Rio Rancho staff propose DPM and Chapter 155 updates; planning board hears months of public feedback and splits on recommendation

City of Rio Rancho staff presented proposed updates to the Development Process Manual (DPM) and matching revisions to Chapter 155 at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting, prompting extended public comment from builders, development representatives and residents and a divided board recommendation ahead of governing‑body consideration.

The presentation by Amy Rincon, director of development services, explained that the DPM update (the manual first adopted in 2010) is intended to clarify procedures, consolidate design guidance out of the zoning chapter into a single technical manual, add a formal waiver process, and update standards to reflect national best practices. Rincon told the board the manual is intended to promote consistent development reviews, durable public infrastructure and clearer guidance for residents and applicants.

The proposed changes include lowering the master‑plan acreage threshold from 20 acres to 10 acres while allowing master plans with 90% (instead of 100%) ownership, moving detailed design standards into the DPM to shorten the ordinance text in Chapter 155, adding traffic‑calming language and clearer submittal and review timelines, and requiring that parks under 3 acres be HOA‑maintained unless other public park access is available within a half‑mile walk.

Why it matters: Staff said the changes reflect lessons learned during 15 years of applying the DPM, address aging streets and drainage in earlier subdivisions, and aim to give neighbors earlier notice of large developments. Rincon described “barnacle” or “island” subdivisions — small developments isolated from existing neighborhoods — and said master plans help coordinate…