposits are also present in localized areas of the lower
valley. These soil deposits are composed primarily of clay, silt, and/or
sand, and sometimes include expansive clay, consolidation prone soils,
and potentially deleterious minerals, such as salt and gypsum.
—
Ij
Layers of moderately hard to very hard, moderately to strongly cemented
soils (caliche) are present in subsurface soils in portions of the Pahrump
Valley. Caliche is a naturally occurring cemented soil typically
encountered in dry desert environments. The following describes common
characteristics of caliche.
{j
Eli
.
p
•
fl
•
U
Caliche generally occurs in layers a few inches to several feet thick,
and the layers typically vary significantly in thickness and hardness
over short distances.
Caliche varies in composition from primarily fine-grained material to
primarily coarse-grained material.
Caliche has rock-like characteristics. Depending primarily on degree of
cementation, hardness, and layer thickness, significant difficulties in
excavation of caliche can occur.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources
Conservation Service, previously performed a soil survey of southern Nye
PAHRUMP
County, which included the study area. This survey included field mapping
and classification of near-surface soil layers, excavation of numerous
shallow excavations, classification of near-surface soil layers, laboratory
testing of obtained soil samples, field mapping of surficial soil units, and
preparation of the referenced report (USDA, in-press). The USDA study
included analysis of physical, chemical, and engineering properties of the
soil. Approximately 23 distinct soil types were mapped within the study
area. Coarse-grained soils were generally mapped on the alluvial fans in
the higher elevation areas of the Pahrump Valley, while relatively fine
grained soils were generally mapped in the lower portions of the valley.
General Groundwater Conditions
A limited review of groundwater-related data has been performed as part
of this Phase I study. Additional review of pertinent data and a summary of
findings will be provided in our Phase II report for this project.
Moisture-Sensitive Soil
Moisture-sensitive soils in the Pahrump Valley include expansive and
settlement-prone (hydro-consolidation-prone and soluble) soils. Expansive
soils are typically comprised primarily of fine-grained material such as clay
and silt, while settlement-prone soils are generally comprised primarily of
clay, silt, and/or sand. As water infiltrates expansive soil, water molecules
enter the internal structure of the clay and cause the clay particles to
repel. The result is an increase in volume, or swelling, of the clay. Hydro
consolidation-prone soils are typically relatively dry with relatively low inplace dry densities and are porous. As water infiltrates the soil, the
relatively weak bonds between the soil grains are broken and the grains
realign into a more compact structure. The result is a decrease in volume
or settlement of the soil. Settlement also can occur in soils containing high
concentrations of soluble minerals such as certain types of salt and
gypsum. Soluble soils tend to settle as water moves through the soil and
dissolves the minerals.
There are several sources for water which infiltrates moisture-sensitive
soil and induces soil movement. Typically sources of water include
irrigation, rainfall, and plumbing and pool leaks. Leach fields can also
cause a significant amount of water infiltration into subsurface soils.
Movement of moisture-sensitive soils can cause significant damage to
structures, such as buildings, retaining walls, concrete flatwork, and
roadways. Typical damage includes tilting and cracking of building
foundations and floor slabs, and retaining walls; cracks and separations in
concrete flatwork, such as driveways, walkways, and patio slabs; and
cracks and potholes in roadway pavement. Depending on the potential for
soil movement, the amount and rate of water infiltration, and other factors,
damage to overlying structures occurs rapidly or over a long period of time.
28
1
Findings of the study to date indicate that the more moisture-sensitive soil
areas in the Pahrump Valley are located in the lower elevation, interior
portions of the valley. These moisture-sensitive soils generally include
expansive clays or settlement-prone porous clay, silt, and fine sand. In
some areas, soils are interlayered with expansive soils, settlement-prone
soils, and relatively competent materials. Soils in some portions of the
study area also contain potentially deleterious minerals, such as soluble
gypsum and salt, which typically occur in arid desert environments.
Sulfate, which is a constituent of gypsum, can cause significant
deterioration to concrete structures.
Leach Field (ISDS) Issues
There are a few wastewater treatment facilities/systems within the Pahrump
Valley. However, ISDSs are utilized by the majority of the valley’s population for
discharge of wastewater. The ISDSs are generally comprised of a below-ground
septic tank for containment of waste and below ground leach lines that dispose of
wastewater into the subsurface soils. Residential leach fields typically include two
or more parallel-perforated plastic pipes that are placed a few feet below the
ground surface. The leach field pipes typically are approximately 75 to 100 feet
long and are usually wrapped with a filter fabric to reduce the potential for
infiltration of soil into the pipes. Drainage gravel, typically comprised of coarse
gravel, is placed around the perforated pipes to improve subsurface permeability.
A few feet thick layer of drainage gravel is then placed beneath and adjacent to
the leach field lines. A layer of plastic sheeting is typically placed over the
drainage gravel and then a thin layer of on-site native soil is placed above the
sheeting up to the ground surface.
—
Periodic maintenance of ISDSs is needed. This maintenance includes adding a
septic tank cleaner, or yeast cakes, to the septic tank on a regular basis to aid in
the breakdown of solid material, and periodic removal of tank waste by a
professional waste disposal firm.
Ninyo & Moore discussed ISDS-related issues with Pahrump Valley homeowners
and leach field installers. A summary of these discussions is provided below:
PAKRUMP
•
ISDSs are typically located in the side yards of the lots and near the
residences (as close as several feet from the buildings).
•
Periodic back-ups and blockages of some of the leach fields have
been reported.
•
Accumulation of water and moist soil on the ground surface above the
leach lines has been reported by some homeowners. The surface
water and moist soil sometime extends several feet outward from the
leach lines and up to exterior site improvements and foundations.
29
•
The majority of ISDS failures occurred at residences that were
constructed after late-i 999/early-2000.
•
Several homeowners stated that there is a particularly low incidence of
ISDS problems in the higher alluvial fan areas of the Pahrump Valley.
Discussion and Preliminary Conclusions and Recommendations
The purpose of this Phase I geotechnical evaluation was to assess the presence
and extent of moisture-sensitive (expansive and settlement-prone) soils and
ISDS issues in the Pahrump Valley. The Phase I evaluation also included
formulation of recommendations regarding a subsurface evaluation, which will be
performed as part of our future Phase II study for this project.
Ninyo & Moore’s findings and preliminary opinions regarding moisture-sensitive
soil, ISDS issues, and geologic concerns in the Pahrump Valley are summarized
in the following sections.
Moisture-Sensitive Soil
The following provides findings and preliminary conclusions regarding
moisture-sensitive soils in the study area.
•
Moisture-sensitive soils in the Pahrump Valley are typically comprised
of clay, silt, sand, and/or deleterious minerals such as certain types of
salt and gypsum.
•
The more moisture-sensitive soils are typically present in the lower
elevation areas of the valley, rather than on the alluvial fans that
extend outward from the mountain ranges. Native soils on alluvial fans
are composed predominantly of sand and gravel and, due to their
grain-size, are not prone to significant soil movement.
•
Alternating layers of expansive soils, settlement-prone soils, and
relatively competent materials are present in some areas of the valley.
•
Moisture infiltration generally induces the subsurface soil movement.
Typical sources for the moisture include irrigation, rainfall, and
plumbing and pool leaks. Water infiltration from leach field lines has
contributed to subsurface soil movement in some areas of the valley.
•
Movement of subsurface soils has caused significant damage to
buildings and exterior site improvements in some areas of the valley.
This damage has included tilting and cracking of building foundations,
floor slabs, and retaining walls; cracks and separations in concrete
flatwork, such as driveways, walkways, and patio slabs; and cracks
and potholes in roadway pavement.
30
El,
Eli
Pre-construction design geotechnical evaluations for assessment of
possible unsuitable soil conditions were not performed for many of the
rural residential properties in the Pahrump Valley. Building pad grading
for the more recently developed rural lots has generally included
removal of surticial soil and placement of granular “pit-run” material for
support of the residential foundation and floor slab.
iiiLi
•
For rural residences, geotechnical observation and testing, including
compaction testing of structural fill and evaluation of foundation
excavations, has typically not been performed.
Leach Field Issues
The following provides findings and preliminary conclusions regarding
ISDS issues in the study area.
•
ISDSs are typically located in the side yards and within several feet of
the majority of the residential properties in the study area.
•
Water and moist soil has been reported on the ground surface above
the leach lines at some of the residential properties in the study area.
These conditions indicate that leach field soils may be related to
decreased soil permeability and that disposal water in the leach fields
is not sufficiently percolating into the subsurface soils.
•
At some residential properties in the study area, water and moist soil
conditions above leach fields reportedly extend laterally for several feet
toward exterior site improvements and near the residential foundation.
In some areas, infiltration of water from the leach field has induced
subsurface soil movement.
