Rio Rancho outlines zoning agreements for Chamisa Hills Business Park development

In the heart of Rio Rancho, city planners gathered to discuss the future of the Chamisa Hills Business Park, a project poised to reshape the local landscape. The meeting, held on April 8, 2025, highlighted the importance of maintaining community standards while fostering development in this traditional office area.

The proposed business park will feature a commercial property owners association tasked with overseeing the maintenance of open spaces linked to the development. This initiative aims to ensure that the natural beauty of the area is preserved even as new businesses emerge. The planners described the project as consisting of bulk tracts that will be sold to individual developments, each responsible for their own open spaces and portions of the trail network.

Zoning regulations were a focal point of the discussion, with officials emphasizing the need to honor existing agreements. The West 9 area, for instance, is set to be developed under R1 standards, which will limit construction to single-story buildings and include a 65-foot buffer around the perimeter. Similarly, the Vida Moderna subdivision will adhere to R2 standards, ensuring that lot widths and height limits remain consistent with community expectations.

The illustrative master plan presented during the meeting was described as aspirational, showcasing potential layouts that reflect the vision for the area. However, city officials clarified that these designs are not final and will undergo further scrutiny. Detailed planning, including traffic impact studies and utility assessments, will be required before any building permits are issued.

As the meeting concluded, the planners expressed gratitude for the community's engagement in shaping the future of Rio Rancho. With careful consideration of zoning laws and community standards, the Chamisa Hills Business Park stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to balanced growth and sustainability. The discussions held today will undoubtedly influence the character of Rio Rancho for years to come, as the city navigates the delicate dance between development and preservation.