Business as usual for building permits

The Douglas County building permit process has not been slowed by court rulings last week on the Sustainable Growth Initiative.

Since the growth-limiting measure was voter-approved Nov. 5, the Douglas County Community Development Department has processed 160 permits for dwelling units outside of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

As of late this week, the county has received 248 building permit applications. Of those, 12 are for time-share units.

The Nevada Supreme Court upheld the initiative Tuesday. On Thursday, a temporary restraining order was extended in Douglas District Court.

A trial date has been set for Feb. 11 to consider implementation of the initiative, which will limit new dwelling units to 280 per year.

"The Supreme Court decision didn't do anything," said Bob Nunes, director of community development for Douglas County.

"And we are still operating under the District Court (ruling)."

The review process has not changed either, Nunes said.

An application is deemed complete once all information about a proposed project is received.

After the application is complete, the project package is reviewed to ensure it meets county codes.

Once the application passes that review, the applicant is contacted to pay associated fees and gets a permit.