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Taos commission approves TISA expansion with traffic-study condition
Summary
The Taos Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Commission approved a special-use permit for Taos Integrated School of the Arts to add a 5,293 sq ft classroom building and a future 4,480 sq ft theater, subject to submission of a required traffic study. Vote was unanimous (5-0).
The Taos Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Commission on April 1 approved a special-use permit for Taos Integrated School of the Arts (TISA) to expand its campus with a new classroom building and a future theater, subject to a required traffic study.
Staff presented case PZ2026-04 and recommended conditional approval if the commission found the project consistent with special-use criteria in the Town of Taos land-use code. Alex W. Henry of Henry Architects, presenting for TISA, said phase 1 would add approximately 5,293 square feet for classrooms (three classrooms noted in the site plan) to support STEAM, visual and performing arts while keeping the same number of students and staff as required by the Public Education Department. Henry said a future theater building (~4,480 sq ft) is planned but currently lacks funding.
Parents, school staff and adjacent property owners spoke in support. Linda Sato, TISA founder and assistant principal, described space constraints and growing enrollment (she said TISA started with about 180 students in 2010 and is now about 214) and urged approval so the school can provide dedicated special-education and arts spaces. Parent Alejandra Villalobos Melendez told the commission she values TISA as a "spotlight" school with high academic performance and a diverse student body. Neighbor Doug Patterson said the school has been a good neighbor and supported the campus expansion.
Commissioners asked questions about the special-use and parking process and noted the town is updating its land-use code. Staff clarified that all schools adding buildings must follow the special-use process and that parking requirements are examined on a case-by-case basis (with historic-overlay provisions possibly altering requirements). Commission Chair Mondragon and Commissioner Gooch confirmed they would include a condition that the required traffic study be submitted with the application.
Commissioner Gooch moved to approve the special-use permit for expansion of the school with the condition that the traffic study be submitted; Commissioner De Herrera seconded. The commission approved the motion on a roll-call vote: Gooch ' yes, De Herrera ' yes, Chairman Mondragon ' yes, Commissioner Goldman ' yes, Commissioner Manning ' yes.
Henry thanked the commission. Staff will track submission of the traffic study as part of the project conditions.
