Patagonia planning panel recommends council review of proposed duplex at 273 Smelter Ave

The Town of Patagonia Planning & Development Committee voted unanimously on June 10 to recommend that the Town Council review a use permit application from Jose Delgado to build a two-story duplex at 273 Smelter Ave.

Arturo Vazquez, the applicant's architect, presented the proposal and said the project would produce two units of roughly 1,389 square feet each, conform to town building regulations and include two off-street parking spaces per unit. Vazquez also described a plan to route rainwater along either side of the buildings toward McKeown to manage runoff on the parcel (parcel no. 106-35-010B).

During the public hearing, neighbors raised concerns about parking management in the narrow dead-end alley, potential restrictions on emergency-vehicle access and whether the alley could accommodate a resident's motor home. Committee members also flagged uncertainty about the exact location of the Smelter Ave property line; Town staff were asked to verify the legal description before council consideration.

After discussion, Chairperson Steve Finch moved, and committee member Georgette Larrouy seconded, a motion to recommend further action by the Town Council on the use permit application with two stipulations: that two off-street parking spaces be provided per unit and that the applicant supply a detailed plan showing how rainwater will flow through the property toward McKeown. The motion passed unanimously, with Laurie Monti, Kevin McKay and Nancy McCoy also voting in favor.

No staff or member reports were offered, and the committee scheduled its next meeting for Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.