Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board met on May 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The board approved the consent calendar, considered several public hearing items including variances, a site plan, and a zone map amendment, and took action on each.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 14, 2026 and April 28, 2026 Planning and Zoning Board meeting minutes.
• Accepted the Planning and Zoning Monthly Summary Plat Report and Monthly Building Activity Report for April 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 8 – Variance (Hakim Djaballah): The applicant, Hakim Djaballah, spoke in favor of a variance to allow an existing 400 sq ft gazebo to encroach five feet into the required 15-foot rear setback at 6409 Nacelle Rd NE. He explained that the encroachment resulted from a city-required wall relocation due to road construction (Lincoln Avenue roundabout). The slab was poured in 2019, and the structure was recently covered.
• Item 9 – Variance (Alfonzo Salazar): The applicant, Xavier Salazar (on behalf of Alfonzo Salazar), requested a variance to allow an above-ground electric utility connection at 1613 33rd St SE, citing existing overhead utility infrastructure in the neighborhood and recent approvals for similar connections.
• Item 10 – Site Plan (Sandia Area Federal Credit Union): Sergio Lazilla (agent) presented the site plan for a 4,900 sq ft bank at 4551 Safelite Blvd NE, noting shared access with Home Depot and compliance with commercial zoning. He agreed to work with staff on any discrepancies in the submitted plans.
• Item 11 – Zone Map Amendment (Gospel Light Baptist Church): No public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Withdrawn Variance (Richmond American Homes): The board voted to withdraw the variance request for a rear setback at 3203 Baxter St SE, as requested by the applicant.
• Item 6 – Postponement (Rancho Alegria Master Plan, Pulte Homes): The board postponed the master plan application to May 26, 2026.
• Item 7 – Postponement (Zone Map Amendment, Pulte Homes): The board postponed the rezoning application to May 26, 2026.
• Item 8 – Variance (Hakim Djaballah): Board members questioned the applicant about the wall relocation and timeline. The board voted to approve the variance despite staff's recommendation for denial. The motion carried 5-0.
• Item 9 – Variance (Alfonzo Salazar): Staff recommended approval with findings and conditions, noting the area's exceptional condition of overhead utility lines. The board voted to approve the variance 5-0.
• Item 10 – Site Plan (Sandia Area Federal Credit Union): Staff recommended approval to the Governing Body. A board member noted discrepancies between the grading/drainage plan and the proposed site plan; the applicant agreed to clarify before the May 14, 2026 Governing Body meeting. The board voted to recommend approval 5-0.
• Item 11 – Zone Map Amendment (Gospel Light Baptist Church): Staff recommended approval, noting the property is adjacent to open space and commercial uses. The board voted to approve the zone map amendment from R-1 to C-1 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 5-0.
• Item 5 (variance) withdrawn 5-0.
• Item 6 (master plan) postponed to May 26, 2026 5-0.
• Item 7 (zone map amendment) postponed to May 26, 2026 5-0.
• Item 8 (variance for gazebo) approved 5-0, contrary to staff recommendation.
• Item 9 (variance for above-ground utility) approved 5-0.
• Item 10 (site plan) recommended for approval to the Governing Body 5-0.
• Item 11 (zone map amendment) approved 5-0.