Los Ranchos planning commission elects officers; staff update highlights permit guidance and enforcement gaps

The Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Planning and Zoning Commission held officer elections and heard department updates on March 11.

By roll call the commission elected Mary Homan as chair, Connie Barrow as vice chair and Gwen Baldwin as secretary for the coming year. Nominations were made from the floor and each office was confirmed by a roll-call vote.

Planning Director Williams told commissioners that an updated outreach article in the Village Vision magazine clarifies which projects require permits, and staff encouraged residents to submit permit questions by email to pnz@losranchosnm.gov so requests are in writing. "The easiest way or the most appreciated way, I'll say, is not to make a phone call, but to email us," Williams said.

Several commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about the accessibility of the village code on the website and the impact of staff vacancies on enforcement. Resident Vincent Sanchez told the commission he had asked for help about code violations and received "almost 0 communication" from zoning staff, urging a better process for resolving recurring neighborhood disputes. Chair directed Sanchez to contact Village Administrator John Avila for follow-up; Williams said Bernalillo County is assisting with recent enforcement actions and that staff will respond to complaints submitted with a street address.

Commissioners also discussed possible future steps, including improving web access to the village code and forming committees or recognition programs to reward good property stewardship. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:28 p.m.