Planning board approves Santorini at Arrowhead East subdivision, allows wider front utility easements
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Summary
The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board approved a variance to increase front public utility easements to 10 feet and separately approved the preliminary plat for the Santorini at Arrowhead East subdivision, which will create 77 single‑family lots and eight tracts including open‑space tracts dedicated to a future HOA.
The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board on July 8 approved two related items for the Santorini at Arrowhead East subdivision: a variance to easement requirements and the subdivision's preliminary plat.
The approvals clear a path for Santorini — proposed by Rio Rancho Roadrunners LLC with Tierra West LLC as agent — to develop 77 single‑family lots and eight tracts on property zoned SU (special use) under the Arrowhead East master plan. Tim Dvorak, a city planner, told the board staff recommended both actions: "staff recommends approval with findings." Sergio Lozoya, senior planner for Tierra West and agent for the applicant, said the project follows the controlling master plan and that the development will include a 100‑foot open‑space buffer and onsite grading to address existing erosion.
Staff described the variance request as narrowly tailored. The subdivision code required continuous 5‑foot public utility easements on side and rear lot lines; the applicant requested 10‑foot public utility easements only on front lot lines and elimination of required side and rear easements. Dvorak said removing side and rear easements would not prevent adequate utility service and would improve design given the site's topography. The board voted to approve the variance and then separately approved the preliminary plat.
The preliminary plat creates 77 lots and eight tracts; Tracts A–F are intended for landscaping and open space, with Tract B planned for a walking trail. Both the applicant and staff said the landscaping tracts will be dedicated to the future homeowners association (HOA). Lozoya said grading and drainage plans are under review by city engineering and SCAFCA, and that the commercial and multifamily portions of Arrowhead East will be phased after the single‑family portion.
No members of the public spoke for or against either item during the hearings. Board roll‑call votes recorded agreement by the commissioners present for both the variance and the preliminary plat.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the subdivision variance for Item 4 and the preliminary plat for Item 5 during the same hearing; both motions passed on roll call.
