Taos planning commission approves cosmetology school special‑use permit

The Town of Taos Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved a special‑use permit allowing a cosmetology school to operate at 1329 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur.

Staff entered the application and supporting materials into the record and recommended approval if the commission found the project met the special‑use standards in the Town of Taos Land Use Development Code. The application describes a trade‑school use in the C‑2 General Commercial zone, a use that requires a special permit under the code.

Applicant Tabitha Valdez told the commission she intends to open a small private cosmetology institution primarily to educate her three daughters and said initial enrollment would be small, about 10 students. "My original goal is to actually educate my daughters," Valdez said, adding she had formed an LLC, purchased required bonds and received New Mexico State Board approval.

Commissioners asked whether operating the school instead of the existing salon would change parking demand or affect neighbors; Valdez said it would not. Staff clarified that the salon use is by‑right in the C‑2 zone but a school—even a private trade school—requires the special‑use permit sought.

After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to approve the permit. The commission’s action was presented as an approval after "hearing testimony, examination of the documents presented, and the findings of facts." There were no written letters of support or opposition entered into the record, according to staff.

The commission did not attach additional conditions to the approval. The applicant may now proceed with required business registration and licensing and must comply with all applicable local, state and federal regulations, including CYFD requirements where applicable.