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Commission conditionally approves rezoning to allow duplexes on two Watson Lane parcels
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Summary
Doña Ana County planning commissioners conditionally approved zone change Z26002 to rezone 812 and 760 Watson Lane from D‑2 to D‑3, enabling one additional duplex on each parcel (up to eight new units across the two parcels); conditions include correcting the septic permit address and complying with NMAC 20.7.0.3.
Doña Ana County planning commissioners voted to conditionally approve zone change Z26002, moving two parcels at 812 and 760 Watson Lane from D‑2 (medium density residential) to D‑3 (high density residential) to allow one additional duplex on each parcel.
Staff presented the application and said the parcels measure about 0.75 acres and 1.162 acres and that the change would allow higher-density residential development. The staff report estimated the proposal could result in four units per parcel (two duplexes per site) and said the project would add up to eight housing units across the two parcels. Staff recommended conditional approval, noting existing infrastructure connections and agency comments supporting the change, and listed two conditions including correcting the septic permit address and requiring the on-site system be in accordance with NMAC 20.7.0.3.
Applicant Amy Lopez, who said she and her husband own the properties at 812 and 760 Watson Lane, described the project as a modest way to increase attainable housing. "By building additional duplexes, we can create attainable, high quality homes that are more affordable and help meet the real need of the community," Lopez said.
Commissioners questioned traffic and safety at a nearby T-intersection. Staff reported engineering had described the intersection as grandfathered but also acknowledged field observations that the street is narrow and housing is close to the roadway; a commissioner proposed adding a condition that the property owner address the intersection, and staff said engineering could pursue specific safety recommendations.
Commissioner Lier moved for conditional approval with the septic-address correction and compliance with NMAC 20.7.0.3; Commissioner Yuranga seconded. The roll call recorded affirmative votes and the rezoning was approved subject to the stated conditions.
Staff noted the proposal met multiple goals in the county comprehensive plan cited in the packet, including expanding the housing supply and providing a variety of housing types. The applicants were directed to follow through on building permits, septic-permit corrections and any engineering-recommended safety improvements.
