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Planning commission conditionally approves Noisy Water winery permit in rural T2 zone
Summary
Doña Ana County planning staff recommended and the commission granted conditional approval for SU25-052, allowing Noisy Water Artware Incorporated to convert an accessory building at 26410 Highway 185 into a small-scale winery with production and retail. Conditions include a pre-application meeting, as-built survey and a driveway permit from NMDOT District 1.
Doña Ana County’s Planning and Zoning Commission on March 26 conditionally approved a special-use permit requested by Noisy Water Artware Incorporated to operate a winery at 26410 Highway 185, a rural T2-zoned parcel of roughly 1.45 acres.
Staff planner Charlene described the site—an agricultural parcel with an existing house and two accessory buildings—and said the applicant seeks to convert one accessory building to wine production and on-site sales. Staff told the commission the county received 13 mailed notifications and one letter of opposition and recommended conditional approval with specific requirements: the applicant must attend a pre-application meeting with Building Services, provide an as-built survey before developing the winery, obtain a driveway permit from New Mexico Department of Transportation District 1, and coordinate continued access for EBID to an existing Haner metering cable on the property.
During questions, commissioners clarified that the SUP covers production and sale, including on-site retail and events, and that the county’s one-year implementation requirement means the applicant must begin development (for example, attend the pre-application meeting and start site work) within one year of approval.
Applicant Jasper Riddle said the facility is intended for modest on-site production and not a large industrial operation. “This is just an opportunity for us to do what I call juice and go on site,” Riddle said, adding the federal portion of the company’s permit had been approved and that the county approval covers the state and local steps. He also said existing groundwater wells and an on-site septic system would serve the use, and that the farm has legal water access to the Rio Grande; EBID access to the metering cable was described as having been granted previously.
Commissioner Fischer disclosed a business connection to the winery industry and stated on the record that it would not affect his vote. The commission voted unanimously to approve SU25-052 with the staff-recommended conditions.
What happens next: The applicant must complete the pre-application meeting, secure required permits (including NMDOT driveway approval), submit the as-built survey and meet the listed conditions before full development of the winery may proceed.
