§ 16-6. Zoning and subdivision purpose and authority.

(a)

Zoning. The purpose and authority to regulate the use of land shall be as follows:

(1)

Promote the health, safety and welfare of the county;

(2)

Facilitate orderly growth and development of the county consistent with the goals, concepts, strategies and policies of the comprehensive plan or amendments thereto;

(3)

Provide adequate light and air; minimize congestion in the streets and public ways; secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; avoid undue concentration of population; and prevent the overcrowding of lands;

(4)

Facilitate adequate provision for transportation, utilities, schools, parks and other public requirements;

(5)

Conserve the value of buildings and land pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 3-21-5.B, and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the county;

(6)

Establish land use districts and provide for the appropriate regulation of land use within those districts;

(7)

Divide the county into zoning districts according to the use of land and structures and the intensity of such use;

(8)

Guide the location and use of structures and land for commercial, industrial, public and residential uses where they are, or can be made to be, compatible with neighboring land uses;

(9)

Provide for harmonious development in the county;

(10)

Provide for coordination of street plans;

(11)

Provide for needed school and park lands;

(12)

Provide for safety in the community;

(13)

Preserve the natural beauty, vegetation and topography, and prevent the pollution of air, water and the general environment;

(14)

Ensure adequate drainage and availability of utility resources and facilities;

(15)

Create conditions preserving the health, safety, order and convenience, and promoting the prospering and general welfare of the community;

(16)

Control and abate the unsightly use of buildings or land;

(17)

Provide flexible regulations which encourage compatible, creative and efficient uses of land;

(18)

Provide for the administration and enforcement of this chapter; and

(19)

Provide service to applicants and property owners in understanding and working with the provisions and procedures of this chapter.

(b)

Subdivisions. The scope and authority to regulate the subdivision of land shall be as follows:

(1)

The regulations governing the subdivision of land shall have been adopted by the county council following consideration of recommendations by the planning and zoning commission.

(2)

The planning and zoning commission shall be the official body to hear and act upon subdivision requests as set forth in this chapter.

(3)

The community development director shall be the official person or body to hear and act upon summary plat requests as set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 85-210, § 3, 1994; Code 1985, § 17.02.060)