•
Leach field testing, such as percolation tests, may not have been
properly performed prior to construction of the ISDS in some instances.
Leach fields in localized areas may not have been designed
adequately based on percolation test rates.
[j
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Fl
Li
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Design and construction-related factors may have contributed to some
of the ISDS problems. Some of these factors may include inadequate
depth and size of the leach field, the absence of sufficient drain gravel,
and inadequate placement of percolation pipes.
[]
L..
•
ISDS problems generally occurred at residences that were constructed
after late-i 999/early 2000, rather than at homes that constructed prior
to late-1999 in the same areas.
31
•
Interviews with homeowners in the study area indicate that there is a
particularly low incidence of ISDS problems in the higher elevation
alluvial fan areas of the Pah rump Valley.
Geologic Concerns
The following provides findings and preliminary conclusions regarding our
evaluation of geologic concerns in the study area.
•
Numerous active and in-active faults and fault zones are present within
and near the Pahrump Valley.
•
Ground fissure zones have been previously mapped in localized
portions of the study area. Some residential distress, which has not
been evaluated, has occurred in some of the ground fissure areas.
•
Seismic activity resulting from an earthquake can cause significant
damage to structures in the Pahrump Valley.
•
Liquefaction, the fluid-like movement of near-surficial soils during
seismic shaking, is a potential hazard that may occur in localized areas
of the valley that are underlain by a shallow groundwater and where
loose, granular soils are present.
All’ of the geotechnical studies will be completed by December 2003. The
concerns detailed in this section will be followed up with recommendations for
soil studies and mitigation procedures prior to land development to avoid future
problems related to safety and property investment in parts of the Valley.
L. Conclusion
This background document is a draft and serves as a companion to the Master
Plan itself. There are many challenges facing the Pahrump Regional Planning
Commission, and this document should assist the public, elected and appointed
officials, and stakeholders understand how the goals, objectives and policies
were constructed. Issues raised throughout the Background Document are
addressed in the Master Plan Update as goals, objectives, and policies.
I -I
i
32
Appendix A:
Pahrump Resident Survey Executive Summary
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Report Prepared for:
Nye County Planning Department
250 N Highway 160, Suite 1
Pahrump, Nevada 89060
(775) 7514033
i:1
Research & Polling, Inc.
5140 San Francisco Rd., NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
(505)821.5454. (505) 821,5474 (FAX)
[email protected]
Report Prepared by:
Nye County, Nevada
Pahrump Regional Planning
District Master Plan Update
Pahrump Resident Survey
April 2003
Nye County. Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update— Pahrurnp Resident Survey
::::]
J
Research & Pollina. Inc.
Page 2
Presented in this Executive Summary are key findings and a summary of
observations regarding these types of issues, including relevant trends
regarding attitudes and opinions among various types of Pah rump residents.
Yet more detailed findings are presented in the Research Results section of
this report, which show the survey results for each questionnaire item,
including the results for each questionnaire item by the various demographic
population subgroups included on the survey. The report also includes a
description of the research objectives and methods and a geographic map
which defines the residential zip code areas and parts of town as defined by
major highways.
Finally, the questionnaire utilized for this survey is
presented at the end of this report.
The purpose of the random telephone survey was to gain insights from a
representative sample of 407 Pahrump residents regarding issues that might
be addressed by the Master Plan and follow-up ordinances. Issues studied
in the survey relate to a broad spectrum of issues including quality of life,
community growth, housing and building development, allocation of tax
dollars to various community infrastructure services and projects, zoning
ordinances, environmental and health concerns, and recreational services.
Executive Summary
Pahrump, Nevada, in Nye County, is a fast-growing semi-rural community of
approximately 26,000. According to the 2000 Census, 21% of the population
is 65 years of age or older and 27% of the households have children under
18 years of age living in the household. In this semi-rural community,
approximately two-thirds reside on lot sizes of one to live acres. Pahrump is
situated approximately a one-hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. This
community, like many in Nevada, has fewer community ordinances and
regulations than are observed in communities of neighboring states and
elsewhere in the country. Nye County has engaged the Tn-Core Planning
Team, comprised of Tn-Core Engineering in Scottsdale, Arizona and
Consensus Planning in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to study and make
recommendations for the Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan
Update for Pahrump, Nevada.
:::i
The Tn-Core Planning Team commissioned Research & Polling, Inc., a New
Mexico based public opinion research company, to conduct a public opinion
survey in April 2003 regarding attitudes and opinions among Pahrump,
Nevada residents regarding issues pertinent to the development of the
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update to be presented
before the Nye County Commissioners.
:::.i
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
/
z
37%
—
Pabrump Resident Survey
52%
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
April 2003
Overall Perception Regarding Pahrump Growth Rate
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
Pahrump Growth and Quality of Life
100%
90%
80%70%
60%
50%
4
Too Slow
Just About Right
Don’t Knowl
Won’t Say
1
4L
Z
A
°
.
8%
4d/_____
30%
20%
10%
0%
Too Fast
_
Page 3
Since Pahrump
is
considered
by
some
to
be
a
fast-growing
bedroom
community
of
Las
Vegas,
Pahrump
residents
were
asked
to
evaluate whether they consider
the growth of their community to be too fast, too
slow,
or
about
just
right.
As
shown
in
the
graph,
majority
the
Pahrump
of
residents
consider the community
growth rate to be ‘just about right’ (52%), 37% evaluate community growth as ‘too fast,’ 8% believe the growth is ‘too slow,’ and only
2% did not offer a definitive
answer when probed
about
this
issue.
Those
residents
more
likely
to
rate
the
growth
rate
of
Pahrump
as
‘just
about
are
right’
newcomers
to
the
community
who
have resided in Pahrump for three or fewer years
(63%)
and
younger
residents
between
and
18
44
years
of
age
(61%).
more
Those
likely
to
judge
the
community’s growth as ‘too fast’ are between 45 to 64 years of age (44%). Only 8%, or 34, of those interviewed rated Pahrump growth as ‘too slow’
with men
somewhat more inclined to offer such an evaluation than women.
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
Evaluation of Methods by Which Pahrump Could Control Growth on Private Land
Restrict the number of buildings allowed per square mile
Utilities must be in place before construction is avowed
47%
64%
75%
Yes
45%
29%
19%
No
9%
8%
7%
6%
Don’t Know!
Won’t Say
April2003
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
Limit the number of wet and septic permits issued
47%
:1
43%
,.‘}
Limit the number of building permits issued
.1
7%
I
71%
Research & Poflinci. Inc.
22%
Increase building fees or building taxes
E1
Page 4
::z:.JJ
‘.1
Regardless of how Pahrump residents evaluated the pace of growth in the community, they were also
asked
to
evaluate various ways in which community growth
on private land might be better controlled. The residents evaluated five proposed community growth control
methods shown in the chart. The two most popular
methods for controlling community growth from the perspective of Pahrump residents are
that
utilities
be
in place before construction is allowed (75%) and the
control of housing or building density (64%), which was even more likely to be an acceptable control growth
method to those who believe the community is growing
too quickly (73%). The least acceptable method by which to control community growth on private land was
to increase building fees or building taxes, which was
considered as an acceptable alternative by only 22% of Pahrump residents, who were
somewhat
more
likely
to
be 65 years of age and older (28%). Forty-seven
percent of the residents believe that limiting the number of septic permits issued would be a viable method
by which to control community growth, and 43%
consider limitations on the number of building permits issued to be a good way to control growth in Pahrump.
]
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
I
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
I
Pahrump Resident Survey
I
I
Page 5
Since the development of housing is an integral component of community growth, Pahrump residents were asked to evaluate whether there is a need for particular
types of medium or high density housing. In particular, residents were asked whether there is a need for apartments, townhouses or condominiums, affordable
housing units, and retirement and senior housing. The results in the graph here show that the community perceives the greatest need for retirement and senior
housing (56%), followed by affordable housing (48%), apartments (36%), and townhouses and condominiums (33%). As might be expected, the perceived need
for specific types of medium or high density housing is frequently correlated with age and income factors, the details of which are on pages 33 through 36 of the
Research Results section.
Evaluation of Pahrump Medium or High Density Housing Needs
Affordable housing units
Retirement or senior housing
36%
48%
56%
Yes
58%
53%
43%
35%
No
9%
9%
Don’t Know/
Won’t Say
April 2003
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
Apartments
33%
9%
Town houses or condominiums
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
to
big
r
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
5%
10%
15%
20%
L
25%
22%
—
Pahrump Characteristics Most Liked by Its Residents
Among Patirump Residents (N-407)
(Top 6 Unaided Responses)
April 2003
town
city
small
Less
trafficlcongestionlquieter
than Las Vegas
Prefer
Weather/climate
Friendly people/good
neighbors
Laid back atmosphere
Peace/quiet
0%
2%
30%
35%
Page 6
Pahrump residents were asked in an unaided manner to state what they like
most
about
living
in
Pahrump.
