Doña Ana County planning commission approves preliminary plat for Sleeping Joseph subdivision

Doña Ana County’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a preliminary plat for the Sleeping Joseph subdivision, a two‑phase residential development proposing 53 lots on about 65 acres, at its April 9, 2026 meeting.

The commission voted to approve case SD25‑00006 after staff outlined the project and the applicant answered questions. Commissioner Fischer moved for approval and Commissioner Garcia seconded; the roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Oruranga, Commissioner Garcia, Commissioner Fischer and Chair Bill Zares.

Staff said the property is zoned D1 following a prior zone change (case Z24001), which allows a minimum lot size of one acre when sewer is not available. Albert Casillas, planning staff, told commissioners the proposal would divide the site into lots ranging from about 1.00 to 1.14 acres, served by a community water system and individual on‑site septic systems. He said, “we are recommending approval for, uh, preliminary plat of Sleeping Joseph subdivisions phase one and, uh, phase two.”

Applicant Paul Pompio, representing owner Enrique Bosquez, confirmed the plan calls for two phases divided by Glenn’s Grove Road and reiterated infrastructure details: access off Highway 478 will be via a new Glenn’s Grove Road connection that requires an NMDOT permit; EBID approval is required for the east drain crossing; utilities will be placed underground except for electricity and telephone; and the Lower Rio Grande Public Waterworks Authority will provide community water service. Pompio said, “We are proposing a total of 53 new lots.”

Engineering and roadway specifications presented to the commission called for 28‑foot asphalt roadway sections over compacted base, 4‑inch base course, and 50‑foot rights‑of‑way. The applicant indicated internal subdivision roads would be dedicated to and maintained by the county once construction is complete and after a one‑year inspection period by county engineering. Staff noted that agency reviews returned positive recommendations overall; the only expressed concern from EBID related to maintenance over the east drain crossing and was resolved to require county maintenance after construction and inspection.

Next steps identified at the meeting include securing required permits (NMDOT for the new highway connection and EBID for the drain crossing), completing subdivision construction drawings and inspections by county engineering, and recording the final plat after infrastructure completion and the county’s substantial completion and one‑year confirmation processes.

The commission did not receive public comments on the case during the meeting.