Santa Fe County has announced key deadlines and procedures for public participation in the upcoming quasi-judicial hearing regarding an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a commercial solar energy production facility. The hearing, which concerns AES Clean Energy Development, LLC, Rancho Viejo Limited Partnership, and Rancho Viejo Solar, LLC, will take place on August 11 and 12, 2025, at the John Gaw Meem Historic Building located at 102 Grant Avenue in Santa Fe.
The county is reminding residents that written public comments must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Comments can be sent via email to publiccomment@santafecountynm.gov or mailed to the Growth Management Department at PO Box 276, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0276. Late submissions will not be included in the official record.
Individuals wishing to provide live public comment during the hearing on August 12 must pre-register. Registration can be completed online through the AES Public Comment Pre Registration Form or by calling (505) 986-6225 for assistance. Each speaker will have two minutes to address the hearing and may participate either in person or virtually using Microsoft Teams.
Public comment will only be accepted on the second day of the hearing. The first day is reserved for presentations from staff, applicants, and parties with standing.
Due to limited seating in the Board Chambers at 102 Grant Ave., overflow viewing areas will be available at several nearby locations: Eldorado Hotel & Spa Zia Ballrooms (309 W. San Francisco Street), conference rooms at 240 Grant Avenue (first and second floors), and additional conference rooms within 102 Grant Ave., which are prioritized for individuals with disabilities or those giving in-person comments. Participants may need to walk between these buildings depending on room availability or their speaking schedule; signage will guide attendees along routes between venues.
To help manage attendance, registered speakers can monitor real-time conference room capacity by visiting https://www.santafecountynm.gov/aescomment/conference-room-seating. Staff members will also be present at each location to assist those unable to access this webpage.
All proceedings will be streamed live via Facebook, YouTube, and www.santafecountynm.gov/joinmeeting using Microsoft Teams access. The county encourages virtual participation to reduce pedestrian and vehicle congestion downtown during ongoing road construction and increased visitor traffic due to the Santa Fe Indian Market.
Members of the media who wish to attend should contact Olivia Romo, Communications Coordinator at (505) 986-6224 or orromo@santafecountynm.gov for seating arrangements in the Board Chambers.
Santa Fe County notes that it cannot provide parking for these hearings but lists options such as the Santa Fe Community Convention Center Municipal Garage (119 South Federal Place), Sandoval Municipal Garage (216 West San Francisco Street), and parking at Eldorado Hotel & Spa (309 W San Francisco St).
Additional information about participation guidelines is available at https://www.santafecountynm.gov/news. Application materials related to the CUP can be accessed through www.santafecountynm.gov/growth-management.
For questions or technical support with registration, residents are directed to contact the Santa Fe County Growth Management Department at (505) 986-6225.