The
results
of
this
exercise reveals that the greatest
number of such unprompted responses pertained to the lack of crowdedness and traffic congestion, particularly
as
compared
to
the neighboring community of Las
Vegas (29%), a preference for living in a smaller community as compared to a larger city (26%), Pahrump weather and
climate
(22°k), friendliness and a sense of
neighborhood (20%), an informal ‘laid back’ atmosphere (13%), and a sense of peace and quiet (12%). Other responses
were each mentioned in ten percent or
fewer of the instances and are presented in the Research Results section of this report.
Various issues residents mentioned that they like most about living
in
Pahrump
pertain
to
issues
that
might
be
addressed
by
master
a
plan
were
mentioned at a
fairly low frequency in this top-of-mind exercise. For instance, reasonable housing costs were
mentioned
in
4%
of
the
instances,
household
density in 2% of the
instances, open space in 2% of the instances, and air quality, proximity to recreation and parks, lack of zoning, lack of tax structure,
and ‘things to do for adults’
were each mentioned in 1% of the instances.
Research & Pollina. Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahnamp Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
4
:
I
5%
I
I
JIO%
10%
%
10%
15%
I
20%
I
I
25%
21%
Major Problems Facing Pahrump
Among Pahrump Residents (N—407)
(Top 9 Unaided Responses)
April 2003
Lack of medical facilities
Highwayslroads!streets are bad
Economy/jobs
Growing too big/too fast
Lack of city services
ducatiori system is poor
Lack of convenient shopping
Dust
Alcohol/drug abuse)DWI rate high
0%
30%
35%
p
40%
zz
45%
,
Page 7
Pahrump residents were asked without prompts
report
to
what
they
believe
to
be
the
biggest
problems
facing
Pahrump residents. By far the most frequently
mentioned response is the lack of medical facilities in the community,
which
is
mentioned
in
41%
of
instances.
Those 65 years of age and older were more likely
than those of other age groups to mention the lack of Pahrump medical facilities (48%). Another
one-fifth
of the residents (21%) pertain to the need to improve the
highways, roads and streets of Pahrump. Also mentioned fairly frequently as problems were the
economy and jobs (10%), that Pahrump is growing too quickly
(10%), the lack of city services (9%), a poor education system (8%),
the
lack
of
convenient
shopping
(5%), dust (5%), and alcohol and drug abuse, including a high
DWI rate (5%). Most of the problems mentioned in this top-of-mind questioning seem to pertain
to issues that residents may experience in their daily lives or that
they witness through media coverage.
Other problems that might be addressed by a master plan were each mentioned in fewer
than
5%
of
area
residents, including issues such as an unhealthy
environment related to air or water factors (3%), traffic congestion (3%), lack of zoning ordinances (3%),
lack of recreational facilities and parks (2%), lack of
control over land development (2%), trash and yard junk
(2%),
need
for
street
lighting
(2%),
the
need
for a centralized water system (2%), and other planning
issues that were mentioned in one percent or fewer of the instances. These are shown in detail the
in
Research Results (see page 31).
Research & Polling, Inc.
rz.z
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
Community Development Projects and Infrastructure
—
Pabrump Resident Survey
Page 8
Pahrump residents were asked to rate six specific community development projects
shown in the chart, which they evaluated on a 5-point rating scale, where
5
represented ‘strongly in favor’ of it and I represented ‘not at all in favor’ of it. The six
community
development projects evaluated by the residents are ranked by
the mean, or average, score on the 5-point rating scale in the chart presented here. The most
popular of the projects evaluated was the preservation of the semi
rural quality of life in Pahrump, which received a mean rating of 4.1 on the 5-point scale.
In fact, the majority of the residents (56%) indicated that they are
‘strongly in favor’ of this by assigning the rating of 5 to this issue. Those even more likely
than
others
to ‘strongly favor’ the preservation of semi-rural life quality in
Pahrump are those who believe the community is growing too quickly (68%), newcomers residing
in Pahrump for three or fewer years (66%), and those between
the ages of 45 to 64 (66%).
Other popular community development projects among Pahrump residents were the development
of shopping areas (3.8 mean), trail development along roadways
for bicycling, walking, and horseback riding (3.7 mean), and industrial and technology park development
(3.7 mean). This later issue was more likely to be
‘strongly favored’ by men (52%) and those 65 and older (51%) than others. Overall, 44%
were
‘strongly
in favor’ of such industrial development. The recreational
trail development along roadsides was assigned a ‘strongly in favor’ rating by 48% overall. Those
assigning still higher ratings to this project are households
including children (60%), 18- to 44-year-olds (60%), newcomers who have resided in the community
for three or fewer years (59%), and households earning
$40,000 to $60,000 annually. The development of another community center
received
mid-point
a
rating
with
a mean score of 3.3. Overall, 36% rate this
development as one in which they are ‘strongly in favor’ and those with children are more likely
to rate
it
this
way also (48%). Least popular of the community
development projects was the development of more recreational vehicle, or RV, parks which only 14%
of the Pahrump residents ‘strongly favor’ and which
received a mean rating of 2.6 on the 5-point rating scale.
Favorability Ratings for Various Community Development Projects
48%
46%
56%
Strongly
In Favor
5
13%
13%
15%
15%
4
22%
24%
14%
20%
16%
3
9%
6%
7%
9%
5%
2
21%
12%
18%
9%
7%
Not At All
in Favor
1
25
1%
1%
1%
2%
Don’t Know!
Won’t Say
3.3
3.7
3.7
3.8
4.1
Meant
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
April 2003
44%
10%
The preservation of a semi-rural quality of life
Bicycle, walking, and horse trails along roadways
36%
11%
Anothercommunitycenter
Shopping area development
Industrial development, including technology parks
14%
]
I
Research & Pollinu. Inc.
23%
18%
32%
1%
2.6
The mean score is derived by taking the average score based on the 5-point scale. The strongly in favor response
is assigned a value of 5; the not at all in favor response is assigned a value of
1, etc.
The “don’t know/wont say responses are excluded from the calculation of the mean.
More RV or recreational vehicle parks
t
1
Nye County. Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
Page 9
Of the six community development projects Pahrump residents evaluated, they most favor the preservation of a semi-rural life quality, yet the County’s acquisition
of public open space is opposed by the majority (52%) if it were to ‘slightly’ increase household taxes. Those 65 and over are even more likely to oppose such a
plan (60%) as are homeowners (56%). Only 35% support open land acquisition under the conditions that the household’s taxes would slightly increase, another
8% indicate that this issue would depend on various circumstances, and 6% are uncertain whether they would support or oppose such a plan. It should be noted,
however, that half of area residents under the age of 44 and households including children under the age of 18 are supportive of acquiring public open space
under these circumstances.
35%
I
0
ZU7
Calvada and
Pahrump Valley Blvd.
16%
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
(Top 4 Aided Responses)
April 2003
Preferences for a Pahrump Town Center Location
I
Highway 160
And Highway 372
14%
Duck Pond
1—
Pahrump residents were also presented four locations for the development of a town center, and asked which they would prefer. These findings are presented in
the graph, which shows that Highway 160 and Basin is the most favored of these locations with 35% of the residents selecting this location among the four
proposed. Those who prefer this town center location are even more prevalent in the area North of Mesquite (51%) and among those who have resided in
Pahrump for four to 10 years (41%). Overall, 20% of Pahrumpians prefer a town center location in the Highway 160 and Highway 372 area, 16% prefer a town
center to be located at Calvada and Pahrump Valley Boulevard, and 14% prefer the Duck Pond to mark the center of town.
100%
90%
80%
70%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Highway 160
And Basin
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Page 10
J
Also, Pahrumpians are relatively unconcerned that regulations regarding
architectural styles for commercial buildings be instituted (2.4 mean). Only
18% assign a ‘strongly agree’ rating to this issue, yet those 65 and older
(25%) and men (24%) are more likely to assign the rating of 5 to this issue.
Likewise, residents are relatively unconcerned that the town develop a
municipal airport (2.6 mean). With regard to the perceived need for a
municipal airport, trends by age of the resident are similar to those observed
regarding the highway bypass issue, yet newcomers who have resided in the
community for three years or fewer are more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that a
municipal airport is needed in Pahrump (37%). If a municipal airport were to
be developed in Pahrump, 78% of the residents are of the opinion that it
should be located more than two miles from residential neighborhoods.
