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Planning commission approves variance for 115‑sq‑ft accessory structure at UNM Los Alamos
Summary
The Los Alamos Planning and Zoning Commission on June 25 approved VAR20250013, allowing a 115‑square‑foot accessory structure and a reduced setback at the University of New Mexico Los Alamos campus. Staff recommended approval; commissioners cited site constraints and public‑safety findings in the record.
The Los Alamos County Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved a variance allowing a 115‑square‑foot accessory structure at 4000 University Drive on the University of New Mexico Los Alamos campus and reduced the required setback from 10 feet to 5 feet from another accessory structure.
Community Development Department staff told commissioners the application, VAR20250013, met the county's variance criteria in Los Alamos County Development Code section 16‑74(g)(3). Staff said the structure would protect campus equipment and expand educational offerings and that public‑notice requirements had been satisfied.
Applicant Wesley Lansford and his design team described the site as irregular and constrained by the existing building, saying the proposed location provided ADA access and was the only practicable placement. Lansford and the design representative said the structure is roughly 50% open (perforated paneling for ventilation), that the kilns installed inside are manufacturer‑rated and require 18‑inch clearances, and that normal operation produces low noise and no sparks when maintained properly. An affected neighbor raised concerns about kiln temperatures, wind, and safety; the applicant and staff responded that the kilns are manufactured, self‑contained units and that the county fire marshal raised no objections in the project packet.
Commissioners questioned health, safety and welfare impacts and whether alternative locations were feasible. Commissioners who spoke cited the existing building placement, ADA access needs, and the limited size and frequency of use (the applicant said the ceramics classroom would serve about six to seven students and kilns would be used roughly once a week at peak, likely less often) in concluding the variance met the statutory criteria.
A motion to approve VAR20250013 — a request by Wesley Lansford and the University of New Mexico Los Alamos on behalf of the Los Alamos School Board for the property at 4000 University Drive — was adopted by roll call vote. The motion authorized the chair to sign a final order prepared by staff. The commission's roll call recorded votes in favor from Commissioners White, Nelson, Easton, Adler, Nochley, and Breul. The motion passed.
The commission chair noted that actions granting approval may be appealed within 15 calendar days under the development code.
