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Planning commission declines broader permitting authority, presses for transparency and master-plan updates
Summary
Commissioners voted not to expand the commission’s role into day-to-day permitting and subdivision variances, recommended keeping decisions with technical staff, and discussed posting building applications for public access and updating the master development plan.
The Taos Ski Valley Planning & Zoning Commission discussed and declined to expand its authority Feb. 2 to review and approve individual building permits and to grant variances for subdividing lots, citing a lack of technical expertise and potential conflicts with existing regulations.
Emmeritus Commissioner Stagg urged the commission to stick to the authority outlined in the village ordinance and suggested that zoning or building officials report decisions to the commission for informational purposes rather than transferring permitting responsibility. Commissioners raised concerns about inconsistent variance application and the public-safety risk of unauthorized installations such as above-ground propane tanks.
In 'old business' the commission debated posting building applications and permits for public access as a transparency measure. Village Administrator Hammond-Paul offered to follow up on statutory requirements with previous Village Administrator Bellis and reported ongoing stormwater and sanitary sewer installations. No formal policy change was adopted; topics were discussed for follow-up by staff.