Other issues evaluated by Pahrumpians received a mean rating below 3 on
the 5-point rating scale. Especially noteworthy is the low rating (2.0 mean)
that a highway bypass that circumvents the town is needed. Residents are
polarized by age on this issue with those between 18 to 44 years of age to be
more likely to state that they ‘strongly agree’ a highway bypass around town
is needed (22%); whereas, those 45 and older are more likely to ‘strongly
disagree’ with this issue (68%). As for the location of such a highway
bypass, 46% of the residents feel that the bypass should be located ‘up by
the mountain’ and 31% prefer that it be located ‘down in the valley’ when
asked to choose between these two locations. Fifteen percent did not
evaluate these two locations, but commented that no such bypass is needed
in Pahrump.
Palirump Resident Survey
Aside from the water and sewer service issues addressed later in this
Executive Summary, Pahrumpians were also asked to evaluate other issues
regarding Pahrump infrastructure, services, and regulations. Residents were
asked to evaluate seven such items, where they were again asked to
evaluate each on a 5-point rating scale, where 5 means that they ‘strongly
agree’ and 1 means that they ‘strongly disagree’ with each statement. A
summary of the issues that were evaluated is presented on the next page
ranked by the mean score (on the 5-point scale) assigned by area residents.
The residents of Pahrump seem to be most in agreement that roads along
which businesses are located have curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and lighting as
this received a mean rating of 4.0 on the 5-point scale with 61% of those who
offered an opinion are ‘strongly’ in agreement on this issue. Equally as
popular was the perception that Pahrump should institute regulations
regarding the size and location of signs. Sixty percent ‘strongly agree’ (4.0
on the 5-point rating scale) that such regulation is necessary.
Those issues regarding the need for more parks and the need for regulations
regarding the number of animals allowed per square acre received mean
ratings slightly above the mid-point on the 5-point rating scale, 3.4 and 3.2,
respectively. As might be expected, households including children are more
likely to ‘strongly agree’ more parks are needed (53%). This was also
observed among Pahrumpians under the age of 44 (53%). All residents
were asked to volunteer what sorts of activities or sporting events they would
like to see offered at parks and recreational facilities that Pahrump might
develop. The most frequently mentioned responses pertained to softball or
baseball (23%), skating or a skating park (22%), soccer (16%), basketball
(14%), playgrounds (13%), football (12%), and swimming pools (10%).
Other activities were mentioned in fewer than ten percent of the instances
and are shown in the Research Results section of this report.
Research & ollino. Inc.
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
Pahrump should have regulations for the size and location of signs
Roads near business areas should have curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and
lighting
36%
61%
60%
Strongly
Agree
5
9%
14%
9%
11%
4
17%
15%
20%
11%
13%
3
11%
9%
8%
7%
4%
4%
2
61%
44%
44%
29%
21%
15%
12%
Strongly
Disagree
1
1%
1%
1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
Don’t Know!
Won’t Say
2.0
2.4
2.6
3.2
3.4
4.0
4.0
Meant
Page 11
Pahrump needs more parks
37%
6%
185
10%
—
Pahrump should have regulations for the number of animals allowed per acre
23%
7%
10%
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
Ratings of Agreement & Disagreement with the Need for Various Services & Regulations
Pahrump should have a municipal airport
18%
4%
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
Apr11 2003
Pahrump should have regulations specifying the architectural styles allowed
for commercial buildings
13%
The strongly agree response is assigned a value of 5; the strongly disagree response is assigned a value of 1, etc.
Pahrump is in need of a highway bypass that bypasses the town
The “don’t know/won’t say” responses are excluded from the calculation of the mean.
t The mean score is derived by taking the average scorn based on the 5-point scale.
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
Regulations and Zoning Ordinances
—
Pehrump Resident Swvey
Page 12
In addition to evaluating regulations pertinent to the control of building and growth issues which are presented earlier in
this Executive Summary, Pahrumpians
were also asked to evaluate other issues regarding building and zoning.
One such issue pertains to the requirement of a building permit for additions to
existing
buildings
so
as
ensure
to
that
building codes are met. Seventy-one
percent of the residents are in agreement that such a requirement is a good idea; whereas, 22% prefer not
have
to
such
a requirement and another 5% believe
that such a requirement should depend on various circumstances. Newcomers who have resided in Pahrump for three
years or fewer are more likely to be in favor
of such a building permit requirement for new additions (81%) as are those residents in the 89048 zip code area (77%).
Other possible zoning issues for Pahrump were evaluated by
its
residents
on
a
5-point
rating
scale
where
5
means
the
resident
‘strongly agrees’ and I means the
resident ‘does not at all agree’ with the issue. All four issues evaluated receive a mean
score
of
approximatel
y
on
4
the
5-point
rating scale as shown in the chart.
Residents are most likely to be in agreement with the idea that the County should have laws that would regulate junkyards,
trash, and inoperable vehicles, which
rated a 4.3 mean on the 5-point rating scale. In fact, 71% of the residents ‘strongly agree’ that such regulation is needed.
The County should have laws to regulate Junkyards, trash, and abandoned
vehicles
67%
71%
Agree
5
9%
5%
9%
4
13%
9%
9%
7%
3
3%
3%
5%
3%
2
9%
14%
13%
8%
All Agree
1
3%
2%
2%
1%
Don’t Knowl
Won’t Say
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.3
1
Mean
I
1
Research & Polling, Inc.
..
I
I
I
.
Residents are also in ‘strong agreement’ that sexually-oriented businesses should be located away from Highways
160
and
372
(67%).
Women
are more likely to
be in strong agreement with this issue (74%) than are
men
(58%).
Sixty-four
percent
also
‘strongly
agree’
that
such
sexually-orie
nted
businesses should be
subject to zoning that varies from other types of businesses and that these businesses should be located near other sexually-oriented
businesses. Finally, 62%
are in ‘strong agreement’ that the County should have laws regarding abandoned buildings and non-permitted uses of occupied buildings.
Agreement Regarding Various Zoning & Regulation Issues
Among Pahrump Residents (N407)
April 2003
Assuming that sexually-oriented businesses will operate in Pahrump, these
should be located away from Highways 160 and 372
64%
10%
Do Wet At
Sexually-oriented businesses should be subject to different zoning than other
businesses and located near other sexually-oriented businesses
62%
Strongly
The County should have laws regarding abandoned buildings and nonpermitted uses of occupied buildings
I
The mean score is derived by taking the average score based on the 5-point scale. The strongly agree response is assigned a value
of 5; the do not at all agree response is assigned a value of 1, etc.
The “don’t know/won’t say” responses are excluded from the calculation of the moan.
I
i
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
Environment and Health Issues
—
90%
80%
70%
30%
0%
-
—
55.,.
•i
•18%
‘—•
__1
72%
Page 13
Industry and
Industrial Parks
—*i
—
—I
2%
18%
—.____________
Support for a Centralized Water System
That Would Serve the Valley & Various Developments
Among Pahrump Residents (N407)
April2003
.———•
.
•FLI
8%
j_
Businesses
No I Depends C Don’t KnowiWon’t Say I
New Master
Planned Developments
l• Yes
All residents were asked whether they would hook up their residence to a
centralized water system if the initial hook up fee to the system were free.
Fifty-four percent indicated they would do so and those even more likely to
do so under these circumstances are those with an annual household
income between $40,000 to $60,000 per year, men (63%), those 65 and
older (62%). and those residing in zip code area 89048 (61%).
The Entire
Valley
———.-
growth is ‘just about right’ (77%). Support for a centralized water system to
serve new master planned developments is 63% among Pahrumpians.
Long-time residents who have been in Pahrump for 15 years or longer are
less in favor of a centralized water system for new developments (45%) as
are 45 to 64 year olds (54%).
Pahrump Resident Survey
Many survey questions applied to environmental issues and the health
implications of these. These issues pertain to issues about water, sewer,
flood control, fire emergency services, and air dust.
Pahrumpians were asked whether they were in support of a centralized water
system for the entire valley and for other more specific developments such
as new master planned developments, businesses, and industry and
industrial parks.
Support for these various projects is shown here.
Interestingly, support for a centralized water system that serves the entire
valley is lower (42%) than support for the more specific projects evaluated.
In fact, overall 49% oppose a centralized water system that would serve the
entire valley. Those showing greater opposition to such a plan are those
residing in Pahrump for fifteen years or longer (67%), those who believe the
community is growing too quickly (58%), and 45 to 64 year olds (57%).
Those somewhat more likely to support a centralized water system that
would serve the entire valley are men (47%) and those 65 years and older
(47%).
Currently, 24% of the households are connected to one of the existing
centralized water systems. Generally, those who are connected to such
systems tend to be supportive of the types of residential water projects
presented in the survey. For instance, they are more likely to be ‘very
concerned’ about water contamination to wells from septic tanks (44%) than
those who are not connected to a well (36%). These households also
‘strongly support’ the requirement of periodic pumping of septic tanks to
prevent water contamination (40%) compared to 23% who are connected to
a well. Also, those already connected to a centralized water system are
more likely to believe such a system should serve the entire valley (60%)
than are those connected to a well (35%). A similar trend is noted for the
belief that a centralized water system should support new master planned
developments, yet no such differences between households currently with or
without a centralized water system are noted for opinions regarding business
and industrial use of a centralized system.
