Las Vegas Planning Commission Approves LDS Temple Despite Resident Concerns

By NEVBEX Staff for NEVBEX

The Las Vegas Planning Commission approved a request to abandon a City easement for an approved Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Lone Mountain Temple at its meeting on Nov. 12.

The easement lies within the 17.5 acres for which approval was previously received for construction. The temple is planned near Lone Mountain in northwest Las Vegas, and the easement runs along where Park Street would have been, had it extended through the property.

The City stated access to the adjacent property is not necessary for roadway, drainage or sewer purposes, as planned development has been approved for the site.

The 70KSF temple at Hickman Avenue and Grand Canyon Drive will include a steeple with a height of nearly 200 feet.

The project was approved in July but received a challenge from the Nevada Rural Preservation Alliance. Members of the alliance appeared at the meeting on Nov. 12 to continue opposing the project. The coalition believes the City sidestepped a zoning agreement that limits commercial and industrial projects in residential areas.

Detractors also raised concerns surrounding traffic, construction, environmental impact and lighting. At the time of the meeting, there was an ongoing request for legal review against the City within the Clark County District Court. Multiple attendees also spoke in favor of the project. The Church has noted the easement does not change any aspect of the project and that it was unanimously approved.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed that the architect for the project is PGAL and the general contractor is Martin-Harris Construction.