Rio Rancho planning and zoning board approves variances, preliminary plats and zone changes

The City of Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve a series of variances, preliminary plats and zone map amendments at a regularly scheduled meeting addressing development proposals across the city.

The meeting opened with a unanimous consent calendar. Staff then presented a sequence of land‑use items. For Case 24‑110‑12, municipal planner Sean LaBarbera told the board the applicant sought a variance from the R‑4 side and rear setback requirements to build a deck at a home on Estrella Noche Loop NE and that staff recommended denial. Applicant Chris Fisches argued the municipal code’s decking definition permits paved and wood decking in setback areas and that his proposed decking—less than 12 inches high—should not require a variance. "I don't believe a variance is required per the definition," Fisches said, adding that a roughly 10–11 inch drop in grade creates a practical difficulty for reasonable use of the backyard space. The board asked for clarifications on measured distances, the presence of a neighbor’s support and whether a support letter was in the packet. After discussion the board approved the variance.

The board also approved a variance to allow development on a substandard 50‑foot lot (Case 24‑110‑13). Staff explained the R‑1 minimum lot width is 60 feet and recommended…