Los Alamos Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - January 15, 2026

The Los Alamos Planning and Zoning Commission met on January 15, 2026 (the meeting was actually held on January 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM Mountain Time, but the date provided for the summary is January 15, 2026 UTC). The meeting included a housing update by the Housing and Special Projects Manager and a training refresher on quasi-judicial procedures by the Deputy County Attorney. The commission approved the minutes from the December 10, 2025 meeting and received updates on various housing projects, land use planning, and council activities.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (December 10, 2025): The commission approved the minutes by a unanimous roll call vote (8-0, with all present members voting yes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments during the public comment periods for non-agenda items or at the end of the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Housing Update (Dan Osborn, Housing and Special Projects Manager): Mr. Osborn presented an extensive overview of the county's affordable housing efforts. Key points included: the 2024 Affordable Housing Plan identified a need for 1,300 to 2,400 new units to address demand and affordability; density targets of 10-15 dwelling units per acre are needed; the county has increased AMI thresholds to 120% (now behind the state's 150% cap). Specific projects highlighted:
  • 9th Street Apartments: 87 deed-restricted studio units at 45% AMI for 20 years. Currently about 80% full; many prospective tenants are slightly above 45% AMI, prompting potential adjustments to a tiered system (45%, 50%, 55%).
  • 20th Street Redevelopment (RBMM partnership): Mixed-use condominium project near Ashley Pond, with street improvements (road diet, pedestrian island, signalized intersection) and extension of the Canyon Rim Trail. The project aims for high-end units to free up existing housing stock.
  • North Mesa Property (school district collaboration): Potential development of 30 acres for 200-350 units. Infrastructure costs (water/sewer upgrades) are ~$14-15 million; traffic impacts are minimal. The county is considering capital improvement funding over 2-3 years.
  • Servitos Project (A8A site): 380 rental units, with 120 deed-restricted at 60-100% AMI (missing middle). Financing via a bond issue (P3 model) with the county providing land; developer receives a fee, not ongoing rent revenue. The state is contributing $3 million for deed restrictions. Site plan expected in February 2026.
  • Other initiatives: Habitat for Humanity project (36 Trinity, 4-6 units), RV park feasibility study (40-60 spaces), 1000 Sombrillo senior/care facility potential.
  • Commissioner questions addressed the differences between density and subsidy, status of the Twilight Homes project, pedestrian safety on Central Avenue (Lisa Hampton, chair of county health council, raised concerns about pedestrian accidents), and short-term rental regulations (no current plans to restart the steering committee).
• Planning and Zoning Commission Training Refresher (Katie Thwaits, Deputy County Attorney): Ms. Thwaits provided a detailed training on the legal distinctions between legislative and quasi-judicial actions, emphasizing due process, ex parte communications, evidence handling, and the importance of clear findings of fact. The training covered:
  • Legislative actions (e.g., text amendments, comp plan) are flexible, allow public comment but no sworn testimony; quasi-judicial actions (e.g., variances, site plans) require formal hearings with sworn witnesses, cross-examination, and decisions based solely on criteria in the development code.
  • Commissioners must disclose ex parte communications and recuse themselves if they cannot be impartial.
  • Evidence must be presented and subject to cross-examination; personal opinions or independent research are not allowed.
  • Decisions must be based on the decision criteria; if a vote is 3-2 (with only 5 members present), it is deemed a denial (no majority of at least 4).
  • The importance of a clear record for potential appeals to council and district court.
  • Discussion on whether to change the quorum requirement for variances (currently 5 members) to 7 members, noting practical challenges.
• Commission/Director Communications:
  • Department report: Upcoming plan TAC and steering committee meetings; historic consultants in February; ongoing work on Articles 5 and 1 of the development code (requests for feedback on confusing sections).
  • Chair's report: Welcomed Commissioner Hampton back; noted Commissioner Hill's resignation; stressed attendance importance.
  • Council Liaison's report (Councilor Cole): Council elected new leadership (Chair Riedy, Vice Chair Hermann); work session updates on North Mesa recreation plan ($12.6 million, phased), MRA commission discussions, waste-to-energy plant proposal (Los Alamos would contribute 60-80 tons of trash daily), and performance indicators.
  • Commissioner comments: Questions on Columbus Capital special use permit for old Smith's storage (5-year 6-month permit approved in 2022; storage use expired; site plan extension needed by April 2026).

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions taken on the housing update or training; both were informational.
• The commission unanimously approved the minutes from December 10, 2025.
• The housing update provided a roadmap for future development and upcoming site plan submissions (e.g., Servitos project in February 2026).
• The training clarified procedural requirements for quasi-judicial hearings; no changes to the code were proposed.
• Staff will send the training presentation and written materials to commissioners.
• Commissioners were reminded to submit 2026 disclosure books by Friday.