Commission denies homeowner's variance requests after neighbors and staff cite code and safety concerns

The Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Planning & Zoning Commission voted March 10 to deny a package of three variances requested for 811 Tyler Road after staff recommended denial and neighbors raised safety and permit concerns.

Director Schultz said the item was a code-enforcement referral and staff found the applicant had not met the hardship criteria required for variances under the village zoning code. "Staff finds via the analysis and the staff reports that the applicant has not adequately justified the variance criteria against any of their requests and does recommend denial of all three variances," she said, noting staff suggested seven findings and one condition (a compliance deadline if denied).

Owner Sharon Cordova testified she bought the property in March 2024, remodeled it and added an outdoor living pad, a shade structure and a storage…