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Rio Rancho planning board approves two variances and two final plats, postpones breeder permit
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Board approved a rear-setback variance for a shed and a facade variance for a prefabricated building, and approved final plats for Scottish Isle (123 lots) and Montreal Phase 1 (47 lots). A conditional-use permit for a Great Dane hobby breeder was postponed for further review.
The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board on a single night approved multiple land-use requests, including two variances and two final plats, and postponed a conditional-use permit for further staff review.
Staff recommended denying a variance to reduce an R-1 rear setback from 15 feet to 5 feet for a proposed 16-by-20 (320-square-foot) shed at 5708 Rio Oso Road Northeast, but the board approved the request after the applicant, Joseph Crapo, said he could place the shed 9 feet from the rear property line to avoid an existing four-foot wall. Tim Dvorak, the city planner presenting the item, said the property is zoned R-1 and referenced ordinance and code standards governing setback requirements. The board discussed neighbor outreach and the structure’s height; the applicant estimated the shed would be no taller than about 12 feet.
A separate variance request sought to waive an ordinance requirement that accessory structures larger than 600 square feet have the same facade as the primary residence. City planner Sean LaBarba told the board that the prefabricated building proposed at 5690 Miller Road Northeast measures about 1,080 square feet and that staff recommended denial under the relevant code. Applicant Randy Schafer said the metal, prefabricated building was painted to match his home but cannot be stuccoed without voiding the manufacturer warranty. Several neighbors spoke in favor, saying the building matches the neighborhood and noting other non-stuccoed engineered buildings nearby; speakers described the structure’s style and color and said it was not unsightly. After discussion of the updated application and materials, the board approved the variance.
The board also approved two final plats. Tim Dvorak presented the final plat for the Scottish Isle subdivision, which will create 123 single-family lots plus associated tracts and parcels; the board approved the plat with findings and conditions. Michelle Castilla, a city planner, presented the Montreal Phase 1 final plat, which will create 47 single-family lots; developer Brian Aragon said the applicant agreed to the conditions of approval and the board approved the item.
On a separate agenda item, staff requested postponement of a conditional-use permit for the intermittent breeding of Great Danes at 2437 Lynn Road Southeast after receiving information staff said required further investigation; the board voted to continue that item to the October 8, 2024 Planning and Zoning Board meeting.
The meeting opened with roll call and a consent-calendar vote, and concluded with no comments during the public forum. Where staff recommended denial, board members nonetheless approved relief after applicants and neighbors described mitigating circumstances for placement, facade materials, and visual compatibility. Votes were taken by roll call for the items listed; the board adjourned shortly after 10:00 p.m.
What’s next: The Great Dane conditional‑use permit will return to the board on Oct. 8, 2024, for further consideration; applicants granted variances may be subject to the board’s stated findings and any conditions attached to the approvals.
