Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Board met on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The board considered six agenda items, including postponements, variances, preliminary plats, and a plat amendment. All items were approved except one postponement. Board members present: Chair Scottie Richardson, Vice Chair Robert Gabaldon, Kevin Kofchur, Andrea Hankins, Lisa Hardesty, and Sal Tortorici (passed on some votes). District 3 was vacant.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved without discussion. The agenda listed a postponement request for the Orchard Park Master Plan (AMREP Southwest, Inc.) but this item was later considered separately as item number two. The consent calendar likely included approval of prior meeting minutes (February 10, 2026). Motion passed with one pass (Commissioner Tortorici).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments on any agenda items. The board asked for public input for items three through six, and none was offered.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Postponement of Orchard Park Master Plan: The applicant, AMREP Southwest, Inc. through Tierra West, LLC, requested postponement of the Orchard Park Master Plan to the March 10, 2026 meeting. Staff (Tim Dvorak) recommended postponement. The board unanimously approved the postponement (5-0, with Commissioner Tortorici not voting? Actually all present voted yes, no pass recorded).
• Item 3 – Variance for 4280 Addison Dr NE: Applicant Lomas Encantadas Development Company, LLC requested a variance to reduce the 10-foot corner side setback to 5 feet on a lot at 4280 Addison Drive NE. Staff (Tamarah Martinez) recommended denial, citing no exceptional physical condition and the lot being developable without variance. The applicant argued the variance would keep 35-foot-wide homes consistent with the community character. Board discussion clarified the variance only affected one lot. The board approved the variance (5 yes, 1 pass).
• Item 4 – Variance for 1319th Avenue NE: Applicant Solano Builders & Construction LLC requested a variance to allow development on a 50-foot-wide lot instead of the required 60-foot lot width for R-1 zoning. Staff (Liz Ruiz Carlos) recommended approval, noting the lot is narrow and irregular. The applicant was not present. The board approved unanimously (6 yes).
• Item 5 – Preliminary Plat for Cleveland Estates Phase 2: Applicant DR Horton, Inc. proposed a plat creating 116 lots on 20.8154 acres, zoned R-4. Staff (Liz Ruiz Carlos) recommended approval, noting park space meets requirements. The applicant (Amber with Cartesian Surveys) was present. The board approved unanimously.
• Item 6 – Preliminary Plat Amendment for Santorini at Arrowhead East: Applicant Rio Rancho Road Runners, LLC through Tierra West, LLC requested an amendment increasing lots from 77 to 85, reducing minimum lot width from 50 to 45 feet, and adding an HOA tract. Staff (Tim Dvorak) recommended approval. The applicant clarified the lot width is 45 feet (not 40 as initially misstated). The board approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved with one pass.
• Item 2: Postponed to March 10, 2026 (unanimous).
• Item 3: Variance granted (5-0-1, with Commissioner Tortorici passing).
• Item 4: Variance granted (unanimous).
• Item 5: Preliminary Plat approved (unanimous).
• Item 6: Preliminary Plat Amendment approved (unanimous).
• No public forum comments were made. The meeting adjourned after item six.