Council denies exception for overhead power at 545 Old Church Road, cites safety and ordinance

The Corrales Village Council voted against a resolution that would have allowed overhead power lines and new poles to serve a new home at 545 Old Church Road, overturning the applicants’ request for an exception to the village ordinance that requires new lines be placed underground.

Planning staff and Fire Chief Anthony Martinez recommended denial, pointing to the village ordinance and safety concerns. Chief Martinez said existing service drops and vegetation along Old Church Road create hazards in severe weather and that placing poles near a tight road intersection could affect sight lines. "We have an opportunity on a new property to try to make a correction," he said, urging underground service for safety and reliability.

Property owner Henry Harmo told the council the overhead option was a cost and timing necessity for the owner‑builders: "The costs to go underground is significantly higher than going overhead...it really would delay us in this build and...we would like to try to get the home built in a timely manner and stay on budget," he said.

Council voted against approving the exception (the resolution failed). Staff noted the subdivision was platted in 2019 and new homes in a nearby 2021 subdivision have been served with underground utilities; planners and the fire chief recommended adherence to the ordinance and to avoid creating new overhead service that could complicate emergency access and vegetation management.

The council did not order the owner to underground immediately; the decision denied the exception request and leaves the applicants to pursue underground service or other compliant options if they wish to proceed.