Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - October 27, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Board of Rio Rancho met on October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Vice Chair Robert Gabaldon presided in the absence of Chair Scottie Richardson. The board voted on six action items, including two variances and a zone map amendment that drew significant public comment.

Consent Calendar

• The Board unanimously approved the Consent Calendar, which included the October 13, 2026 meeting minutes and the 2027 Regular Meeting Calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public comment was heard exclusively on Item 8 (Zone Map Amendment for ABQ Living Inc.).
• Tommy Blanton (663 Cottontail Rd) expressed concerns about traffic congestion on Grande Vista Road and NM 528, urging the board to address traffic patterns before approving new development.
• Dwayne Fuller (adjacent neighbor) stated he was against uses involving diesel trucks and loud manufacturing but would support quieter commercial businesses.
• Cecilia Flores (6062 Cottontail Rd) raised concerns about road widening, lack of turning lanes, noise impacts on Explorer Academy, and the potential use of hazardous chemicals.
• Stacy Schaefer (6054 Cottontail Rd) voiced opposition due to the vague definition of manufacturing, preferring existing storage or professional office uses, and cited heavy existing traffic from CNM and area schools.
• Eric Fionsi (6110 Jackrabbit Rd) argued he was inadequately notified (living downhill but outside the 100-foot notification radius) and expressed fears about stormwater runoff and chemical contamination.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 - Variance (Jeffrey and Michelle McQuerry): The applicants requested a variance to allow a 280 sq ft metal gazebo to remain within the 5-foot side setback. Staff recommended denial. The applicant stated the structure was built on pavers and they were unaware of the permit requirement. The Board voted to approve the variance 5-1, with Commissioner Lampson dissenting.
• Item 7 - Variance (Claire Ramirez): The applicant requested a variance for a shed encroaching 2.5 feet into the rear setback. Staff recommended approval. The shed was found to be pre-existing (constructed between 2002 and 2004). The Board voted to approve the variance 5-1, with Commissioner Lampson dissenting.
• Item 8 - Zone Map Amendment (ABQ Living Inc.): The applicant requested to amend the Special Use (SU) zoning of a 5.82-acre site to add warehousing and light manufacturing uses. Staff recommended approval. The applicant clarified they intend to develop a modern office-warehouse facility. In response to board questions, the applicant and staff distinguished the request from heavy manufacturing, noting that any development would require a future traffic impact analysis and a site plan with strict design requirements.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4 (Lomas Encantadas Preliminary Plat Extension): Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Item 5 (UNM Preliminary/Final Plat): Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Item 6 (McQuerry Variance): Approved 5-1 (Commissioner Lampson opposed).
• Item 7 (Ramirez Variance): Approved 5-1 (Commissioner Lampson opposed).
• Item 8 (ABQ Living Zone Map Amendment): Approved unanimously (6-0). The Board will recommend approval to the Governing Body. The applicant must undergo a site plan review and traffic analysis before development permits are issued.