Washoe County is taking steps toward making the heat more bearable for people who live in the area after Assembly Bill 96 went into effect on July 1.
So far, the county has held public hearings, and based on those and the bill's requirements, the Planning Commission recommended specific amendments to Washoe County's Master Plan to include more heat mitigation efforts.
But the approval from the Planning Commission does not mean the plan will automatically be adjusted.
“It would go to the Board of County Commissioners, and then it actually also goes to the Regional Planning Commission for conformance review. So that is a process that is still going to take a couple to a few months. Now after that, the implementation kind of becomes part of our overall Master Plan implementation,” said Kat Oakley, Planning Commissioner for Washoe County.
After everything is approved, the construction phase happens and could take a couple of years. The County would add more shade structures, public water fountains, cooling centers, and even plant more trees that will grow and contribute additional shade.
In the meantime, folks are taking precautions on their own while out in the heat.
“If I'm going to be out in the sun for a long time, I always try to have long sleeves on, hooded sun shirt, and a sun hat,” said Jason Albery.
“I look for spots where I'm going to have some good shade. And the nice thing, even though Reno is semi-arid here, the river area is always the coolest part of our town,” said Robert Biggs.
Both men say they would be excited about more trees and public drinking fountains specifically.
As the process continues, the County will update the master plan online here.
