Council approves rezoning at 10199 Socorro Road with no drive‑through condition

The Socorro City Council approved on second reading an ordinance to amend the city’s master plan and rezone Tract 21A, Block 17 (10199 Socorro Road) from R‑1 single‑family residential to C‑1 light commercial, with a council‑added condition barring drive‑through service.

Lorraine Quimiro, city planner, said the 8,585‑square‑foot property is currently vacant and listed the owner as Jose Alejandro Lozano. Planning staff had met with the applicant after council postponed the item at the May 21 meeting and recommended approval while asking that the city prohibit drive‑through businesses at the site because of the lot’s small, irregular shape and pedestrian‑safety concerns. Quimiro said required parking would range from five to eight spaces based on proposed uses.

A motion to approve the ordinance was moved, seconded and amended on the council floor to include the staff recommendation to remove drive‑through service. Council voted by voice; the mayor announced the motion carries.

The planning and zoning commission previously voted unanimously (4‑0) to recommend approval. No members of the public signed up to speak at the council public hearing.

Next steps: The ordinance was adopted on second reading with the drive‑through prohibition; staff and the applicant may proceed with site planning subject to the condition the council adopted.