Planning board approves master plan recommendation, a variance and several postponements

The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board on March 10 handled a mix of routine and project‑level business: it approved the consent calendar, recommended approval of the Orchard Park master plan to the governing body, approved a variance for a shed at 2332 Manzano Loop NE despite a staff recommendation to deny, and voted to postpone several subdivision variance items.

During the meeting staff and applicants presented project details and the board held roll‑call votes. The Orchard Park master plan (about 43.13 acres) was recommended to the governing body; the variance for 2332 Manzano Loop NE was approved with a 5–1 roll call; items 4–6 (subdivision variance matters) were postponed on motions by the board. The public forum produced limited comment; a neighbor spoke in support of the variance applicant.

The board adjourned after confirming next steps for the items moved forward: zone‑map amendment and subdivision review for the master plan, encroachment agreements and building‑department clearances for the variance, and scheduling of postponed items for future hearings.