Sustainable Land Development Code Hearing Officer Meeting - Jul 09 2026

The Santa Fe County Sustainable Land Development Code Hearing Officer meeting held on July 9, 2026, primarily addressed two key land use applications. The first was a zoning map amendment request by Cohiba Club LLC for approximately 297 acres known as Trace Rios Ranch. Staff recommended approval, finding the amendment consistent with community plans and sustainable growth policies. The discussion included concerns from community members about potential future residential development, the transfer of development rights (TDR) process, and preservation efforts. The applicant emphasized intentions to preserve the property as a working ranch and pursue TDRs to protect the land. The hearing officer took the matter under advisement for a written recommendation. The second matter involved a conditional use permit for an accessory dwelling unit on a rural residential parcel. Staff found the application compliant with code requirements and recommended approval with conditions. No public opposition was noted, and the hearing officer also took this matter under advisement for a recommendation to the planning commission. No direct contract awards or procurement decisions were made, but the discussions on zoning and TDRs could influence future land development and preservation-related procurement activities.