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Mesilla PZHAC approves code changes to pursue Certified Local Government status
Summary
The Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission approved amendments to Title 18 on Oct. 20 to meet New Mexico Certified Local Government requirements, enabling Mesilla to apply for technical assistance and future preservation grants while committing to new survey, reporting and training duties.
The Town of Mesilla’s Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission voted Oct. 20 to adopt amendments to the municipal zoning code that the town says are required to apply for Certified Local Government (CLG) status in New Mexico.
Liana Aguirre, Mesilla’s historic specialist, told commissioners the CLG program connects local governments to technical assistance and federal- and state-level preservation tools and can improve eligibility for grant-funded surveys, National Register nominations and rehabilitation projects. "Being a CLG demonstrates our community's commitments to saving what's important from the past for future generations," Aguirre said.
Aguirre reviewed the code changes under Title 18 that the town added or amended to meet state CLG criteria, including new definitions (historic landmark, historic district), survey standards requiring use of the New Mexico cultural resources information system (NMCRIS) and HCPI forms, and requirements that at least two commission members meet Secretary of the Interior professional qualifications or demonstrate equivalent positive interest. She told the commission the state historic preservation office currently has no direct CLG program funding available but that the Historic Preservation Fund and other grant opportunities managed by the state’s Historic Preservation Division are still potential sources of support.
The ordinance amendments also add administrative duties for the commission: the code requires a minimum of four commission meetings per year, one annual meeting devoted to education and training, and an annual report to the State Historic Preservation Officer documenting member qualifications, attendance, minutes and new local designations. Aguirre said the town must assemble supporting materials for the CLG application — a mayoral request letter, resumes for commission members, a local preservation ordinance and a map/list of locally historic properties — before submitting to the state program.
Commissioners asked for clarification about owner consent for local designation. The new section added to the code (18.33.141) allows the commission to recommend designation regardless of owner consent, while preserving owners’ rights to public comment and to appeal a final designation to the Board of Trustees within 30 days. Aguirre said the commission’s designation recommendation must be based on significance and integrity; appeals would be considered before final action by the trustees.
The commission approved the CLG-related code amendments by unanimous vote (recorded 5-0). Next steps identified during the meeting include gathering commissioners’ resumes, securing the mayor’s request letter and finishing the CLG application package for submission to the State Historic Preservation Officer.
The commission also discussed training needs; Aguirre offered to provide regular education on the Secretary of the Interior standards and other CLG responsibilities to help commissioners meet the new qualification and reporting requirements.
