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Votes at a glance: planning board approves plat extension, accessory-structure and lot/utility variances
Summary
At its meeting, the Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board approved a preliminary plat extension for Unser Pavilion West Track A, granted variances for an accessory structure and two AMREP variances (lot width and overhead utility), and approved the consent calendar.
The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board took multiple formal actions at its meeting, including approval of a preliminary plat extension, several variance requests and the consent calendar.
Key outcomes
- Consent calendar: Approved by voice vote with no items pulled.
- Item 2 — Preliminary plat extension: The board approved an extension for the preliminary plat for Unser Pavilion West, Track A (EPJ Land LP, agent Community Sciences Corporation). Staff contact: Michelle Castillo. The extension was requested to allow additional time to work with staff on a possible plat amendment and to dedicate right of way for Pavilion Way; the subject property is approximately 5.5 acres. The motion carried on roll call (Commissioner Hankins: Yes; Commissioner Gabaldon: Yes; Commissioner Koster: Yes; Commissioner Tortorici: Yes; Chairman Rodosovich: Yes).
- Item 3 — Variance (accessory structure): The board approved a variance reducing the side setback on an E-1 estate residential lot at 4420 Bentgrass Meadows Drive NE to allow a 5-foot side setback (reduction from 10 feet) for a 360-square-foot accessory structure. Staff contact: Tamara Martinez. Applicant: Justin Caracato. The applicant indicated the structure will be built by Tuff Shed. The motion passed on roll call (unanimous among members present).
- Items 5 & 6 — AMREP Southwest variances (101 Ninth Ave NE): The board approved two related variances requested by AMREP/Amreston Construction: (1) a utility variance to allow an overhead electrical extension to serve the lot because Rainbow Boulevard was paved within the last five years and cannot be cut per municipal code; (2) a lot-width variance to allow a 50-foot-wide antiquated platted lot (code requires 60-foot minimum for R-1). Staff contact: Ben Isaacs; applicant representative: Brian Ottergon. Staff recommended approval with conditions; the utility variance approval was noted to be valid until September 2028. Both motions carried on roll call.
Votes and procedure
Roll-call votes were recorded on each motion. Where available the board’s roll-call confirmations were recorded in the meeting transcript and are summarized above. Motions were typically moved and seconded from the dais; where a mover or seconder was not identified in the audio record the minutes show the motion and a second and the roll-call outcome.
What this means
Approved extensions and variances allow applicants to proceed to the next administrative steps: plat amendments and building-permit submittals or utility-permitting work. For the utility variance, the applicant explained a single pole will be installed and lines trenched underground where feasible; staff noted existing PNM capacity constraints and street-cut restrictions as the rationale for the variance.
Full documents and staff reports for each item (plats, variance narratives, drainage exhibits) are included in the meeting packet on the City of Rio Rancho website.
