Commission grants conditional zone change for 1920s home near Las Cruces to allow remodel

Doña Ana County’s Planning and Zoning Commission on March 26 voted to conditionally approve a zone change for a house near the Las Cruces city limits so the owner could remodel and add to the existing residence.

Staff presenter Albert Casillas told the commission the request (Z26-00001) would rezone a parcel now designated C2 commercial to D2L residential to accommodate internal remodels, covered decks and associated building improvements. The parcel, which dates to the 1920s, receives water and wastewater service from the City of Las Cruces, and staff recommended conditional approval after public notification and a single supportive letter.

Commissioners discussed whether the county should pursue a broader rezoning effort to remedy areas that appear to be spot zones, noting that converting commercially zoned land to residential can raise land-value considerations and may not have unanimous owner support. Staff said areawide rezoning requires more outreach and town-hall style engagement and the county has handled similar pockets case by case.

Owner and applicant Daniel Lara told the commission he intends to restore and live in the house; he said he had not fully understood the triple-fee assessment referenced in staff materials and was told that fee is tied to prior unpermitted work and must be addressed as part of the conditional approval package.

The commission moved and seconded the staff recommendation and approved Z26-00001 by unanimous roll call. The approval is conditioned on the requirements listed by staff and the remodel will require a separate building permit and payment of applicable fees.

What happens next: The applicant must secure any required building permits and pay applicable fees, and staff will monitor compliance with the conditions tied to the zone-change order.