Sustainable Land Development Code Hearing Officer Meeting - Aug 13 2026

The Santa Fe County Sustainable Land Development Code Hearing Officer meeting held on August 13, 2026, addressed two main matters. The first was a legislative amendment to the Madrid Community District overlay, proposed by the Madrid Planning Committee and staff, which included revisions to sign design, parking, architectural standards, and use regulations to better align with the Madrid Community Plan. The hearing officer took the matter under advisement to prepare a recommendation for the Planning Commission. The second matter involved a variance request by Betty and Webb Garrison to allow four dwelling units on a 5-acre property in the residential fringe zoning district, exceeding the base density limits. Staff recommended denial due to lack of evidence supporting the variance criteria and concerns about permitting and septic system compliance. The applicants presented their case, emphasizing efforts to bring the property into compliance and financial burdens. The hearing officer left the record open to receive additional septic permit documentation and will issue a recommended decision within fifteen business days. No votes were taken during the meeting, but conditions for potential variance approval were discussed.