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Council approves Northern‑Rainbow specific area plan amendment to expand boundary and adjust land uses
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Summary
The council approved R‑133 to expand the Northern‑Rainbow Specific Area Plan boundary (from ~236 to ~285 acres) and to update land uses and standards; planning and zoning recommended approval and applicants answered questions on access and driveway consolidation along Rainbow Boulevard.
The Rio Rancho governing body approved Resolution R‑133 to amend the Northern‑Rainbow Specific Area Plan, expanding the plan boundary and updating land‑use categories and standards.
Director of Development Services Amy Rincon explained the proposed amendment would expand the plan from approximately 236 acres to roughly 285 acres and update maps, figures and standards to reflect current conditions. The amendment would extend residential land uses toward Northern, convert some M1 industrial uses to commercial/combined uses, and set aside drainage and parkland in portions of the expanded area.
Representatives from AMRAP Southwest, Consensus Planning and Pulte described access strategies for lots that front Rainbow Boulevard, noting an existing overlay zone that limits curb cuts and allows future reconfiguration into smaller lots that would reduce direct driveway access to Rainbow. Council questions focused on how existing property owners would be affected and how the plan could reduce the number of curb cuts along Rainbow as the roadway expands.
Council voted on the resolution and recorded a roll call in favor of the amendment. Planning and Zoning Board had previously reviewed the item and recommended approval. Directors and applicants said future rezones and platting work will drill into final access and dedication measures as the projects proceed.
What the approval means: the amendment adjusts the planning boundary and land‑use framework but will not itself rezone individual parcels; rezoning or subdivision approvals would be separate steps and would require detailed notices and review.
