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Planning board recommends approval of Vista Grande master plan and accompanying zone map amendment
Summary
The board recommended approval of the Vista Grande master plan and an 18.49‑acre zone change from R‑1 to R‑4, which staff said aligns with the Northern Unser Specific Area Plan and the city comprehensive plan; the applicant was D.R. Horton through Consensus Planning.
The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of the Vista Grande master plan and a related zone map amendment that would rezone roughly 18.49 acres from R‑1 single‑family residential to R‑4 (higher‑density single‑family residential).
Michelle Castillo, planner for the city, presented the master plan and the zone map request together. Castillo said the subject property comprises about 79 acres in northern Rio Rancho adjacent to North Hills, bounded by Unser Boulevard to the east and Northern Boulevard to the south. She said the property lies in the Northern Unser Specific Area Plan and that the proposed zoning and master plan are consistent with the city’s generalized land use map, which envisions low‑ and medium‑density residential uses in the area. Castillo noted final plats for phases 1 and 2 had been filed (October 20, 2023, and February 26, 2025) and that one more phase is proposed.
Michael Wright of Consensus Planning and Xavier Garcia (DR Horton) appeared for the applicant and said the project packet included a detailed justification letter. The applicant had no additional comments beyond the materials in the packet.
The board asked no substantive follow‑up questions and there were no public speakers. The board moved to approve the master plan and the zone map amendment and the motions passed on roll call.
Action and vote: Both the master plan recommendation (item 4) and the zone map amendment recommendation (item 5) were approved by roll call. The roll calls recorded unanimous yes votes from the members present: Chairman Rodosovich — yes; Commissioner Gabaldon — yes; Commissioner Hardesty — yes; Commissioner Hankins — yes; Commissioner Koster — yes; Vice Chair Connie Richardson — yes.
Details and context: Staff said the proposed R‑4 zoning would provide medium‑density residential consistent with the Northern Unser Specific Area Plan and the city's comprehensive plan. Proposed improvements identified in the master plan included new connections (Acorn Loop, Willow Road, Pine Road) to ensure internal circulation and connection to Sierra Norte 2 Park via sidewalks and trails. Staff recommended the board forward findings and conditions to the governing body.
Next steps: The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the governing body for final action under the city’s zoning and master plan amendment procedures. Staff contact for the items was Michelle Castillo.
