Moose Ridge Reno 2026: What the Approved 46-Home Subdivision Means for Neighbors on Fox Trail, Moose Ridge and Sandestin Drives in Northwest Reno

Moose Ridge Reno 2026: Approval Timeline, Zoning, Open Space, Wildfire Safety Requirements and What Comes Next for Homeowners Near Somersett in 89523

By Crystal Bauer, Certified Luxury Realtor® | eXp Realty

Moose Ridge in Reno has officially cleared its last city vote in 2026. If you live on Fox Trail, Moose Ridge or Sandestin drives, a new neighborhood of about 46 homes is now approved on the hillside just above you.

I covered the bigger wildfire and growth debate in an earlier post. This one is for the neighbors: where the project stands, what was approved, and what to watch for next.

Where Is the Moose Ridge Development?

The site is about 42 to 43 acres just north of the end of Moose Ridge Drive, roughly 115 feet from its intersection with Fox Trail Drive. It sits above the ends of Sandestin and Moose Ridge drives, near Somersett in Reno's Ward 5.

The homes are planned on the flatter, southern part of the property. The steeper northern slopes, which exceed 30 percent, are set aside as open space.

What Exactly Was Approved at Moose Ridge?

• About 46 single-family detached homes on the southern, flatter portion of the site.
• About 22 acres rezoned from SF-3 (up to three homes per acre) to SF-8 (up to eight homes per acre), so homes can be clustered on the gentler ground.
• About 20 acres rezoned to Parks, Greenways and Open Space.
• A tentative subdivision map and major site plan laying out the lots.

Why Rezone to a Higher Density?

It sounds counterintuitive, but the higher zoning applies to a smaller footprint. Supporters noted at the council meeting that under the old SF-3 zoning, more lots might be possible if the developer graded heavily uphill.

Clustering the homes lower on the site keeps the steep slopes open. Others on the council and many residents still questioned adding homes in a high-risk wildfire area at all.

How Did Moose Ridge Get Approved? A Timeline

1. Summer 2025: The Reno Planning Commission first heard the rezoning. The applicant's representative, Derek Wilson of Rubicon Design Group, estimated 60 to 65 homes at the time. After strong public comment about safety, traffic and density, commissioners asked for a slope and density analysis and alternatives.
2. July 15, 2026: The Planning Commission recommended the rezoning and approved the tentative map and major site plan for about 46 homes, with roughly 20 acres of open space.
3. August 26, 2026: The City Council voted 4–2 to advance the rezoning after a heated wildfire-safety debate, just as Hawk Fire evacuees were returning home. Mayor Hillary Schieve and Council Member Naomi Duerr voted no.
4. September 2026: The council adopted the rezoning on second reading, completing the zoning change.

What Wildfire Safety Measures Are Required at Moose Ridge?

Wildfire was the center of the debate. According to a summary of the August council meeting, fire prevention staff said new wildland-urban interface rules will require:

• Ignition-resistant roofs and protection for walls and vents.
• Fuel-modification zones and vegetation management.
• Fire sprinklers in the new homes.

The developer also proposed an engineered emergency access road and a water-system interconnection. Supporters said both could add redundancy for neighboring subdivisions.

Those who voted no remained concerned about evacuation in a high-risk area. Both perspectives are part of the public record, and neighbors should follow how these commitments are carried out.

The Moose Ridge Fire

Separate from the Hawk Fire, a wildfire known as the Moose Ridge Fire burned about 111 acres on Peavine Mountain above Somersett around August 7 and 8, 2026, according to KOLO. No structures were reported threatened, and the cause was under investigation at the time.

It's a reminder that the hillsides above northwest Reno are active wildfire country, with or without new development.

What Happens Next at Moose Ridge?

With zoning and the tentative map approved, the next steps are typically final maps, grading permits and building permits. None of the public coverage I found names the builder or gives a start date for grading or construction.

The Planning Commission staff report from July 15, 2026, on the City of Reno's agenda portal is the best place to look for the applicant and conditions of approval.

What Does Moose Ridge Mean for Nearby Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers?

For Neighbors on Fox Trail, Moose Ridge and Sandestin

Expect construction activity, trucks and some noise once grading begins. Over time, you may also see new access routes and water-system improvements that serve the wider area.