Seventy-two percent support a centralized water system for businesses, and
industry and industrial parks. Those supporting business use of centralized
water systems are more likely to be of the opinion that growth is too slow in
Pahrump (87%), 18 to 44 years of age (84%), and also those who believe the
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
Page 14
Those households currently hooked up to one of the centralized water systems are more likely
to
hook
to
up
one
centralized system (82%) if the initial hook up fee
were free than are households currently connected to a well (45%). Households in the area between Mesquite
and Gamebird are more likely to be connected to a
centralized system (33%). Homeowners are more likely to report they are connected to a well (80%).
Water shortages due to a drop in the water table were reported by five percent of the Pahrump households.
Among households experiencing this problem, it was
experienced an average of 1.9 times per year when the households who reported a daily shortage are excluded
from this analysis. One percent of the Pahrump
households reported a daily water shortage due to a drop in the water table.
JZZI
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
I
I
4
3
iO.k
2
6%
Research & Pollina. Inc.
1
Not At All
concerned
Don’t Know!
Wont Say
Pahrump Resident Concern Regarding
Water Contamination to Wells From Septic Tanks
Among Pahrump Residents (N407)
April2003
5
Very
Concerned
/
z
z
Shown here is the concern regarding water contamination to wells
from
septic
tanks
among
Pahrump
residents.
Fifty-two
percent are either ‘very concerned’
(39%) or ‘somewhat concerned’ (13%) about such contamination. Twenty-three percent
are
‘not
at
all
concerned’
about such contamination. Those ‘very
concerned’ about water contamination to wells from septic tanks tend to be newcomers who have resided in the
community for three or fewer years (47%).
j
I
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
I
Pahrump Regional Planning Distnct Master Plan Update
—
{••—
Pahrump Resident Survey
f::
iE:::;
fZ:
i:
Page 15
In spite of the finding that the majority (52%) of Pahrumpians are concerned with contamination to well water from septic tanks, proposed regulations
that might
require residential property owners
to
periodically
pump
their
septic
tanks
is
supported
by
only
38%,
comprised
of
28%
would
who
‘strongly
support’
such
regulation and 10% who would ‘somewhat support’ it. Newcomers to Pahrump who have arrived within the last three years are by far more supportive
of such
proposed regulation as shown by 47% of these households who indicate that they would ‘strongly support’ it.
Businesses
-J
Comparison of Support for
Various Centralized Water & Sewer System Projects
Among Pabrump Residents (N=407)
April 2003
New Master
Planned Developments
Industry and
Industrial Parks
72%
Support for a centralized sewer system was evaluated by residents in a similar manner as the centralized water system, including how it might pertain to the
entire
valley
or
to
specific
development
projects
such
as
new
master
planned
development
s,
businesses,
and
industry
and
industrial
parks.
The
results graphed here
show side-by-side the results of support for a centralized sewer and water system. As is shown here, support for both of these centralized systems
that pertain to
the entire valley receive less support than do specific projects that might access such centralized systems.
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
The Entire
Valley
[!centralized Water System 0 Centralized Sewer Treatment Plant
Fifty percent of the
Pahrump
residents
support
a
centralized
sewer
system
that
would
the
serve
entire
valley.
Those
more
likely to be in favor of such a system for
the entire valley are 18 to 44 year-olds (60%) and men
(58%).
Overall,
77%
would
support
such
a
system
for
industry
and industrial parks, 75% for businesses,
and 70% for new master planned communities. Those of the belief that Pahrump’s
growth
is
too
slow
are
more
likely
to support access to such a system for new
master planned developments (90%). Those more likely to support a centralized sewer system for businesses
are those who believe the community is growing
Research & Polling, Inc.
I
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
— Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Suivey
Page 16
too slowly (91%), 18 to 44 year-olds (88%), and households with children (84%). These same population
groups are also more likely to support such a centralized
sewer system for industry and industrial parks, which is also the case among men (82%).
..j
.zi
:..
I
9Q%
%f
0
1
0
60%
70%
50%
60%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%+
j
/
Likelihood to Hook Up Residence to
Centralized Water or Sewer System If Initial Hook Up is Free
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
April 2003
V
-1
Centralized Sewer System
Reearch & rollina. l?c.
Centralized Water System
I
I
: :.i
::z.:i
i
More residences are likely to hook up to a centralized sewer system (65%) than a centralized water system
(54%) if the initial hook up fee for each were free.
Those somewhat more likely to report that they would hook up to a centralized
sewer
system
are
those
already
hooked
up to a central sewer system (81%), men
(73%), residents residing in the 89048 zip code area (70%), and those residing between Mesquite and Gamebird
(69%).
::::i
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Page 17
The environmental hazard of fire was explored in that residents were asked
whether they would support or oppose the County’s ability to provide faster
fire emergency service if it slightly increased the household’s taxes. This is
deemed to be of importance among Pahrumpians as 72% would support
such a plan. Those most likely to support it are households earning between
$40,000 and $60,000 (83%) and women (79%). Overall, 23% oppose a plan
to speed fire emergency service if it entails a slight household tax increase.
Those reporting dust in the air as a problem were also asked their opinion of
how this problem might be reduced among options such as restrictions
regarding open burning, the paving or sealing of gravel roads, and
restrictions regarding the amount of land that can be cleared, including farm
land. Eighty four percent of this group believes that paving and sealing
gravel roads would alleviate the problem (84%), 20% favor restricting how
much land can be cleared, and 13% believe that the restriction of openburning would help reduce the dust problem.
Those who expressed concern over dust in the air by assigning a rating of
either a 3, 4, or 5 on the 5-point rating scale were asked whether their
concern was related to health issues, aesthetic factors, or both of these
reasons. Nearly three-fourths (73%) reported their concern as related to
health issues, 5% to aesthetic factors, and 17% reported that both of these
issues account for their concern about air dust. Five percent have other
reasons for considering air dust a problem. Those with an income over
$60,000 were more likely to report their concerns to be linked to health
issues.
rating scale where 5 is the highest score). Ten percent do not consider dust
in the air a problem.
Pahrurnp Resident Survey
Residents favor that funding for a centralized water and centralized sewer
system be paid for by a fee paid among those accessing the centralized
system (55%). Fourteen percent are of the opinion that such a system
should be funded through sales tax, another 14% favor that such a system
be funded through property taxes, 3% believe that all of these funding
mechanisms should be tapped, and another 14% qualified their responses in
some way or were uncertain what would be best. Those most likely to
believe that users of a centralized water or sewer system should pay for it
are residents living south of Gamebird (64%), women (63%), and those
earning between $20,000 and $40,000 per year (62%).
Residents were also asked to evaluate whether drainage improvements
should be made to control flooding from storms in the Pahrump Valley.
Seventy-eight percent of the residents believe such improvements should be
made, 18% believe such drainage improvements are unnecessary, 2%
qualified their responses, and 1% did not know. Households containing
children (86%) and those between 18 to 44 years of age (86%) are most
likely to be advocates of drainage improvements for flood control.
Pahrumpians are of the opinion that such drainage improvements should be
funded either through fees collected from residents and businesses located
in areas where such improvements are needed (44%) or paid for by
taxpayers throughout the region (41%). One percent believed that both of
these funding sources should apply for such a project, 9% qualified their
responses, and 5% do not know which funding source would be preferred.
Another environmental issue that was explored in the survey is that of dust in
the air. Overall, 62% of the residents consider this to be either a ‘serious
problem’ (47%) or ‘somewhat of a problem’ (i.e., a rating of 4 on the 5-point
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pabrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
7%
7%
:.:.i
—
Pahrump Resident Survey
Residential Lot Size
11%
One-Half
Acre
8%
One Acre
Research & Pollinci. Inc.
Three
Quarters
Of an Acre
1%
Among Pahrump Residents (N—407)
April 2003
Less Than One-Quarter
One-Quarter
Acre
Acre
,.i
58%
Five Acres
Or More
I—
More Than
I Acre, But
Less Than
5 Acres
L._J
Page 18
Speed of emergency fire services has relevance to Pahrumpians since the majority (58%) of
the residential properties are comprised of more than an acre or five
or more acres (6%) as shown here.
j
I
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Patirurnp Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
Taxation and Fees for Services
—
-
Pahrump Resident Suivey
‘-.
c
*
Page 19
Residents were asked how likely their household is to support the types of community improvements addressed in the survey through higher taxes or fees. The
results of this rating are shown here. Thirty-eight percent of the households are either very likely’ (25%) or ‘somewhat likely’ (13%) to support the types of
community services addressed by the survey, another 30% are neutral on this issue, and 32% are either ‘not at all likely (21%) or somewhat unlikely (11%) to
support such an increase.
