Board approves conditional-use permit for 270-space RV and boat storage on Inca Road

The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve a conditional-use permit for a proposed self-storage facility at 1523 Inca Road NE after a staff presentation and brief questions from board members. Staff told the board the 5.3255-acre property is zoned C-1 retail commercial and that self-storage for RVs, boats and enclosed trailers is a conditional use under Rio Rancho Municipal Code section 1 54.24. The applicant’s site plan shows 270 parking spaces and required landscaping.

"An applicant shall provide a site plan ... the proposed storage facility would consist of a parking lot that would be accessed from 2 entrances off of Inca Road Northeast," staff planner Liz Luis Carlos said during the presentation, noting the facility would specialize in storage of RVs, boats and trailers and that staff recommended approval with findings and conditions.

Applicant Phil Lopez introduced himself and told the board this would be his third storage facility. "This will be my my third facility," Phil Lopez said. Board members asked whether junked vehicles or commercial vehicles would be allowed; the applicant replied, "No junked vehicles," and said the facility primarily stores RVs, boats and enclosed trailers, with food trucks appearing on weekends at one of his other locations. Members also questioned lighting and pole heights; the applicant said the solar-powered sensor lights remain on at night and described a 12-foot pole on a 2-foot base.

A board member moved to approve the conditional-use permit; the motion was seconded and the board approved it by roll call. The roll call in the transcript records affirmative votes from Commissioners Hankins, Vice Chair Richardson, Commissioner Koster, Commissioner Gabaldon, Chairman Radosevich, Commissioner Tortorici and Commissioner Hardesty. The chair closed the item by wishing the applicant luck with the project.