Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Septic Systems topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hearing officer reviews variance to allow second septic system for accessory dwelling at Cloudstone Drive property
Summary
Santa Fe County staff recommended approval of a variance to allow a second on-site liquid waste system to serve an accessory dwelling unit at 128 Cloudstone Drive, citing site geology and an NMED permit authorizing operation.
Santa Fe County hearing officer Abare heard staff testimony recommending approval of a variance that would allow a separate on-site liquid waste system to serve an accessory dwelling unit at 128 Cloudstone Drive.
Marie Martinez, Building and Development Review Specialist, told the hearing officer that applicants Michael Ray Martin and Belen Schwartz purchased the property in 1988 and later enclosed part of a garage that has not functioned as a dwelling. Martinez said connecting an ADU's waste stream to the main house system was “infeasible due to the geological and topographic conditions of the property.”
Martinez summarized agency approvals: the New Mexico Environment Department approved a second on-site liquid waste system on Feb. 23, 2022, and, after inspection, issued a permit to operate (LW-005479) on Sept. 6, 2024. Building and Development Services staff reviewed the application and concluded the facts supported a variance to SLDC Chapter 10.4.02.04 to allow a separate septic system for the ADU, and staff asked the hearing officer to enter recommended conditions and to memorialize findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Hearing Officer Abare questioned staff about an apparent reference in Exhibit A to a setback variance; staff clarified the setback variance was removed from consideration and the hearing was limited to the liquid-waste-system variance. Martinez confirmed a site visit and said rock outcroppings and terrain constraints made connecting to the principal system infeasible. Staff reported no public opposition at the hearing.
No party asked to speak on the matter, and Martinez closed by noting the case may come before the Santa Fe County Planning Commission on June 18, 2025. Hearing Officer Abare said he would prepare a recommended decision within 15 business days.
The hearing record contains the NMED permit and staff exhibits listed at the hearing; staff recommended approval subject to conditions to be entered into the record.
