Redrock Valley Ranch, LLC v. Washoe County

OPINION

By the Court,

Pickering, J.:

Redrock Valley Ranch, LLC (RVR) proposes to export water from one hydrographic basin to another in northern Nevada. Both basins lie in Washoe County. The State Engineer approved the transfer applications, but Washoe County declined to grant RVR a special use permit for the pipelines, pump houses, and other infrastructure needed to make the water exportation plan a reality. The district court upheld the denial of the special use permit, and RVR appeals.

Washoe County gave mixed signals concerning the project. RVR contends that the inconsistent positions taken…