Planning commission approves conditional use permit for tortilleria at 11401 North Loop Drive

The City of Socorro Planning and Zoning Commission voted Thursday to approve a conditional use permit allowing a tortilleria between 3,000 and 10,000 square feet at 11401 North Loop Drive.

Planner Botello, with the City of Socorro planning department, presented the request and said the property owner and representative is "Mr. Armando S. Del Luna" and that the site measures "22,968.92 square feet." Botello told commissioners the parcel is zoned C-1 (neighborhood commercial), the city's future land use map lists it as Neighborhood Commercial, and planning staff "recommend[ed] approval of that conditional use permit request." Botello also displayed photos, an aerial image with the property outlined and a site plan showing the existing building and parking that staff said complies with requirements.

No members of the public spoke for or against the request during the public hearing, and a motion to approve the conditional use permit was made by Commissioner Enrique Cisneros and seconded by Commissioner Andrew Arroyos. The motion carried with three ayes: Cisneros, Arroyos and Commissioner David Estrada.

Why it matters: the permit allows a commercial food-production use in a neighborhood commercial zone. Staff flagged the request as consistent with the future land use designation and reported no public opposition after mailed notices in English and Spanish.

Planner Botello noted the public-notification area and said staff "did not receive any correspondence or calls, anything in favor or opposition for this request." With the approval, the applicant may proceed under the conditions of the conditional use permit and applicable city code. Staff did not state additional conditions in the public hearing record.