If your home backs up to the open space, ask how it will be maintained and how fuel reduction will be handled near your property line.

For Buyers

If you're considering a home nearby, ask about the timing of construction, views toward the hillside, and any changes to traffic on Moose Ridge Drive.

Check wildfire hazard maps and get homeowners insurance quotes early in your search.

For Sellers

Buyers will likely ask about Moose Ridge. Clear, accurate answers build trust.

Highlight your own defensible space, ember-resistant upgrades and any Firewise efforts in your HOA. These features can set your home apart.

Your Moose Ridge Neighbor Checklist

1. Read the July 15, 2026, Planning Commission staff report for conditions of approval.
2. Watch City of Reno agendas for final maps and permits tied to Moose Ridge.
3. Ask your HOA how it plans to coordinate with the new neighborhood on fuel reduction.
4. Update your own defensible space and clean gutters, vents and decks.
5. Sign up for Washoe County emergency alerts and review your evacuation routes.
6. Review your homeowners insurance coverage with your agent.
7. Document your home's condition before nearby grading begins.
8. Attend public meetings or submit comments when new items come up.

The Bottom Line on Moose Ridge

Moose Ridge is fully approved at the zoning level, with about 46 homes planned on the lower part of the site and about 20 acres kept as open space.

The builder and timeline are still to come, and I'll share updates as they become public.

If you live near Somersett or anywhere in northwest Reno, or you're thinking about buying or selling here or in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, I'm always happy to talk through what's changing and what it means for you.

Explore More Northwest Reno Real Estate Insights

• Northwest Reno Wildfire Development 2026: What Buyers Should Know
• Talus Valley Reno 2026: What the New Assessment Means for Buyers

About Crystal Bauer

I'm Crystal Bauer, Certified Luxury Realtor® with eXp Realty, specializing in luxury residential real estate across Reno, Somersett, northwest Reno, Northern Nevada and all of Lake Tahoe and Truckee. I follow what's being built in our neighborhoods closely so my clients and neighbors can make confident, informed decisions.

Visit crystalspropertyconnection.com

Crystal Bauer, REALTOR® | eXp Luxury
eXp Realty of California | CA DRE #02099002 | NV S.0196277
120 Country Club Dr #63, Incline Village, NV 89451
CA (530) 788-8251 | NV (775) 530-4747

Research Sources & Further Reading

CitizenPortal — Commission Recommends Zoning Change and Approves Tentative Map for Moose Ridge
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/8513740/nevada/washoe-county/reno/commission-recommends-zoning-change-and-approves-tentative-map-for-moose-ridge-with-large-openspace-component

CitizenPortal — Reno Planning Commission Considers SF8 Zoning Change for Moose Ridge Drive Development
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/5423471/Nevada/Reno-Planning-Commission-Considers-SF8-Zoning-Change-for-Moose-Ridge-Drive-Development

CitizenPortal — Planning Commission Continues Moose Ridge Zoning Map Amendment, Asks for Slope Analysis
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/6509525/nevada/washoe-county/reno/planning-commission-continues-moose-ridge-zoning-map-amendment-after-intense-public-comment-and-asks-for-slope-analysis

CitizenPortal — Council Refers Moose Ridge Rezoning to Second Reading After Heated Wildfire-Safety Debate
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/9755974/council-refers-moose-ridge-rezoning-to-second-reading-after-heated-wildfiresafety-debate

This Is Reno — Hawk Fire Evacuation Concerns Spark Debate Over New Homes in Northwest Reno
https://thisisreno.com/2026/08/reno-council-approves-moose-ridge/

This Is Reno — Reno City Council to Consider Moose Ridge Rezoning
https://thisisreno.com/2026/09/police-chief-update-city-clerk/

This Is Reno — Reno Council Adopts Moose Ridge Rezoning on Second Reading
https://thisisreno.com/2026/09/reno-rezoned-moose-ridge-site/

KOLO 8 News Now — Moose Ridge Fire in Northwest Reno Grows to 111 Acres
https://www.kolotv.com/2026/08/08/firefighters-are-mapping-moose-ridge-fire-northwest-reno/

This article reflects information available October 26, 2026. Plans, conditions and timelines may change; confirm current details with the City of Reno. This is general information, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Photo: David Mirabal on Unsplash.