Planning board backs renewable‑energy overlay and adds 100‑foot residential setback for Loma Barbone solar project

The Rio Rancho Planning & Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a master‑plan amendment and accompanying zone‑map amendment to create a renewable‑energy overlay district on an 80‑acre portion of the Loma Barbone master‑plan area, clearing the way for a proposed 5‑megawatt community solar installation by Affordable Solar Group LLC.

Ben Isaacs, municipal planner for the city of Rio Rancho, told the board the addendum would establish tailored rules for solar generation, storage and distribution — including setbacks, siting and design standards — and noted staff recommended approval with findings and conditions. "As a condition of approval for site plan submission, a buffer along the north side of the property shall be constructed in greater detail on its landscaping and expected maintenance," Isaacs said.

The applicant, Affordable Solar, described the project as a community solar facility that would feed power into the local distribution grid. Dylan Connolly, director of commercial solar development for Affordable Solar, said the 5‑megawatt project would generate roughly the equivalent of power for about 2,000 homes and that about half the facility’s output would be reserved for low‑income subscribers, with an estimated 1,000 eligible households saving roughly 20% on bills. "We're a leader in the state," Connolly said, describing Affordable Solar's local track record.

Nearby residents raised concerns during public comment. Jared Leiker asked whether the western edge of the site would include a buffer and raised questions about fencing and glare. "Are they planning chain link? Are they planning something solid around the boundary of the facility to help mitigate any potential glare from the solar panels?" he asked. Costin Trujillo urged the board to vote against the project, citing possible glare, wildlife displacement and fire risk.

Responding to those concerns, the applicant and staff said modern panels have much lower reflectivity than earlier technologies. "Solar panels don't do glare anymore," a project representative stated during the discussion, and staff said noise is not expected to be an issue. Officials also emphasized that detailed measures such as landscaping, exact setback distances and fencing type will be resolved at the site‑plan level.

Board members debated whether to lock a larger buffer into the master‑plan addendum or leave specifics for the later site plan. Commissioner Koster moved to amend the master‑plan language to require a 100‑foot setback from residential property lines on the north and west sides; the amendment passed on roll call. The board then voted to recommend approval of the master‑plan amendment and the separate zone‑map amendment; both recommendations will be forwarded to the governing body for final consideration.

The board’s action preserves the underlying zoning districts while enabling an interim utility‑scale solar use on leased state land and calls for more detailed landscaping and maintenance plans at the site‑plan stage. The governing body will receive the board’s recommendation and the project team expects to return with a site plan that will include the precise fencing, landscaping and equipment siting required by the overlay district and the amendment.