Sandoval County panel approves permit to add third dwelling for Romero family in Algodones

Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Trujillo and a majority of commissioners approved Conditional Use Permit CU‑25‑001 on a voice vote to allow a third dwelling on a roughly 4‑acre property in Algodones so members of the Romero family can live together.

The permit, requested by applicant Thomas Romero of 393 B North Mesa Vista Drive, was approved with two conditions: all residential structures on the property must be occupied only by family members and may not be used for rental purposes; and the permit does not authorize placement or construction of the additional dwelling until the applicant submits a building/placement permit application and receives any required approvals from Sandoval County Planning and Zoning and the State of New Mexico Construction Industries Division.

County planning staff told the commission the site currently contains two dwellings and that the requested third unit would house parents, a daughter and a grandchild. Staff's recommendation to approve included the conditions above and noted that water and septic capacity would be evaluated during the building‑permit review; the county does not perform that infrastructure review during the conditional use permit stage. "The approval of the conditional use permit is not an authorization by Sandoval County to commence construction or placement of an additional manufactured home on this property," staff said, and added that the building permit and placement application would trigger the required reviews, including any work with the New Mexico Environment Department if capacity upgrades are needed.

Commissioner Robert (first name as stated in the record) praised the multigenerational arrangement, saying, "I think it's wonderful that the young one will have his grandparents under the same roof." Commissioner Beaman asked whether the county had already assessed the well and septic systems; staff replied those checks occur at the building‑permit stage and, if the existing systems are inadequate, the applicant would need to upgrade them or adjust the proposal.

Commissioner Beaman made the motion to approve CU‑25‑001 "based on the finding of facts and conditions of approval;" Commissioner Rodriguez seconded. The commission took a voice vote; the chair announced, "The ayes have it. It's approved." The record does not show a roll‑call tally by name.

The commission also used the meeting to introduce new County planner Janet Cunningham Stevens, whose résumé was recited for the record. The meeting lasted about 17 minutes and concluded shortly after the Romero item was approved.

The commission scheduled its next regular meeting for Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.