High Desert Area Plan

Introduction 

The purpose of the High Desert Area Plan is to act as a guide for the Board of County 
Commissioners, the Washoe County Planning Commission, and the community on matters of 
growth and development within the High Desert planning area.  The plan outlines the existing 
pattern of development and provides a guide for growth.  The plan guides growth by recognizing 
critical conservation areas, establishing existing and future land use and transportation patterns, 
and identifying current and future public services and facilities needs.  This plan was prepared to 
carry out Nevada Revised Statutes, Sections 278.150 to 278.230, inclusive, and other related 
sections. 

The High Desert planning area comprises the northern two thirds of Washoe County.  The 
planning area is bounded on the north by the Oregon-Nevada state line, on the south by North 
Valleys planning area and the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation boundary, on the west by the 
California-Nevada state line, and on the east by the Pershing and Humboldt-Washoe county line.  
It includes the communities of Gerlach and Empire.  The planning area is approximately 4,408 
square miles in size.

The Washoe County population projections for the year 2015 forecast a future population of 900 
in the High Desert planning area.  The forecast was based upon existing zoning and land use 
patterns, current development proposals, and expected development potential.  Population 
growth will have numerous impacts in the area.  These impacts are related to conservation, land 
use and transportation, and public services and facilities.  Therefore, the plan is organized into 
sections corresponding to these main topics.

The Conservation section provides basic information on the natural features, resources, and
physical constraints that affect the development of the planning area.  Some of the specific issues
addressed include

Establishment and protection of wilderness areas