Commission moves to publish proposed zoning and addressing revisions tightening commercial greenhouse rules

Planning Director Don Goen presented a draft revision to the Torrance County Zoning Ordinance that would remove permissive cannabis and commercial-greenhouse uses and require conditional-use review across most zoning categories. The draft also clarifies definitions and adds language restricting full-time RV habitation except in designated RV parks or during limited construction periods. Goen said the change was intended as a first-step package to immediately require conditional-use review for large commercial greenhouses and to allow further ordinance changes after a public process.

Commissioners asked for a clear path for P&Z to evaluate mitigation measures including building type (enclosed vs. hoop houses), filtration and setbacks. The Commission approved publication of the title and general summary to begin the public-notice and hearing process on the ordinance text.