Santa Fe County planning commission approves small-event ‘retreat’ at 7687 Old Santa Fe Trail with conditions

The Santa Fe County Planning Commission on Aug. 21 approved a conditional-use permit allowing a small outdoor event “retreat” at 7687 Old Santa Fe Trail, authorizing limited memorials, wedding ceremonies and transitional gatherings on the property owned by Thomas and Christina Maestas Simic.

The commission approved the permit after a lengthy public hearing that drew more than two dozen speakers both for and against the proposal. The permit was approved subject to conditions recorded with the county clerk, a required lighting plan, a county business license, limits on parking and events, and provisions to coordinate inspections with the Fire Department.

Why it matters: The application highlighted tensions that commonly arise in rural residential areas where owners request limited commercial uses: neighbors raised concerns about traffic, emergency evacuation and noise, while supporters and the applicants emphasized cultural and bereavement services held outdoors and small-scale, deeply personal ceremonies. The commission’s decision balances those community-safety concerns with the applicants’ stated intent to offer culturally specific, low-impact ceremonies.

Staff summary and findings

David Rees, county planning staff, told the commission the parcel is zoned Traditional Community and that a retreat is listed in the Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC) appendix B as a conditional use in that zone. Rees said staff and the hearing officer found the application met the conditional-use criteria in the SLDC and recommended approval with conditions. He summarized standard conditions including recordation of the CUP, a detailed lighting plan, a Santa Fe County business license, and compliance with review-agency comments; he also noted conditions addressing access…