News and Articles

01/09/2024

Santa Fe County Growth Management to Host Community Meeting on the Conditional Use Permitting Process for Commercial Renewable Energy Projects

Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe County's Growth Management Department is scheduled to host an informative community meeting addressing the conditional use permitting process for commercial renewable energy projects. In response to increasing constituent request, the Growth Management Department will facilitate a focused discussion on the process and criteria related to the AES/Rancho Viejo Solar application.

The public meeting is scheduled to take place virtually on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 5:00 pm via WebEx, ensuring broad community participation. To join the meeting, click here: CUP Process for Commercial Renewable Energy Projects. Building and Development staff will provide insight into the conditional use permit and quasi-judicial discretionary approval process, as well as the permissible uses within Santa Fe County's zoning districts according to Chapter 4 of the Sustainable Land Development Code. Additionally, the agenda will include the Santa Fe County Fire administration, who will address concerns about fire safety in commercial renewable energy production facilities, particularly regarding battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Fire administration will discuss amendments to the Fire Code regulating BESS and containing hazard mitigations.

On September 26, 2023, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing a dedicated webpage for conditional use permit applications pertaining to commercial renewable energy projects. Santa Fe County is pleased to announce the launch of this website, offering a detailed description of the conditional use permit process, criteria, as well as information about future renewable energy projects. Interested constituents can visit the website at: Commercial Renewable Energy Projects | Santa Fe County (santafecountynm.gov)

The Growth Management Department urges all concerned stakeholders, residents, and interested parties to attend this educational meeting to gain a comprehensive understanding of the conditional use permitting process and your public involvement.

Who: Santa Fe County Growth Management

What: Community Meeting on CUP Process for Commercial Renewable Energy Projects

When: Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 5:00 p.m

Where: Meeting will take place virtually via Webex Meeting number: 2491 394 0033 and Password: v2bYryDda73

Contact: Deputy Growth Management Department Director, Lisaida  Archuleta (505) 986-6222 or lmarchuleta@santafecountynm.gov

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