Doña Ana County panel approves rezoning of 10.16-acre Del Rey Boulevard parcel to C-2

The Doña Ana County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve case Z25-012 on June 26, 2025, changing zoning on a 10.16‑acre parcel along Del Rey Boulevard from D‑1 and I‑1 to C‑2 to allow a broader range of commercial uses.

County planner Albert (last name not specified in the record) told the commission the site is roughly 10.16 acres, with an almost 1‑acre I‑1 triangle at the western edge, and that the Del Rey Boulevard right of way is 60 feet and is county‑maintained. He said water service is available from Moon Gate and wastewater will be by approved septic systems, and that driveways would be permitted off Del Rey Boulevard, which the Mesilla Valley MPO classifies as a principal arterial.

Staff recommended approval, concluding the request meets the Unified Development Code (UDC) decision criteria (including UDC Section 203.D.1), is not a spot zone, and is not in significant conflict with the county comprehensive plan; staff cited Comprehensive Plan Goal G‑2.2 among the supporting policies. The applicant, represented by Steve Peel of Borderland Engineers, said owners Larry Cohorn and his wife want to market the vacant property for commercial use; Peel said the parcel has been used residentially in the past but is now vacant.

The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Lier and seconded by Commissioner Zurniak; a roll call recorded votes of yes from Commissioner Uranga, Commissioner Lier, Commissioner Garcia, Commissioner Fisher, Vice Chair Zurniak and the chair (recorded as Sargent/Sergeis in the minutes). The motion passed.

Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about the I‑1 triangle, the current on‑site buildings and uses, and why the applicant sought C‑2 rather than I‑1 for the whole parcel; staff and the applicant said the C‑2 district offers broader commercial options and can act as a buffer between industrial uses along I‑25 and nearby residential parcels. Staff noted that driveways, any required deceleration lanes, traffic impact assessments and fire/life‑safety requirements will be evaluated in subsequent engineering and permitting steps if a use is proposed.

There was no written correspondence in the record in favor of or opposed to the change, staff said. Conditions noted by staff included required landscaping buffers and compliance with applicable fire and engineering standards at permitting. No formal amendments to the motion were recorded.

The commission then moved on to other business.