City council approves Realize Las Cruces amendments to zoning code and map

Las Cruces City Council on Dec. 1 approved a set of amendments to chapters 34 through 38 of the Las Cruces Municipal Code (Realize Las Cruces) and an updated zoning map, changes staff said will clarify processes, streamline certain reviews and align zoning with neighborhood contexts.

Sarah Gonzalez of Community Development outlined numerous modifications, including returning final authority on certain vacation plats to city council, shortening historic-preservation design-review notice for non-demolition work to align with city practices, defining accessory dwelling-unit heights and secondary front yards, clarifying temporary construction-yards rules, and adding development identification signage standards.

Gonzalez said staff adjusted the TIA (traffic-impact analysis) thresholds into three tiers (0'0 trips, 50—00 trips, and more than 100 trips) and requested TIAs earlier in the development process so traffic mitigation measures are considered before final approvals. Flood-zone documentation requirements were strengthened to encourage applicants to pursue FEMA letters of map revision or conditional letters before subdivision approvals.

Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the amendments Oct. 28 and recommended approval with two adjustments (garage setback in urban areas and allowance for botanical gardens in open space). Councilors asked questions about flooding, master-plan thresholds and nonconforming uses; staff said they will continue annual code amendments as the Realize Las Cruces transition continues.

On a unanimous roll call, the council passed the ordinance updating the code and zoning map. Staff said they will continue outreach and return with further amendments as implementation reveals additional refinements.