Rio Rancho Planning & Zoning Board Meeting – July 8, 2025

The Planning and Zoning Board met on July 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a consent calendar, election of officers, staff reports, and public hearings on seven agenda items. Board members present were Chair Fred Radosevich (later succeeded by Scottie Richardson), Vice Chair Scottie Richardson (later succeeded by Robert Gabaldon), Andrea Hankins, Lisa Hardesty, Robert Gabaldon, and Sal Tortorici. Kevin Kofchur was excused.

Consent Calendar

• The June 24, 2025, Planning and Zoning Board meeting minutes were approved by unanimous vote (6-0).
• Staff presentations on the Planning and Zoning Monthly Building Activity Report (June 2025) and Monthly Summary Plat Report (June 2025) were received without discussion.

Election of Officers

• Chair: Scottie Richardson was elected Chair (motion by Radosevich, seconded, vote 6-0). Richardson assumed the role immediately.
• Vice Chair: Robert Gabaldon was elected Vice Chair (motion by Richardson, seconded, vote 6-0).

Public Hearings

Item 4 – Subdivision Variance (Santorini at Arrowhead East)

• The applicant, Rio Rancho Road Runners, LLC through agent Tierra West, requested a variance to allow 10-foot public utility easements on front lot lines instead of the required 5-foot easements on all side and rear lot lines. Staff recommended approval.
• Public comment: None.
• Vote: Motion to approve (Gabaldon, seconded Tortorici) passed unanimously (6-0).

Item 5 – Preliminary Plat (Santorini at Arrowhead East)

• The applicant proposed a 77-lot, 8-tract subdivision on land zoned SU (Special Use for Planned Residential Development). Staff recommended approval with findings and conditions.
• Public comment: None.
• Vote: Motion to approve (Radosevich, seconded Tortorici) passed unanimously (6-0).

Item 6 – Variance (Fence Height at 3606 Ann Circle SE)

• Thomas Fitzpatrick requested a variance to allow an existing 5-foot fence (instead of the 4-foot maximum) in the front setback. The fence was present when he purchased the home. Staff recommended approval, noting no obstruction of view or safety issues.
• Public comment: Richard Marshall (neighbor) spoke in favor, citing safety benefits for the applicant who is a first responder.
• Vote: Motion to approve (Radosevich, seconded Gabaldon) passed unanimously (6-0).

Items 7, 8, 9 – Tampico Development Specific Area Plan Amendment, Master Plan, and Zone Map Amendment

• The applicant, Tampico Development, LLC, proposed removing approximately 26 acres from the Tampico North and La Barranca Specific Area Plans, adopting a new Tampico Master Plan (118 single-family homes on R4 zoning), and rezoning from SU/C-1 to R-4. Staff recommended approval for all three items.
• Public comment: Nine residents spoke in opposition, raising concerns about increased traffic on unpaved roads, drainage/flood risks, loss of rural character, light pollution, school capacity, and inadequate notice (sign posted July 1 vs. required two weeks). Some residents said they would prefer commercial development over dense housing.
• Item 7 (Specific Area Plan Amendment): This item was presented by staff and applicant but was not brought to a vote; the board proceeded directly to item 8 after public comment.
• Item 8 (Tampico Master Plan): Motion to approve (Tortorici, seconded Hankins) failed (2 yes – Tortorici, Hankins; 4 no – Hardesty, Richardson, Radosevich, Gabaldon).
• Item 9 (Zone Map Amendment): Motion to approve (Hankins, seconded Tortorici) failed (1 yes – Tortorici; 5 no – Hardesty, Richardson, Radosevich, Gabaldon, Hankins). Board discussion highlighted concern over loss of commercial land at a major intersection and unresolved road/traffic issues.

Items 10 & 11 – AMREP Southwest Papillon Master Plan Amendment and Zone Map Amendment

• The applicant sought to expand the Papillon Master Plan by 218.91 acres (191 lots) and rezone 307.78 acres from TZ/OS to R-1, R-2, R-4, and C-1. Staff recommended denial of both, citing incomplete ownership (applicant owned ~57% of the expansion area) and risk of checkerboard development.
• Public comment: Eric Gregory (Mariposa East PID) opposed, citing potential strain on Mariposa’s water/wastewater/drainage infrastructure. Pat Gillok (Mariposa Neighborhood Association president) urged denial until a drainage plan is approved by SSCAFCA. Randy Hooper (owner of R1-proposed parcel) opposed the rezoning to R1, wanting to retain TZ zoning.
• Item 10 (Master Plan Amendment): Motion to approve (Hankins, seconded Gabaldon) failed (2 yes – Hankins, Gabaldon; 4 no – Radosevich, Richardson, Tortorici, Hardesty).
• Item 11 (Zone Map Amendment): Motion to approve (Hardesty, seconded Gabaldon) passed (4 yes – Gabaldon, Hankins, Tortorici, Richardson; 2 no – Radosevich, Hardesty). Board discussion noted that this amendment only applies to owned lots and would not force unowned parcels to rezone.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 6-0.
• Officers Elected: Scottie Richardson (Chair) and Robert Gabaldon (Vice Chair).
• Approved: Subdivision variance (Item 4), preliminary plat (Item 5), fence height variance (Item 6), and zone map amendment for AMREP (Item 11).
• Denied: Tampico master plan (Item 8) and zone map amendment (Item 9), and AMREP master plan amendment (Item 10).
• Not Voted: Tampico specific area plan amendment (Item 7) was presented but not brought to a vote; it will likely need separate consideration.
• Next Steps: Items denied or not acted upon may be appealed to the Governing Body or resubmitted. The approved AMREP zone map amendment will proceed to the Governing Body for final action.