Commission approves accessory dwelling at Ventana View; neighbors cite concerns about short-term rentals

The Dona Ana Planning and Zoning Commission approved Special Use Permit SU25-017 to allow an accessory dwelling at 5049 Ventana View Road in the Tallahassee subdivision. Staff presented the request and recommended approval, describing the lot as a 2.5-acre parcel in the R5L zoning district and stating that the accessory dwelling’s heated area would be within county limits. Christopher Valencia, county planner, summarized that notices were mailed and that staff found no negative reviews from flood, fire or road engineering reviewers; staff concluded the SUP complies with the Unified Development Code and recommended approval. Applicants Chuck and Diane Blakeman spoke in support, telling the commission they moved from Denver recently, intend to live on the property and described intended uses for the casita: family visits, occasional retreats for nonprofit associates, and limited short-term rentals with management controls. Residents Diana Frye and Randy Fry, neighbors to the north, testified in opposition and expressed concerns about the cumulative effect of vacation rentals on neighborhood character, privacy and road capacity. Frye urged commissioners to consider recruitment and retention of regional talent and the effect vacation rentals may have on neighborhoods that some executives prefer to avoid. Commissioners asked staff about the interaction of the SUP with the county’s short-term-rental regulations; staff explained the SUP is a prerequisite for an accessory dwelling and that a separate short-term-rental permit and registration process applies for operators who advertise on platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO. Staff said accessory dwellings that have been converted without permits will require building inspections and that properties operating as short-term rentals must carry liability insurance and meet county conditions. Motion and vote: Commissioner Ranga moved to approve SU25-017; Commissioner Loehr seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 7–0. Staff said next steps include building-permit review and, if the owners pursue short-term rental use, a separate registration and inspection process under the county’s short-term-rental rules.