Commissioners approve rezoning near Chamberino winery so owner can build one residence

On May 23, 2025, the Doña Ana County Planning Commission approved case Z25-010, a request to rezone 2.77 acres from C-2 to T-2 near Lavinia Road in Chamberino to allow a single-family residence on the parcel. Planning staff recommended approval, and the commission voted to approve the request.

Albert Casillas, planning staff, told commissioners the parcel originally carried a C-2 designation to accommodate the San Francisco Winery and related nonresidential uses after the Unified Development Code was adopted. The owner previously used a claim-of-exemption to split a 0.91-acre flag lot and an existing home remains on the property; the requested rezoning would allow the additional 2.77 acres to be used for one residence under T-2 rules. Casillas said 21 property owners were notified and staff received a letter of support from a neighbor, Mary Beth Harper.

Applicant representative Zach Liban said the proposed T-2 designation is consistent with surrounding properties and would allow one residence on the rezoned acreage. Liban said the site would be served by an on-site domestic well and septic system, and that the change is compatible with existing agricultural and residential uses in the area.

Commissioner Fisher recused from consideration of this case. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Zurniak and seconded by another commissioner; votes were recorded in the affirmative and the commission approved the rezoning. Staff noted that if other nonresidential uses were desired for the larger property, a special-use permit could be required.

The approval allows the owner to pursue a claim-of-exemption split and a building permit for one residence on the rezoned portion, subject to standard permitting and any conditions required in the subdivision or building review process.