Don’t Knowl
Won’tSay
Likelihood That Pahrump Households Would Support
The Types of Community Development Projects Addressed
In the Survey Through Higher Taxes or Fees
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
April2003
/1
—
13%
2
‘V.
Those more likely to be generally supportive of tax and fee increases for community development projects (such as those addressed in this survey) as defined by
assigning the rating of ‘very likely’ or ‘4’ are those who believe community growth is slow (65%), households that include children (61%), and 18 to 44 year-olds
(61%).
100%
//
:: z
70%
50%
60%
V
40% //
30%
20%
0%
10%
4
1
NotAtAll
LkeIy
Research & Polling, Inc.
1:2
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Update
—
Pahrump Resident Suivey
April 2003
Support for a Tax or Fee Increase for Various Community Development Projects
Among Pahrump Residents (N=407)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Centralized water and sewer system to be paid through property taxes
Open land acquisition, if household taxes are slightly increased
Residential property septic tank periodic pumping requirement
Overall likelihood to support higher taxes or fees for types of community development projects addressed
in survey
Drainage improvements for flood control to be paid by taxpayers throughout region
Drainage improvements for flood control to be paid through lees assessed from residents and businesses
located in such zones
Centralized water and sewer system to be paid through fees assessed of users
Faster emergency fire service, if household taxes are slightly increased
Community Project
8
Centralized water and sewer system to be paid through sales tax
The scoms of 5 and 4 on the 5-point rating scale, where 5 is the highest rating, were combined
to determine overall level of support.
9
Rank
14%
14%
35%
%t
38
%t
38
41%
44%
55%
72%
Overall Support
Percent
Page 20
Presented here is a chart that summarizes in rank order the support for taxes and fees in
general and for the various community development projects probed in
the survey. Of the community development projects that either stated or implied that they might
cost the taxpayer or user money or fees, faster emergency fire
service by far ranks the highest at 72%. Residents appear to prefer that users or those
in
need
of
services
pay fees as compared to all taxpayers, particularly for a
centralized water and sewer system
(55%)
and
for
drainage
improvemen
ts
control
to
floods
(44%).
In
many cases, residents are more likely to state a concern
about various community conditions than a willingness to pay for proposed solutions for such community
conditions.
t
Research & ollina. Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrunip Regional Planning Distnct Master Plan Update
2.
1.
The lack of medical facilities seems to be a foremost top-of-mind issue,
which might be addressed, particularly since approximately one-fourth of
Pahrump households are comprised of senior citizens and another 25% of
the households include at least one child under the age of 18.
Pahrump both enjoys and is hampered by the fewer community
ordinances and regulations that are commonly observed in many other
towns and communities across the country. Its residents enjoy this ‘laid
back’ atmosphere, yet are also challenged by its downsides and the
potential cost to implement changes and regulation. The majority
consider Pahrump community growth to be at a desirable pace.
7.
6.
Typically households tend to support community projects that fit the
needs of their household, particularly as reflected by age group and
longevity of residence in the community. Newcomers tend to be more
development minded and those with children prefer services that would
benefit their children such as parks and recreation and flood control
measures. The highest ranking issues focus on the control of junk,
abandoned buildings, speedy fire emergency services, semi-rural life
quality, road conditions, and centralized water and sewer for business
and industrial use.
Generally, most environmental issues of concern to residents (such as
water, sewer, flooding, and open space issues) are not necessarily
supported if they entail slight tax increases, fees, or the perception that
the resident may have to pay something to rectify the situation. The
only exception to this is the fire emergency service speed, where nearly
three-fourths of the residents are willing to increase their household
taxes slightly to witness faster service. This later issue may be a good
one to publicize among residents and to consider for implementation
since it is broadly supported.
Page 21
8.
continued
Issues such as the development of a highway bypass or a municipal
airport are of relatively low concern to residents at this time.
Interestingly, residents tend to be polarized on these two issues by age
groups, where younger residents place more value on such
developments than do senior citizens. Also of relatively low concern at
this time is the need for regulations regarding architectural styles for
commercial buildings.
Regulations pertinent to sexually-oriented
businesses are of above average concern to residents.
Pahrump Resident Suivey
3.
Roads, jobs and the economy, the lack of city services, a poor educational
system, the lack of convenient shopping opportunities, and dust in the air
may also be considered priorities as these were the most frequently
mentioned top-of-mind problems reported by Pahrumpians prior to
probing about specific projects and services.
—
4.
When probed about medium to high density housing that may be needed
in Pahrump, nearly one-half believe the town needs more retirement
housing and affordable housing.
One-third believe apartments,
condominiums, and townhouses are needed.
Summary and Observations
5.
Pahrumpians would rather preserve their semi-rural quality of life than
develop recreational vehicle parks or a new community center. They
value recreation trails, but also see a need for shopping, industry, and
technology park development. Yet only one-third support open land
acquisition by the municipal government if it entails a slight tax increase
for the household.
Research & Polling, Inc.
Nye County, Nevada
April2003
—
Pahrump Regional Planning Cistnct Master Plan Update
Summary and Observations (continued)
9.
—
Research & Pollina. Inc.
I
.1
J
:
:
Page 22
1
13. Since Pahrump is comprised of retirees, the middle-aged, and younger
residents many of whom are raising families, care should be taken to
evaluate which services might be beneficial for all and for the future of
Pahrump.
12. Study detailed Data Tables of this report to learn more about how
specific issues are perceived by particular population subgroups. The
most salient differences are presented in this Executive Summary.
Also, a demographic profile of the community might be composited for
various upcoming issues by studying which demographic groups are
more likely to fall into other demographic categories as well. Studying
this type of information can be helpful in developing implementation
strategies and support for specific projects.
11. Many of the community development issues addressed in this survey
are more likely to be supported by younger residents and by households
with children under 18. Senior citizens tend to be less supportive of tax
or fee increase issues presented in the survey, particularly if such
issues do not immediately benefit senior citizens.
Pahrump Resident Suriey
One percent of the households report an ongoing daily problem with
water shortage due to a drop in the water table. Among those who have
this problem, but not on a daily basis, are approximately five percent of
the households who experience this approximately twice per year on
average. Consideration might be given to calculating how many
households are actually affected and strategies for addressing the
situation.
i
10. A centralized water and sewer system are perceived as more attractive
for specific developments, including business and industrial, as
compared to a valley-wide initiative. The project-specific access to such
centralized systems is particularly more popular among younger
residents and among those who are awaiting more growth for Pahrump.
Yet residential initial hook-up fees to such centralized services are
favorably perceived among two-thirds for such a sewer system and onehalf for such a water system. Further study into these issues, including
a more in-depth evaluation of potential incentives may be warranted.
Only one-in-four report that their residence is currently connected to a
centralized sewer or water system. Such households tend to be more
supportive of the various centralized water issues studied in the survey.
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‘Master Plan Goals and Objectives Questionnaire
All results that were returned were tabulated, but this is not a statistically valid sample of
Pahrumpians.
AIR QUALITY
I
Goal 1:
Improve air quality to levels necessary to protect public health and improve
visual clarity.
Objective 1A: Minimize the generation of fugitive dust through
monitoring of construction activities.
Yes
66
No
4
Objective 1 B: Prioritize
established urban areas.
Yes
35
No
24
Maybe
5
NA
1
development
Maybe
17
of
vacant
parcels
within
NA
1
Objective 1 C: Stabilize areas of disturbed vacant land and unpaved
roads, by landscaping, paving or use of chemical dust suppressants
to reduce amounts of airborne dust.
Yes
50
No
12
Objective 1 D:
burning.
s
144
No
24
Maybe
13
NA
1
Restrict open burning to reduce the amount of refuse
Maybe
8
NA
1
Objective 1 E: Develop a Land Clearance Ordinance prohibiting large
scale clearing of undisturbed lands which directly contributes to
fugitive dust problems.
Lys
151
Li
No
9
Maybe
15
NA
1
1
AIR QUALITY, cont.
Goal 2:
Enhance public educational efforts concerning air quality issues, sources,
and solutions.
Objective 2A: Develop educational outreach programs to teach air
quality issues, sources and solutions by collaborating with the State
of Nevada Environment Department and Nye County Schools.
Yes
48
Goal 3:
No
12
Maybe
15
NA
1
Reduce fugitive dust emissions in the Town of Pahrump to meet federal and
state PMio particulates air quality standards.
Objective 3A: Establish a program to pave unpaved roads by
prioritizing paving of roads with the greatest density of commercial,
residential and industrial properties.
Yes
71
No
3
Maybe
2
Objective 3B: Prohibit the practice of vehicular parking in unpaved
areas.
