Los Ranchos trustees remand setback-variance appeal back to Planning & Zoning

The Los Ranchos Board of Trustees voted on April 15 to remand an appeal of Planning & Zoning Commission denial (item V25-1) back to the commission so the applicant may present additional information.

Planning consultant Brendan Williams told the trustees the commission’s February 11 decision had resulted in a denial and that staff recommended remand to allow the commission to hear any additional evidence and vet the request fully. The applicant’s agent identified herself in the hearing materials as Maya Malan (later introducing herself at the podium as Maya Mullen) and asked for a chance to supplement the record; she said earlier coordination with a previous planning director had been difficult and that a procedural gap had prevented a full presentation of hardship claims.

A neighbor who testified at the prior Planning & Zoning hearing, Vincent Sanchez, reiterated his support for the applicant. After hearing the limited testimony allowed in the quasi-judicial format and brief trustee comments asking that the applicant include clearer structural evidence if applicable, a trustee moved to remand the matter; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board instructed staff to schedule the matter for the next available Planning & Zoning meeting and to follow statutory public-notice requirements.

What’s next: The Planning & Zoning Commission will rehear V25-1 at its next available meeting; the board’s written decision will follow within 15 days as required by the village’s rules for appeals.