Rio Rancho planning board approves multiple plats, a variance and a rezoning; several items postponed

The Rio Rancho Planning & Zoning Board approved a series of subdivision plats, an accessory-structure variance and a commercial rezoning at its Nov. 18 meeting, and recorded several applicant-requested postponements.

Extension and plats approved: - Idealia Crossing (item 7): Michelle Castillo, city planner, said the applicant cited economic conditions for a time extension. The project remains a planned subdivision of roughly 70 single-family lots; applicant Howard Balmer said the property is under contract and the applicant expects to commence construction if an extension is granted. The board approved the extension on a roll call. - Broadmoor Heights Unit 4 (item 8): Brian Babiak presented the final plat for 53 lots on about 14.45 acres, including dedicated right-of-way and an emergency access easement; applicant Scooter Haines had no additional comments and the board approved the final plat. - Accessory-structure variance for 485 Sand Stone Drive NE (item 11): Tamara Martinez presented a variance request to allow an existing 750 sq. ft. accessory structure to encroach 3 feet into the 15-foot rear setback (resulting in a 12-foot rear setback). Staff said the structure was built between roughly March 2014 and October 2015; Sam Sandoval, agent for Mark Martinez, spoke for the applicant. The board voted to approve the variance with findings and conditions. - Zuma Ranch phase 1 (item 13): Ben Isaacs presented a preliminary plat for phase 1 of the Zuma Ranch master plan, proposing 151 residential lots and nine HOA tracks; staff recommended approval including a subdivision variance for public-utility-easement configuration and a cul-de-sac length waiver. Agent Justin Simonson represented the applicant and the board approved the preliminary plat and the subdivision variance. - Items 14 and 15 (preliminary plats): The board approved item 14 and the Lomas Encinitas 1A phase 1 preliminary plat (item 15) with standard conditions; staff requested park-plan details for a park tract within item 15 as a condition of approval.

Rezoning approved (item 16): Staff presented a request to change a Vista Hills property from C-1 (retail commercial) to C-2 (wholesale and warehousing commercial district) to accommodate an existing business operating as Catalyst LLC. Staff noted prior code-enforcement records dating to January 2025 (operating without a business license or occupancy permit, construction without permits, odor and debris). Applicant representatives said they are not associated with the previous tenant and intend to remediate issues and comply with city code; board approved the rezoning on roll call.

Postponements and withdrawal: Items 4, 9, 10 and 12 were formally postponed to the December 16 meeting by roll-call votes; item 5 was recorded as withdrawn.

Public comment: After adjournment the meeting reopened for one public comment. Paul Amend, a future Rio Rancho resident, said he strongly supports the planned YMCA at Montezuma and Galahad and asked the city to pursue adding a Trader Joe’s at Montezuma and Broadmoor.

What to watch next: Postponed items are set for Dec. 16; applicants whose requests passed will need to satisfy staff conditions and any findings of fact before final approvals or permitting.