Yes
26
No
31
Maybe
14
NA
2
Objective 3C: Encourage the State of Nevada to establish and
maintain meteorological and air quality sampling stations in optimally
placed locations and annually report on air quality trends.
Yes
59
No
11
Maybe
8
L
Ii
Li
n
ii
2
LAND USE
Housing
Goal 1
Residential and uses should reflect a diversity of housing types for singlefamily and multi-family housing development, while providing a range of
choices for low, medium and higher income residents.
Objective 1A: Allocate residential high and medium density parcels
of land for housing around and near mixed land uses to facilitate
access to day to day commercial, retail, and transportation needs.
I’
Yes
51
No
12
Maybe
12
NA
1
r
Objective 1 B: Designate residential land uses by densities including
reserve, rural, low, medium, and RV/Mobile Home Park to provide a
variety of housing choices.
Yes
52
No
10
Maybe
13
NA
1
Objective 1C: Prevent medium and high-density land uses in the
rural, low density, and reserve areas.
Yes
52
No
10
Maybe
14
Objective 1 D: Set a specific housing density (dwelling units per acre)
for each residential area in the Valley through the zoning ordinance.
Yes
53
No
12
Maybe
11
Objective 1 E: Provide for affordable and senior housing
opportunities.
Yes
62
No
7
Maybe
7
NA
1
Economic Development
Goal 2
Diversify the local economy by attracting, promoting, and supporting stable
and sustainable industries and businesses.
If
Objective 2A: Provide commercial land uses around major
transportation corridors and medium and high-density residential
areas.
Yes
54
ii:
No
10
Maybe
12
3
LAND USE, cant.
Objective 2B: Identify industrial park areas for research and
development, light manufacturing and warehousing.
j Yes
[62
Goal 3
No
1
Maybe
12
NA
1
Plan for the orderly expansion of employment, retail and commercial facilities
in targeted areas throughout the Pahrump Valley.
iii
Objective 3A: Allow for intense commercial uses around highway
corridors, while less intense commercial uses locate in mixed-use
areas.
L Yes
163
No
6
Maybe
7
Objective 3B: Designate large parcels of land for business park and
medical park facilities, thus diversifying the economic-base and
increasing the potential for employment.
L
Yes
161
No
4
Maybe
11
ER.
Objective 3C: Locate medical park facilities near the proposed
Hospital site to facilitate access and share compatible resources.
Yes
63
No
2
El.
Maybe
11
Li
Objective 3D: Establish land uses for business parks in strategic
locations near major arterials, transportation hubs and community
gateways.
Yes
63
Objective 3E:
Yes
60
No
4
ER
Maybe
9
ii
Li
Promote and support tourism in the Pahrump Valley.
No
7
Maybe
8
NA
1
Objective 3F: Design and develop gateways to Pahrump that
welcome visitors to the community and regional attractions.
Yes
Ls6
No
8
[1
iii
Maybe
12
Fl
Objective 3G: Develop an overall signage program that directs
visitors to tourist attractions.
Yes
47
No
12
11
[1]
Maybe
17
El
4
1
J
LAND USE, cont.
Objective 3H: Provide workforce training programs in Pahrump that
develop occupational and technical skills needed by employers and
establish a small business development program.
Yes
53
No
5
Maybe
16
NA
1
Objective 31: Identify potential locations for Yucca Mountain
Science and Technology Park containing support and training
facilities.
Yes
53
No
6
Maybe
17
Community Character
Link all land use decisions to improved quality of life for residents of the
Goal 4
Pahrump Regional Planning District by meeting their recreational, retail, rural
character, employment, community pride, transportation and infrastructure
related needs.
Objective 4A: Provide additional park and recreational facilities
throughout the Town of Pahrump.
[y
54
No
6
Maybe
16
Objective 4B: Enhance the sense of community pride by creating a
town center for mixed-use development, thereby generating
commercial, residential, recreational and civic activities.
I Yes
150
IT
I
I No
19
I Maybe
117
Objective 4C: Mitigate the negative visual affects of billboards and
off-premise signs through zoning and design standards for
community gateways and highway corridors.
Yes
62
No
7
Maybe
6
NA
1
5
LAND USE, cont.
Objective 4D: Allow adult entertainment businesses in the Town of
Pahrump within Heavy Industrial Land Use areas with a Conditional
Use Permit, and located away from major highways and public
schools, and churches.
L Yes
140
No
21
Maybe
15
I.
Objective 4E: Require the provision of open space or parks within
all planned subdivisions and encourage Planned Unit Developments
to maximize the amount of open space.
Yes
63
No
5
Maybe
8
Objective 4F: Maintain the rural lifestyle in Pahrump through the
right to own domestic livestock on parcels of land greater than one
acre.
Yes
42
No
16
Maybe
17
NA
1
Objective 4G: Protect the scenic views of the Pahrump Valley by
limiting building heights, reducing fugitive dust, controlling the
location of billboards and off-premise signs and compliance with a
“Night Sky Lighting Ordinance.”
Yes
61
No
9
Maybe
6
Objective 4H: Develop a set of nuisance ordinances that define
incompatible land uses that impact the quality of life or value of
neighboring properties.
Yes
59
No
8
Maybe
8
Li
NA
1
Objective 41: Preserve the open space quality of agricultural lands
through the voluntary use of Conservation easements.
Yes
42
No
8
Maybe
22
NA
3
Objective 4J: Begin a program to identify strategies for the
acquisition of Open Space through the community.
Yes
46
No
10
Maybe
19
F
NA
1
fl
6
L
LAND USE, Cont.
Objective 4K: Set aside future Cemetery sites, or allow as
permissive uses in some zones.
Yes
51
Li
Consistency
Goal 5
EM
EM
EM
Maybe
14
NA
2
Future Land Use designations should honor existing CC&R’s that preceded
the Master Plan Update.
Objective 5A: Coordinate land use decisions, existing CC&R’s and
zoning to reinforce the allowable uses and restrictions upon the land.
Yes
53
No
13
Maybe
5
NA
4
Objective 5B: Allow legal, but non-conforming uses to continue
with a grandfather policy setting forth specific implementation
techniques.
Yes
42
[11
No
14
Maybe
16
NA
4
Objective 5C: Use clear definitions for lots and single family
residential uses consistent with State law.
Yes
68
[I
EM
Fit
No
7
No
2
Maybe
2
NA
3
Objective SD: Consider the financial impact of new ordinances and
regulations on low-income residents, prepare “hardship clause” to be
included in the zoning ordinance.
Yes
38
Zoning
Goal 6
No
20
Maybe
15
NA
3
The property rights of land owners and their neighbors are respected through
the use of a zoning ordinance that designates what uses are allowed in each
zoning category.
Objective 6A:
Yes
60
Implement a comprehensive zoning ordinance.
No
6
Maybe
9
NA
2
Objective 68: Protect the health, safety and welfare of Pahrump
residents by removing or mediating existing illegal land uses that
threaten the public.
Yes
59
No
8
Maybe
5
NA
4
7
tI
LAND USE, Cant.
Objective 6C:
Yes
51
Include height restrictions in the zoning ordinance.
No
11
Maybe
11
U
NA
3
Objective 6D: Integrate sign regulations within the zoning
ordinance.
Yes
63
No
6
Maybe
4
NA
3
Natural Resources
Goal 7
The growth and development of Pahrump respects the limited, natural
resources as an asset to the quality of life of residents.
Objective 7A: Recognize the linkages between clean air and water
with the attractiveness of the Town for residents, tourism and new
economic interests.
Yes
L61
No
5
Maybe
7
NA
3
U
[ii
1]
Objective 7B: Manage growth in such a way that master planned
communities and business and medical parks are connected to
proper water and sewer systems.
LYes
L66
No
5
Maybe
2
NA
3
jj
Objective 7C: Encourage the use of low water, native and drought
tolerant landscaping for all planted medians, gateways, commercial
buildings, residential properties, business parks, and new master
planned communities.
Yes
67
No
4
Maybe
3
NA
2
!IJ
Objective 7D: Work cooperatively with the State to resolve issues
of water supply, water rights, water allocation, and protection of
water quality in the Pahrump Valley.
Yes
61
No
2
Maybe
11
NA
2
El
j
Objective 7E: Work cooperatively with the State to better define
water resource usage, the water recharge situation, and the effects
of over-allocating water within the basin.
Yes
62
No
4
Maybe
7
i]
NA
3
8
[1
LI
11
LAND USE, Cont.
Objective 7F: Document the amount of groundwater overdraft and
research solutions to correct the situation.
Yes
59
No
6
Maybe
6
NA
5
Objective 7G: Develop a local public monitoring program to assess
water use, quantity, quality and future water availability.
Yes
48
No
14
Maybe
12
NA
2
Objective 7H: Encourage developers to provide the County with
access to monitoring wells.
