Planning commission approves conditional use permit for Tesuque‑overlay ADU at Bishop's Lodge Road

The Santa Fe County Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a conditional use permit that will allow Bruce and Deborah McAllister to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with an attached two‑car garage and workshop at 1473 Bishop's Lodge Road in the Tesuque community overlay district.

County staff reported the 1.787‑acre parcel is zoned Residential Community within the Tesuque overlay and that ADUs are allowed as a conditional use in that district. Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff report; the commission approved the permit by roll call vote.

Dominic Cisneros, planning staff, described the proposal: a 1,183‑square‑foot structure of which 456 square feet will be heated living space designated as the ADU, with the remaining area an attached garage and workshop. Staff’s review, Cisneros said, confirmed the proposal meets SLDC criteria for ADUs, including size limits and design standards. He noted the property currently contains a main residence, a child’s playhouse and a pergola; an existing accessory/storage shed will be demolished and replaced with the ADU. Notice and neighborhood meeting requirements were met, and building and development services staff and County Fire provided review comments supporting the findings.

Commissioner Pava asked whether the ADU’s heated square footage met the 50 percent standard relative to the primary residence; the applicant, Deborah McAllister, later stated the main house is “just under 2,800 square feet,” which staff said meets the ADU criteria. Commissioner Pava also asked about septic service; Cisneros said the existing septic system will be replaced by a larger NMED‑approved system that will serve both the main residence and the ADU.

Deborah McAllister said the detached garage was necessary because of lot constraints and that the ADU is intended for family use when relatives visit: “So, that's really our our purpose. ... keep the daughter‑in‑laws happy? They have their own shower.” When Commissioner Bruegger asked whether the ADU would be used as a short‑term rental, McAllister replied, “Not in our lifetimes. No.” The applicants confirmed the property association prohibits short‑term rentals.

A motion to approve the conditional use permit, inclusive of staff’s conditions, passed on roll call. Staff will enter recommended conditions into the hearing record and the applicants must obtain any required after‑the‑fact permits or building permits as conditions of approval.