Socorro commission approves conditional use permit for truck parking; variance for concrete pavers denied

The Planning and Zoning Commission on May 6 approved a conditional use permit to allow commercial truck parking at 11541 Dinninger Road in an R‑1 (single‑family) zoning district, and denied a related variance that would have allowed concrete pavers in lieu of a concrete slab.

Planner Jose Buteo presented the application and said the property owner is Enrique Lopez and the testamentary trust of Aaron Lopez; the representative is Luis Carlos Lopez. The lot is 0.503 acres and is legally described as Tract 4E, Block 28 of the Socorro Grama; the property is nonconforming with multiple structures, Buteo said. Staff recommended approval of the conditional use permit and recommended denial of the variance request to allow pavers in place of a concrete slab.

Buteo noted that trailers are not allowed on the property if the permit is granted and that a slab or paving improvement would require a building/construction permit. Commissioners discussed whether a stormwater/ponding plan could be tied to a permit for paving; staff explained the slab is treated as a site improvement and that engineering reports are typically required only when structures or certain improvements trigger the standard subdivision or building rules.

After discussion Commissioner Andrew Arroyos moved to approve the conditional use permit and to deny the variance request; Commissioner Enrique Cisneros seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The CUP approval allows the property owner to park commercial trucks on the site subject to the conditions discussed (for example, no trailers); denial of the variance means the applicant must comply with the city’s slab/paving requirements for truck parking if constructed and obtain any required permits and inspections.