Council expands permitted locations for utility facilities, exempts utilities from planning review to speed service expansion

The Socorro City Council approved amendments to the Code of Ordinances that (1) add definitions and permitted/conditional uses for electric public utilities and public utility facilities across zoning districts, and (2) add planning exemptions to remove certain utilities from the standard multi‑month planning review process. City staff said the changes are intended to streamline placement of small substations and other utility infrastructure to meet increased demand as farmland is redeveloped.

City planner Lorraine and planning staff explained that the current zoning ordinance was restrictive and that staff used the City of El Paso model to expand permitted locations for substations. The amendments add definitions, permitted uses and conditional uses for utilities to chapter 46, and amend chapter 38 to reflect an additional state code exemption.

Staff cited growing interest from El Paso Electric in strategic properties (examples listed in the presentation included Alameda, Bovee and North Loop areas) and said that businesses have previously declined to locate in Socorro when local utilities were not available. Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval; the council voted to adopt the ordinance amendments.

What council approved: The changes make it easier for utilities to site smaller substations without the prior requirement for conditional use permits and shorten the planning timeline for qualifying utility projects. Staff said the amendments do not remove standards for siting but align local code with state provisions and neighboring jurisdictions.

Next steps: The city will coordinate with El Paso Electric, other utilities and TxDOT as needed for right‑of‑way issues; specific siting and permits will still require review under the revised code.