Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Board met on February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM to consider 10 agenda items, including preliminary and final plats, master plans, zone map amendments, a subdivision variance, and a corridor overlay zone. The board approved all items, with the exception of one withdrawn variance, and voted 4-1 to recommend the Rainbow Boulevard Corridor Overlay Zone to the Governing Body.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the January 27, 2026 Planning and Zoning Board meeting minutes unanimously.
• Received the monthly summary plat report and building activity report for January 2026 (non-action items).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 5 (Terra Alto at Mariposa Preliminary Plat): Christine Keelan expressed concerns about insufficient space for roads and homes near a hill, and potential encroachment on her property. The applicant, Jim Stroger, responded that open space buffers and careful siting would address these issues.
• Item 8 (Subdivision Variance - 3309 19th Ave): John Betts and Ed Pena opposed the lot split, citing negative impacts on property values and neighborhood character. They expressed interest in purchasing the property. The applicant, Jared Liker, argued the lot was already split via a 1966 deed and that the variance was only needed to formalize the split and obtain necessary permits.
• Item 13 (Rainbow Boulevard Corridor Overlay Zone): Several speakers spoke against the overlay:
  • Elaine Cimino requested delay until NEPA review for Project Ranger is completed, citing legal concerns.
  • Bill Halthom and Tiffany Casados, owners of lots along Rainbow, stated they received only two weeks' notice and feared the overlay would devalue their property or render it non-conforming without adequate consultation.
  • Melanie West also opposed, citing lack of notification and concerns about eminent domain.
• Item 12 (Vista Alegria Zone Map Amendment): Elaine Cimino spoke in favor, noting the project's mixed-use nature.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Preliminary/Final Plat (Amestoy): Approved unanimously. The plat dedicates 0.0183 acres of right-of-way for the property at 800 Via Road SE.
• Item 5 – Preliminary Plat (Terra Alto at Mariposa): Approved unanimously. The plat creates 61 lots on 44.43 acres. The applicant revised the plat to accommodate the existing Rim Trail, adding easements and open space buffers, and obtained an updated site plan approval.
• Items 6 & 7 – Cielo Bonito Master Plan and Zone Map Amendment: Both approved unanimously. The master plan proposes 270 single-family lots on 47.44 acres. The zone map amendment changes approximately 44.94 acres from TZ and R-3 to R-4, consistent with the Paseo Gateway West Specific Area Plan.
• Items 8 & 9 – Subdivision Variance and Preliminary/Final Plat (Clean Slate Properties at 3309 19th Ave): Approved despite staff recommendation for denial. The board found that a 1966 deed and tax records demonstrated the lot was already split into two quarter-acre parcels. The variance and plat formalize the split, allowing the applicant to build one single-family home on the eastern half using advanced septic treatment (approved by NMED). The city no longer uses the former fire station on the western half, and ownership of that portion remains unresolved.
• Item 10 – Variance (withdrawn): Approved withdrawal as requested by the applicant.
• Items 11 & 12 – Vista Alegria Master Plan and Zone Map Amendment: Both approved unanimously. The master plan covers 78.21 acres and proposes a mix of R-3, R-4, and R-6 zoning with an estimated 310, 90, and 1,030 dwelling units respectively. The project includes 3.74 acres of HOA parks and additional 5.4 acres in later phases.
• Item 13 – Rainbow Boulevard Corridor Overlay Zone: Approved 4-1 with one dissenting vote. The overlay establishes enhanced setbacks of 28–56 feet for future right-of-way along Rainbow Boulevard, affecting properties within city limits. Staff emphasized it is long-range planning (15–30 years) and does not initiate land acquisition. The city has used similar overlays on Wellspring and West Side Boulevards. Board questions addressed notification (15-day statutory requirement), timeline, and the possibility of rear access roads.

Key Outcomes

• Items 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12: Approved unanimously; recommendations to Governing Body where applicable.
• Items 8 and 9: Approved despite staff denial; the variance and plat formalize a pre-existing lot split.
• Item 13: Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Tortorici dissenting) to recommend the corridor overlay to the Governing Body.
• Action postponed: None; all items were decided or withdrawn.