Development Code Update

Project Summary

Phase 2, the zoning code update, will analyze and revise the Chapter 16 Development Code. The goal of this project is to align the code with the goals of the Comprehensive plan, create a code that is more efficient and transparent with standards that reflect national best practices. These adjustments aim to encourage the right development, within the appropriate location and suitable design to enhance the health, welfare and overall quality of living within Los Alamos County.

The regulations of Chapter 16 apply to the entire County. Zoning and associated development standards serve as the regulatory tool by which the community can direct the type and intensity of growth that is desired. By revising the zoning code, Los Alamos residents have the unique opportunity to implement the vision and goals identified in the Comprehensive Plan and re-envision how the community wants to grow and prosper over time.

Much of the existing code has not been updated since 1965 and requires revisions to align with changing economic and social realities.

Over the course of 2021 this project will analyze the existing standards and propose revisions where appropriate.

Key project goals for the Phase 2 code update identified by the County include:

  • Implementing the vision of the Comprehensive Plan
  • Implementing the vision of the Downtown Master Plans for both Los Alamos Downtown and White Rock.
  • Aligning the new Chapter 16 Development Code to support implementation of other adopted policy documents
  • Building efficiency and cross-references into the code.
  • Enhance the clarity of the code

Public Meetings

Phase 2 Code Update Process

The Phase 2 Code Update began in 2021. The project team produced a Code Diagnosis that identified proposed revisions to Chapter 16. The Diagnosis identified code sections that should be updated, sections that should be retained, and provided preliminary recommendations on the proposed code updates and code structure. This technical review to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the existing code is a critical step. The Diagnosis was released in January 2021 and can be viewed here.

The actual standards of the Development Code will be updated in a series of three modules. This approach creates incremental updates that deal with each section separately. Public comments received on each module will be incorporated into the subsequent Module, i.e. public comments on Module 1 will be incorporated into Module 2 etc.

Each module will be drafted based on the input from a Code Update Steering Committee during a series of working group sessions. The Steering Committee is composed of representatives from County staff, the development community, design professionals, and neighborhood representation and serves to review the proposed revisions. The committee meets biweekly on Tuesdays from 12-1pm via Zoom. Members of the public are welcome to listen in to the committee meetings using this Zoom Link. Please view the calendar of sessions below for upcoming dates and times.

The Steering Committee tackles code sections regarding specific content at each session, for instance, one session was dedicated entirely to off-street parking and loading standards. Draft code sections are sent to committee members prior to the meeting for review. During the session, the project team provides an overview of the draft code section, highlighting major changes. The committee discusses the proposed changes and provides guidance. After the steering committee session, the project team revises the draft based on the discussion. These revised drafts are compiled into a draft module for public review and comment. Draft code modules will be posted to the website to review and major changes presented to the public at a Public Open House.

The modules will focus on the following content:

Module 1: Zone District and Use Regulations. This module focuses on updates to the zone and overlay districts, associated district standards, the use index table, and use specific standards. Module 1 was released to the public for review and comment in July 2021. The draft Module 1 contents may be reviewed online here.

Module 2: Development Standards. This module reorganizes and updates any development standards found in the chapter including but not limited to parking and loading, landscaping, architecture. Module 2 is anticipated to be released for public review and comment in November 2021.

Module 3: Administration and Procedures. This module focuses on the reorganization and streamlining of content related to administration, enforcement and procedures. Module 3 is anticipated to be released for public review and comment in early 2022.

Documents

Download

Technical Code Review Draft 

This report is a technical review to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the current Development Code. The report makes preliminary recommendations for updating and making the document consistent with overall County policies, improving the structure and clarity and updating the Code to align with current economic and social trends

Module 1 Use Regulations

Module 1 is the first phase of the Code Update and contains revisions to the zoning districts, the permissive use table (AKA Use Index Table), use-specific regulations and use related definitions.

Module 1 Public Comments 

This document outlines all of the public comments received on Module 1 as well as responses by the project team. 

Module 2 Development Standards Draft January 2022 

Module 2 is the second phase of the Code Update and contains revisions to all development standards for zone districts, off-street parking, landscaping, outdoor lighting, and signage. 

Interactive Map of the proposed Zone District Conversions  

The interactive map shows the proposed zoning conversions which may be found by clicking on a specific property on the map.

Module 2 Public Comment Matrix

This document outlines all of the public comments received on Module 2 as well as responses by the project team.

Module 3 Administration and Enforcement

This document contains content related to administration, enforcement and procedures. 

Module 3 Public Comment Matrix 

This document outlines all of the public comments received on Module 3 as well as responses by the project team.

Final Development Code Draft

This document is the final compiled draft of the Development Code update to be discussed at  October 2022 joint County Council and Planning And Zoning Commission Virtual Work Sessions

Code Reference Comparison Table

This document provides a comparison of the sections of the existing code where the comparable content exists within the proposed Development Code.

Provide Input

Provide input on by emailing jessical@dpsdesign.org or Sobia Sayeda at Sobia.Sayeda@lacnm.us. 

Upcoming Events

10/12/22-10/14/22 Virtual Office Hours

10/12/22-10/14/22 Joint County Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Workshops 

10/26/22 Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing

11/30/22 County Council Public Hearing