The Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a series of zoning actions aimed at promoting industrial development in the Rio Rancho Estates planning area.

Planning staff said CU-25-002 was submitted by the County’s Economic Development Department as agent for the New Mexico State Land Office for a conditional use permit in the general industrial district for a 528‑acre tract in Section 36, intended to facilitate industrial development previously identified in the Rio Rancho Estates Area Plan (RREAP). Staff noted the area already contains several utility‑scale uses, including three solar facilities, a regional electrical switching station and a natural gas compression station.

The commission also considered ZNCH-25-003 and CU-25-003, a zone map amendment and underlying conditional use authorization to convert selected parcels from commercial design (CD‑RRE) to general industrial zoning to allow industrial permitted uses on county‑owned parcels contiguous to Section 36. Staff recommended sending the cases to the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation to approve based on findings in the staff report; no public opposition was reported for these items.

Commissioner Maduena moved to approve CU‑25‑002; Commissioner Brown seconded. The commission approved the CU. Later, Commissioner Rodriguez moved and Commissioner Brown seconded approval to send ZNCH‑25‑003 and CU‑25‑003 to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation to approve; the commission voted in favor.

Staff emphasized consistency with the county comprehensive plan and the RREAP guidance that identifies the subject area as suitable for industrial uses. The commission’s action forwards the zone change and conditional use requests to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.