The Planning and Zoning Commission deferred consideration of ZNCH‑25‑006, a zone‑map amendment request by Gregory R. McAllister (Algodones Distillery LLC) to change 15 Calle Alfredo in Algodones from Rural Residential Agricultural (RRA) to Special Use (SU) to align zoning with the property’s operation as a licensed craft distillery that hosts tours, tastings, limited retail sales and periodic private events.

Applicant Greg McAllister said the distillery received federal and state licensure in 2013 and that county staff at the time advised the operation was acceptable in the property’s zoning during the licensure process. He described making the capital investment to build a separate distillery structure and operating a regulated business for more than a decade. McAllister’s attorney, Cam Culbreth, cited New Mexico statutes enabling craft distilleries and argued distilleries have the same privileges as wineries under state law and should not be treated differently from wineries that are a listed permissive use in the county’s RRA district.

Many nearby residents opposed the zone change at the hearing. Concerns included guest parking on private driveways and school property, impacts on narrow unlit rural roads used by pedestrians and children, enforcement of noise and event end times, shared domestic‑well use and whether a domestic well can support commercial activity, and claims that events had occurred despite prior county guidance limiting on‑site service and public access. Opponents included several residents and a retired state police major who said he had opposed the distillery license in 2014; they raised specific allegations about events that had been held and disputed the applicant’s account of prior promises.

Supporters, including employees, event clients and product wholesalers, described the distillery as a small, locally produced brand that attracts reservation‑based visitors and occasional family‑centered events; they said the operation is responsible and has taken steps to reduce impacts (on‑site parking, breathalyzer checks for designated drivers, indoor event space to reduce outdoor noise). The applicant also said staff had told him earlier his proposed use was acceptable, then later a county letter imposed limits on events; he said the county’s interpretations and state law parity for distilleries have changed over time.

Planning staff recommended approval with conditions: designation of two ADA parking spaces, fire marshal inspection and occupancy approval, fire suppression requirements, commercial well certification and inspections for wells by the Office of the State Engineer, and conformance of exterior lighting to the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Staff reported receiving objections in the packet and noted the home‑occupation zoning interpretation no longer fit the scale of the operation.

After two hours of public testimony and cross‑discussion among commissioners, the commission voted to defer the matter to allow the applicant and the neighbors and county attorneys to provide additional documentation and seek possible mediation. Commissioner Rodriguez moved to defer; Commissioner Conrad seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. The commission asked county legal to review the history of county letters and the interplay with state licensing and asked staff to verify outstanding technical items (well/septic/fire/parking) for consideration when the item returns to the commission or proceeds to the Board of County Commissioners.

No final zoning decision was made; the deferral preserves the record for further review and possible negotiated solutions before a subsequent hearing.