George Romero received a waiver from the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission last week on rear and side yard setback requirements, along with parking requirements, for a 1,500-foot addition onto Romero's Mexican Restaurant, at 290 S. Humahuaca Street.

The existing 2,400-square-foot restaurant was constructed in 2003 on a 0.27-acre site that was later zoned light industrial in the comprehensive zoning map approved in 2007.

Plans call for using the expansion for additonal storage and a relocated bar area that will include gaming.

The planning department sided with Romero's complaints the subdivision layout for Calvada Unit 11, platted in 1974, created a hardship for his expansion plans.

In a letter requesting the setback waiver, Romero wrote: "A zero lot line is not unreasonable and is allowed for businesses similar to mine that are found in the general commercial zone."

Neighbor Tom Saitta was granted a reduction in the rear yard setback from 20 feet to 10 feet by the RPC last October for Tommasino's Italian restaurant and a waiver from a requirement for a six-foot rear landscape buffer.

When it came to parking, Romero's Restaurant and outdoor patio has a capacity for 80 patrons, or roughly 20 tables, planners said.

The Nye County Code calls for one parking space per four seats. Planners said the adjusted parking plans can accommodate no more than 52 patrons.

Romero said he has a shared parking arrangement for a lot with Tommasino's Italian Restaurant, which opened July 7. Planning Director Jack Lohman said Tommasino's is only a lot away from Romero's, which would be an ideal opportunity to do some joint planning beween the two businesses.

Romero also wanted relief from 932 square feet of landscaping requirements. Romero told the RPC that restriction could cut back on his ability to allow people to park safely.

RPC member Nevada Tolladay said while he's pleased to hear of the expansion, he added, "One of the things in my estimation we suffer in this community is a lack of shade as a result of a lack of previous planning."