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Taos planners approve 10‑lot Salazar Road preliminary plat with single‑story and lighting conditions
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a 10‑lot preliminary plat on Salazar Road (approx. 2.529 acres) with conditions requiring single‑story homes, compliance with the town night‑sky lighting code, and submission of the financial form/appraisal/payment for the in‑lieu open‑space fee before final plat.
The Town of Taos Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a 10‑lot preliminary subdivision plat for a 2.529‑acre property off Salazar Road, subject to conditions including a single‑story building limit, compliance with the town night‑sky lighting standard, and submission of the financial form (in‑lieu open‑space fee or documentation) before the final plat.
Staff presented the preliminary plat application and supporting documents and said the owner requested to pay in‑lieu open‑space fees instead of reserving on‑site open space. Staff said the town will commission an appraisal to set the in‑lieu fee amount and that the appraisal/payment should be resolved before the final plat hearing.
Agent Alex Abeyta described the site’s existing perimeter infrastructure (water, sewer and natural gas risers along Salazar Road, Murray Street and Hatchery Road), explained two sewer mains that cross the property and will be formalized as easements, and showed sample Pueblo‑style elevations. Abeyta said developer Bill Ortiz intends workforce housing and estimated home sizes around 1,200–1,400 square feet; he estimated buildout at roughly four summers if market conditions allow.
Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing voiced mixed views. Judith Cantu said she supports development but raised broader concerns about short‑term rentals and housing loss. Melissa Forsyth and Juna Carlton, who live across Hatchery Road, raised concerns about narrow roadway conditions, turnout/driveway placements, on‑street parking during church events and potential lighting impacts; Abeyta and staff responded that turnouts will be paved and that lighting would comply with the town’s dark‑sky rules.
The commission approved the preliminary plat on a unanimous roll call vote with the conditions recorded by staff: the homes must be single‑story, the development must meet the town lighting code, and the financial documentation for in‑lieu open‑space fees must be submitted before final plat. Staff noted final plat will return to the commission after the appraisal and required submittals are complete.