Yes
51
No
14
Maybe
10
NA
2
Objective 71: Protect against groundwater contamination by
requiring that well heads for new wells located in areas of special
flood hazard are elevated a minimum of six inches above the base
flood elevation as shown on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate
Maps.
Yes
65
No
4
Maybe
6
NA
1
Objective 7J: Develop a program of public awareness and
education concerning water conservation including reuse of gray
water.
Yes
62
No
5
Maybe
6
NA
1
Objective 7K: Preserve and protect areas of natural open space,
especially in environmentally sensitive areas.
Yes
9
Recreation
Goal 8
No
6
Maybe
10
NA
1
The availability of parks and recreational opportunities continues to enhance
the quality of life for Pahrump residents.
Objective 8A: Acquire lands for the creation of park and recreational
facilities both small scale (neighborhood parks) and large scale
(community-wide recreational facilities of greater than 40 acres in
size) to fulfill future recreational needs of the community.
L.
F-I
U
Yes
58
No
5
Maybe
12
NA
1
9
LAND USE, Cont.
Objective 8B: Provide quality park and recreational facilities through
design and maintenance.
Yes
62
No
2
Maybe
10
NA
2
Objective 8C: Require Master Planned Communities to design and
build parks and recreational facilities as an integral park of their
development.
Yes
63
No
4
Maybe
7
NA
2
n
El
Li
Li
1
10
1
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Goal 1
[I
[I
Ell
LB
[11
[LI
Ensure the provision of public services, public facilities and infrastructure
adequately meets the needs of the Pahrump Valley to the year 2023.
Public Education
Objective 1A: Ensure high quality educational services and facilities
in the community through County and School district collaboration.
Yes
64
No
3
Maybe
6
NA
3
Objective 1 B: Work with Nye County School District to identify
sites for new schools.
TYes
164
No
4
Maybe
6
NA
2
Public Safety
Objective 1C: Provide an adequate level of law enforcement
services and public safety to residents, visitors and businesses.
[ Yes
69
No
1
Maybe
4
NA
4
Fire Protection
[B
ri
I.
[ii
[I
11
Objective 1 D: Provide the citizen’s of Pahrump with a fire
management system in the most cost effective and efficient manner
feasible.
Yes
70
Maybe
3
NA
2
Objective 1 E: Increase the ability of the fire system to respond
quickly to fire emergencies.
163
No
3
Maybe
9
NA
1
Waste water Collection and Treatment
Objective iF: Utilize a variety of policies and ensuring that proper
wastewater and treatment facilities are provided to residential and
non-residential structures in the community.
L Yes
[]
No
1
158
Objective 1 G:
plants.
Yes
63
No
3
Maybe
13
NA
2
Identify sites for future municipal sewer treatment
No
5
Maybe
6
NA
2
Il
11
PUBLIC FACILITIES, cont.
Potable Water Storage nd Distribution
Objective 1H: Utilize a variety of policies and requirements to
ensure that the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) are followed while
ensuring that adequate potable water supplies and facilities are
provided to all residential and non-residential structures in the
community.
Yes
51
Objective 11:
plants.
(
Yes
[58
No
3
Maybe
17
NA
3
Identify sites for future municipal water treatment
No
6
Maybe
10
NA
2
Objective 1J: Plan and manage the water resources of the Pahrump
Regional Planning District by exploring the acquisition of private
water companies.
Yes
32
No
15
Maybe
27
NA
2
Storm water Runoff and Drainage
Objective 1 K: Protect the community from property damage due to
stormwater runoff by providing adequate stormwater collection,
detention/retention basins and conveyance facilities.
Yes
59
No
4
Maybe
11
NA
2
Li
Utility Infrastructure
Objective 1 L: Ensure the adequate provision of natural gas,
telephone, cable television, electrical facilities, and fiber optics to
serve the community
Yes
56
No
6
Maybe
12
NA
2
n
Objective 1 M: Encourage appropriate service area extensions by
utility companies to growing areas of the community.
Yes
68
No
3
Maybe
3
NA
2
Objectivel N: Plan for utility expansion into future commercial,
residential, and industrial areas.
Yes
63
No
4
Maybe
7
NA
2
Li
j
12
___________
___
iI
11
Li
Lu
Health Care
Objective 10:
Encourage the provision of appropriate health care
facilities and professionals for all the citizens of Pahrump.
Yes
No
Maybe
NA
70
2
2
2
Objective 1 P:
Develop recreational facilities for people of all ages to
direct the community toward overall physical and mental wellness.
LU
Li
[I
[I
LU
LU
Yes
No
Maybe
NA
51
8
14
3
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal
in
Objective 1 Q: Ensure the safe disposal of solid waste
the existing
landfill, and make provisions for future landfill as needed.
Ls
71
Objective 1 R:
No
Maybe
NA
1
2
2
Identify areas for a Landfill Transfer Station/Recycling
Center.
Yes
No
Maybe
NA
70
2
1
3
Li.
[ii
EU
rn
U
[U
11
Lu
LU
Lu
13
TRANSPORTATION
Goal 1
Promote a transportation system of arterial, collector and, local streets
capable of accommodating the anticipated travel demands of the Pahrump
Regional Planning District in a safe, efficient manner to connect people to
goods and services.
Objective 1 A: Develop a hierarchy of roads that recognizes the
importance of the use and function of each roadway classification.
Yes
[60
No
2
Maybe
11
J.j
NA
2
Objective 1 B: Design roadway standards for arterial, collector, and
local streets that reflects anticipated travel volumes based upon
development densities and the unique rural and urban character of
the Pahrump Valley.
Yes
63
No
5
Maybe
6
NA
2
TI
Objective 1 C: Acquire right-of-way to expand the roadway network
by widening highly traveled and centrally located roads.
Yes
61
Goal 2
No
2
Maybe
7
NA
2
A network of arterial streets should provide a high level of mobility for local
and through traffic with restricted access to adjacent properties.
Objective 2A: Propose arterial roadways with design standards,
such as four to six travel lines, raised or striped medians, controlled
access, lighting, curbs and gutters, and no on-street parking.
Yes
45
No
10
Maybe
19
ti]
NA
2
Objective 2B: Specify appropriate guidelines regarding driveway
access points, street intersection spacing and corner clearance to
maintain efficient and safe traffic flow in the Streets and Highways
Master Plan.
Yes
59
No
2
Maybe
5
NA
2
I,
14
TRANSPORTATION, cont.
Goal 3
Establish a series of collector roadways that distribute traffic to and from
neighborhoods to arterial streets without encouraging through traffic.
Objective 3A: Design collector roads with two to four lanes of
traffic of limited access control, a center turn lane, sidewalks, curbs
and gutters, a bicycle lane, and minimal lighting, parking may be
allowed on collector streets but is restricted near intersections.
Yes
48
Goal 4
No
4
Maybe
21
NA
2
Ensure that local streets in Low and Very Low Density Residential areas (1
acre minimum lot size or greater) enhance the rural character of Pahrump.
Objective 4A: Prepare a series of standards that provides for rural
character while maintaining vehicular safety and accessibility, these
standards might include soft edges of roadways, absence of Street
lighting, provision of right-of-way landscaping and bicycle and
equestrian lanes.
Yes
46
Goal 5
No
10
NA
4
Encourage non-motorized modes of transportation through the use of bicycle
and pedestrian pathways, and equestrian trails throughout the Pahrump
Regional Planning District.
Objective 5A: Establish
throughout Pahrump.
-
Maybe
16
specific
and
conceptual
trail
corridors
L
Yes
51
No
9
Maybe
14
NA
2
Objective 5B: Connect specific and conceptual trail corridors to
community facilities, existing trail networks, appropriate federal land,
and clusters of horse properties.
rr
Yes
46
Goal 6
No
7
Maybe
19
NA
4
Continue the study of merits and drawbacks of air-service for the Pahrump
Regional Planning District among neighborhoods and stakeholder groups.
Objective 6A: Complete the Federal Aviation Administration study
for a general Aviation Airport at the previously selected site in
Southwest Pahrump.
Yes
32
No
30
Maybe
11
NA
3
I
15
TRANSPORTATION, cont.
Objective 6B: Develop air service compatible with the surrounding
land uses in accordance with the recommendation and guidelines of
the Federal Aviation Administration study.
Yes
33
Goal 7
No
24
Maybe
15
NA
4
Future transportation planning acknowledges the regional relationship of
Pahrump to Las Vegas and Clark County and strives to coordinate transit
alternatives with neighboring communities.
Objective 7A: Establish a park and ride system for residents
employed in Clark County.
Yes
56
No
5
Maybe
11
NA
4
Objective 7B: Create a regional transportation plan, which
addresses multi-modal mass transit for the Pahrump-Las Vegas
corridor.
Yes
63
No
9
Maybe
10
NA
4
Li
I j
fl
16