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Council OKs Rainbow Boulevard corridor overlay to reserve future right-of-way
Summary
The governing body adopted O3, creating a corridor overlay along Rainbow Boulevard that asks future builders to set structures further back (28–56 feet) to preserve a future principal arterial right-of-way; staff said the overlay does not stop development and future acquisitions would follow standard appraisal and purchase procedures.
The Rio Rancho governing body approved an overlay zone along Rainbow Boulevard designed to reserve additional right-of-way for a future principal arterial, a measure intended to reduce future costs and complications when the city builds out a major north–south connector.
Amy Rincon, director of development services, said the overlay would ask property owners to set building fronts further back — either roughly 28 feet or 56 feet depending on the corridor segment — so that the city retains space to expand the roadway in the future. “We are not stopping development,” Rincon said. “The individual property owners are still allowed to come in with their building permits; all the overlay is doing is asking that they set their front setback further back from the roadway.”
Councilors pressed on property impacts. One councilor asked whether the overlay effectively takes owner land; Rincon said owners could landscape or use the area but would be asked not to place structures there. If a future expansion requires acquiring part of private property, public works would conduct a corridor study, appraisals and then pursue purchase through standard right-of-way acquisition processes, she said.
Council members also asked whether the overlay could be adjusted later; Rincon replied that corridor overlays have been revised in the past and can be reconfigured as the city refines design needs. The planning and zoning board recommended approval by a 4–1 vote.
Councilors moved and seconded approval and recorded affirmative votes; O3 was adopted. Staff said corridor studies and more detailed right-of-way planning would occur if and when the roadway moves toward construction, likely many years in the future.
