Supreme Court rules against Reno in Lemmon Valley lawsuit

The Nevada Supreme Court turned down the city of Reno’s appeal of a lawsuit that allowed 54 property owners to seek class action status against the city over 2017 flooding in Lemmon Valley.

The decision filed Thursday, December 12, 2019 notes while the court refused the writ of mandamus, the city can still appeal the court decision using a conventional appeal.

The property owners sued the city for inverse condemnation, nuisance, trespass and conversion after flooding in the winter of 2016-2017.

The suit charged that the city caused the flooding by allowing the discharge of effluent into Swan Lake and by approving developments and allowing street and drainage plans.

A Washoe District Court jury in June found the city liable of taking property without compensation and of taking property for government use. The jury did not find the city of Reno liable for trespass and nuisance.

The Reno City Council voted in August to appeal the decision.

A separate trial is planned to determine damages. The next court date is in February, 2020.

The city of Reno did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The suit was seeking $15 million, but attorney Roger Doyle said they’ve offered to settle for $3.25 million.