Application Status: In progress

Summary: 
Applications were made to appeal the Santa Fe County Planning Commission's decision on the approval for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the AES/Rancho Viejo Solar application case #24-5200. The Rancho Viejo Solar project proposed for a privately-owned site in Santa Fe County, NM. The project will cover 680 acres and include a solar facility, a 1-acre collector substation, a 3-acre battery energy storage system (BESS), a 2.3-mile generation tie-in line, a 2.1-mile access road, a 26.3-foot diameter water storage tank, and a 1,400-square-foot operations building. Located about 3 miles south of Santa Fe and 4.2 miles east of La Cienega, the project aims to generate 96 megawatts (MW) of power, with 48 MW coming from the BESS for storage and delivery of renewable solar energy across New Mexico.

>>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO SPEAK FOR AUGUST 12, 2025 BCC PUBLIC HEARING<<

Select the links below to view submitted public comment:

Letters of Opposition/Concern

Letters of Support

Staff Contacts:

Dominic Sisneros - Building and Development Supervisor
Email (for general questions): djsisneros@santafecountynm.gov 
Email (*written comments of opposition/concern or support): publiccomment@santafecountynm.gov

Alexandra Ladd - Director/Interim Land Use Administrator
Email (for general questions): aladd@santafecountynm.gov
Email (*written comments of opposition/concern or support): publiccomment@santafecountynm.gov

*Written comments of opposition/concern or support may also be sent via mail to:
Growth Management Department
P.O. Box 276 
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0276

"*Written comments are to be part of the record and will be available to the public to view. Before submitting a written comment please be sure not to include any sensitive information you do not wish for the public to view. Written comments received after July 31, 2023, will not be included in the administrative record."

Order Governing Prehearing Procedure And Scheduling Hearing On The Merits

Order Consolidating Appeals; Recognizing Parties With Standing; And Scheduling Pre-Hearing Special Meeting

June 5, 2025 Notice of Special Meeting

Affidavit of June 5, 2025 Notice of Special Meeting

June 10, 2025 Joint Letter RE: June 6, 2025 meeting between Applicant and Parties of Standing

Written request(s) to be considered as party with standing submitted by 5pm on 6/10/2025:

Appellant's Application Materials*:
Ashley C. Schannauer:

The San Marcos Association:

New Mexico for Responsible Renewable Energy:

CEC (Clean Energy Coalition) for Santa Fe County:

AES/Rancho Viejo Solar Project CUP Application Materials*:

"*Some studies from the withdrawn application are still current and included in the list above."

August 11, 2025 Public Hearing on Application by Rancho Viejo Limited Partnership, Rancho Viejo Solar, LLC, AES Clean Energy Development, LLC, Applicants, for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Case No. 24-5200 (Arising by Appeals in Case Nos. 24- 5201, 24-5202, 24-5203 and 24-5204). 

The BCC Chambers shall be limited to the BCC, credentialed members of the media, County staff, the Applicants and their representatives, parties with standing and their representatives, and members of the public, depending on capacity. Members of the public who wish to watch the public hearings at County-provided facilities shall be allowed to do so in designated spaces at 102 and 240 Grant Avenue, as well as the Zia Ballroom in the Eldorado Hotel located at 309 W. San Francisco St., Santa Fe. The County intends to allow members of the public to listen to this meeting virtually and to watch via YouTube and Facebook. For instructions on joining the meeting or watching via YouTube and Facebook, visit www.santafecountynm.gov/joinmeeting. In the event that the County's virtual meeting platform is not working, the Public Hearings shall be recessed until such time as the virtual meeting platform is functioning. There will be no public comment during this meeting.

A. Land Use Administrator and County Staff. (1 hour)** - Materials
B. Applicants Rancho Viejo Limited Partnership, Rancho Viejo Solar, LLC, AES Clean Energy Development, LLC. (1 hour)** - Materials
C. New Mexicans for Responsible Renewable Energy. (1 hour)** - Materials
D. Ashley C. Schannauer. (1 hour)** - Materials
E. The Clean Energy Coalition for Santa Fe County. (1 hour)** - Materials
F. The San Marcos Association. (1 hour)** - Materials
G. Camilla Brom. (30 minutes)** - Materials
H. 350 Santa Fe, Inc. (30 minutes)** - Materials
I. Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce. (30 minutes)** - Materials
J. Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter. (30 minutes)** - Materials