Las Cruces Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – September 23, 2025

The Planning and Zoning Commission convened on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM (presumed). Chair Thurston presided over the meeting, which included the removal of one agenda item due to a conflict of interest, indefinite postponement of two items, and votes on a special use permit for a cannabis dispensary and a mixed-use subdivision master plan and preliminary plat. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

Public Participation

• No members of the public spoke during the general public participation period.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 were listed on the consent agenda but were not discussed or voted upon during the meeting; no public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

Item 8.1 – Removed

• Chair Thurston declared a conflict of interest on item 8.1. Due to lack of a quorum to table, the commission voted unanimously (4-0) to remove the item from the agenda entirely; the applicant was advised to reapply in a subsequent month.

Items 6.1 & 6.2 – Postponed Indefinitely

• The commission voted separately to postpone both items indefinitely (4-0 each). No further details were provided.

Item 8.2 – Special Use Permit for Cannabis Dispensary

• Applicant: Represented by staff (Adam Ochoa).
• Proposal: A new cannabis dispensary at 1103 South Solano Drive, located within 197 feet of an existing dispensary, triggering a special use permit under the Realized Las Cruces development code.
• Staff Recommendation: Approval, citing compliance with buffer distances from schools/daycares, consistency with the Elevate Las Cruces comprehensive plan, and the property's commercial context. Staff received two phone calls opposing the dispensary (one against this location, one against dispensaries in general).
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Kaiser clarified that parking was not required under the new code (zeroed urban zone) but the applicant chose to provide off-street parking. Landscaping requirements were met via a planter area.
• Public Comment: None.
• Vote: Approved 4-0 (Commissioners Acosta, Murray, Kaiser, and Chair Thurston).

Items 8.3 & 8.4 – Coyote Run Subdivision Master Plan and Preliminary Plat

• Applicant: Anton Magallanis (Moy Surveying) representing the owner.
• Proposal: A 25.05-acre mixed-use development on three parcels, including a 3.07-acre non-residential tract (C2 zoning) and 20 large residential lots (R1A) on 18.81 acres. The project also includes dedication of right-of-way for Coyote Loop and extension of Thurman Drive.
• Staff Recommendation: Approval with one condition: If the master plan is not approved by December 31, 2025, the developer must dedicate parkland or pay a fee in lieu under Realized Las Cruces; otherwise, the 2001 code applies. The DRC unanimously recommended approval on August 20, 2025.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Kaiser sought clarification on the condition—staff confirmed that only the parkland dedication trigger changes if the deadline is missed; other Realized Las Cruces standards will apply at construction. The applicant noted the project was submitted under the old code during the transition.
• Public Comment: Eugene Hanley, a landowner in the area, urged approval to avoid cost increases for lot buyers; he stated larger lots are desirable and a park is unwanted.
• Vote: The items were heard together via a motion to suspend the rules, then voted separately. Both approved 4-0 (Commissioners Acosta, Murray, Kaiser, Chair Thurston).

Key Outcomes

• Item 8.1: Removed from agenda (4-0).
• Items 6.1 & 6.2: Postponed indefinitely (each 4-0).
• Item 8.2 (Cannabis Dispensary SUP): Approved (4-0).
• Item 8.3 (Coyote Run Master Plan): Approved (4-0) with the condition regarding parkland dedication by December 31, 2025.
• Item 8.4 (Coyote Run Preliminary Plat): Approved (4-0).

Staff Announcements

• Staff reminded commissioners that November and December meetings will be moved to the third Tuesday due to holidays.
• Chris Faber, Community Development Director, announced that minor amendments to Realized Las Cruces will be brought back in October, requiring a quorum.