§ 16-610. Authority; purpose.

(a)

Authority. As the preservation of historic assets within the county has been determined by the county council to be a legitimate purpose of government, this Article is adopted pursuant to and furthers the purposes of NMSA 1978, §§ 3-21-1 et seq., (Municipal and County Zoning Regulations); NMSA § 3-22-1 et seq., (Historic Districts and Landmarks Act); and NMSA §§ 18-6-1 et seq., (Cultural Properties Act).

(b)

Purpose. The county council hereby declares that the archeological and historical heritage of the county is one of the county's most valued and important assets; that the public has an interest in the preservation of all prehistoric and historic ruins, sites, trails, primitive or historic roads—excluding existing modified thoroughfares, structures, objects and similar places and things for their scientific and cultural information and value; that the neglect, desecration and destruction of prehistoric and historic sites and objects results in an irreplaceable loss to the public. The term "prehistoric and historic sites and objects" includes, but is not limited to, real and personal property, including structures and ruins, that have historical and/or archeological significance. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to establish a cooperative approach for the protection and enhancement of the county's unique heritage and identity through the protection of historic sites, structures, and artifacts and through the designation of districts and landmarks of historical or archeological significance. This article is further intended to:

(1)

Create a reasonable balance between private property rights and the public's interest in preserving the county's historic properties;

(2)

Allow for the preservation, protection and enhancement of archeological and historical sites and objects within the county;

(3)

Foster civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of our past;

(4)

Provide educational opportunities for Los Alamos residents of all ages;

(5)

Enhance and promote the county's ability to attract tourists and other visitors while respecting the privacy of individual building occupants;

(6)

Promote the continued use, adaptive reuse, and maintenance of historic or architecturally significant properties;

(7)

Ensure that the exterior design and appearance of new structures and improvements within a historic district will be compatible with the established character of that district;

(8)

Provide owners of properties of historic significance with helpful information and other potential incentives for the preservation, maintenance and improvement of their properties; and

(9)

Establish efficient and simple administrative systems to carry out the purposes of this article utilizing, wherever possible, approval procedures already in existence.

(Ord. No. 02-234, § 2, 10-29-2013)