Plan and Zoning Board Meeting Summary - January 27, 2026

The Plan and Zoning Board convened on January 27, 2026, to address two public hearings regarding a residential variance and a preliminary final plat, alongside routine consent calendar items. The board approved the consent calendar unanimously. The first public hearing concerning a shed variance was denied after commissioners voted against approval. The second public hearing regarding a right-of-way dedication for an open space tract was approved. No substantive public comments were recorded other than a general inquiry about agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimous approval of the consent calendar (Motion and second provided; Vice Chair Gabbledon, Commissioner Hinkins, and Commissioner Coffier voted Yes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• A member of the public (name not explicitly recorded in transcript) appeared to inquire about a "tryout" and specifically noted that no items along Southern Boulevard were heard during the meeting.

Discussion Items

Item 2: Variance Request (384 sq. ft. Shed)

• Proposal Description: The applicant requested a variance to the R4 single-family residential rear setback requirement (15-foot code vs. 5-foot proposed) to construct a 384-square-foot shed 10 feet into the setback area. The property is 2 acres, zoned R4, and contains a 10-foot public utility easement. Staff recommended a "deny with findings" position, stating the lot is not irregular, narrow, shallow, or steep, and that strict application of the code would not result in a hardship.
• Board Deliberation: Commissioners clarified that the shed was proposed but not yet built.
• Speaker Positions:
  • No specific board members expressed verbal support or opposition prior to the vote, though the agenda item was framed as a request to be denied by staff.
  • The final vote indicated a position of opposition to the approval of the variance by all voting members present.

Item 3: Preliminary Final Plat (1280 15th Street SE)

• Proposal Description: Community Sciences Corporation, acting as agent for the Sanibal County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SCFCA), proposed a preliminary final plat to split a tract (Black Royal Wildlife Park tract A1A1) and dedicate 0.2104 acres of right-of-way to the City of Rio Rancho. The property consists of 84.0811 acres zoned OS (Open Space) within the Unit 10 Specific Area Plan.
• Board Deliberation: The applicant, Thomas Patrick (Community Sciences Corporation), stated that staff comments had been addressed and that the purpose of the plat was to facilitate a donation of the right-of-way to the city.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Staff recommended approval with findings and conditions.
  • The applicant expressed support for the approval to facilitate the donation.
  • No board members expressed opposition to the proposal.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 (Variance): Motion to approve failed. The board voted 3-0 (No votes from Vice Chair Gabbledon, Commissioner Hinkins, Commissioner Coffier, and Chairman Richon; note: transcript lists "no" for all members, indicating denial) to deny the variance request for the shed. The motion to approve was not seconded or failed on the roll call.
• Item 3 (Preliminary Final Plat): Motion to approve Item 3 passed unanimously. Vice Chair Gabbledon, Commissioner Hinkins, and Commissioner (name unclear in transcript, likely Coffier) voted Yes. The plat was approved to allow the dedication of right-of-way for the open space tract.
• Next Steps: Signatures required on the approved plat (Item 3) following the meeting.