Valencia County's P&Z Meeting 7-21-26

The Valencia County Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on July 21, 2026, addressing several zoning and land use matters. Key procurement-related discussions included a request by Solar Stone New Mexico LLC for a solar field overlay zone on approximately 42 acres in Los Lunas, intended to generate power for about 1,500 households. The commission heard extensive public testimony both in favor and against the project, with concerns raised about aesthetics, property values, floodplain impacts, and long-term land use. After deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to deny the solar overlay request, noting that the company could reapply before the Board of County Commissioners. Additionally, the commission approved a zone change request to subdivide a property into one-acre lots in Berlin, New Mexico, and approved a zone change from Agricultural Preservation to Rural Residential to allow residential development on several lots in Bowen, New Mexico. A variance request for a pump house setback was denied due to multiple code violations and lack of permits. The meeting also included updates on upcoming county events and staff reports. The commission emphasized adherence to zoning laws and encouraged public participation in future proceedings.