Planning and Zoning Board approves variances and plats, recommends zone-map and site-plan to governing body

The City of Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board on Aug. 12 approved a series of land‑use actions including variances for two residential properties, a roof‑pitch variance for a manufactured home, preliminary and final plat approvals, and sent a zone‑map amendment and a site plan for a 156‑unit apartment project on to the governing body for final review.

Board members voted on eight agenda items during the meeting. Several items generated brief public comment or staff explanation; none of the approvals included conditions that require further Planning and Zoning Board review, though two items (the special‑use site plan and the zone‑map amendment) must receive governing body action before taking effect.

The approved actions included: - Variance to permit a pergola at 2956 Tierra Del Luna Ave. that encroached 10 feet into a 15‑foot rear setback (planning staff recommended denial; motion to approve passed 5–1). The applicant provided 19 neighbor support letters as requested at a prior hearing. The board approved the variance with a roll call showing Vice Chair Galbadone voting no and the remaining members voting yes.

- Variance to…