Paradise Hills Special Zoning District

Our Special Zoning District Commissioners are elected uncompensated community members. No National, New Mexico, or Bernalillo County Funds were authorized to help our commissions with the cost increases essential to delivering services during a pandemic or improving our services. Resources and labor were needed to bring the district online. Commissioners and volunteers donated professional services and personal funds to acquire data development and web applications.

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​New Mexico State Zoning Statutes require special zoning districts, like the Paradise Hills Special Zoning District Commission to (1) review zoning applications, (2) issue permits, and (3) secure, validate and retain zoning permits decisions. New Mexico statutes are clear: "All necessary costs incurred by the zoning commission of a special zoning district in connection with official acts performed pursuant to the Special Zoning District Act [3-21-15 to 3-21-26 NMSA 1978] shall be borne by the parties in interest [property owners/contractors]." 

 

Our rules are similar to other jurisdictions. A PHSZD zoning application is incomplete if no fee or only partial fees are submitted. Information from applicants legally secures zoning decisions. An application is incomplete if it requires:

• Collation.

• Data extraction from supporting documents.

• Further investigation by the Commission.​

• Incomplete applications are not reviewed. The Commission reviews applications only after a fee has been received and logged, and the application is found to be complete and conforming to the PHSZD Zoning Ordinance.

• PHSZD online application tools have embedded instructions and links to the online property information. Applicants can quickly complete PHSZD zoning applications online and have automated: confirmation, fee estimates, and reminders for the next steps sent to their email.

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 Ordinance Update:

The July 19, 2022 Public Meeting will be the first of several Public Meetings amending and updating the PHSZD Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Sections.  

 

The PHSZD received more applications in 2021 than any previous year since the district's authorization in 1982. Zoning requests received in 2021 will total more than one hundred separate applications. In 2022 permit fees and projects have increased by 300%.

 

The Commission plans to update the PHSZD Ordinance  last reviewed in 2009.  New Ordinances and procedures will expedite zoning reviews and ensure public notification and engagement opportunities.  State regulations require new cannabis ordinances. 

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Beginning with the July 19th meeting, the Commission will consider amending Sections of the Ordinance; the Commission schedule for completing the update is January 2023.  The draft sections are available on the website prior to public meetings.  The Commissioners welcome public comments and recommendations on the proposed PHSZD Ordinance Amendments.  Our goals are to assist our neighbors and to keep our economy and property values growing  The Commission can address some problems and community challenges through zoning.  We have been listening to community members, gathering data, and researching best zoning practices and solutions.  Please read the amendments and lets us know what you think because we are elected to serve our community.  Please list your address to indicate whether you are a PHSZD resident, business or property owner.

TO. PARTICIPATE IN A PUBLIC MEETING OR ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING

Administrative Hearings require written records of written public comments, lists of attendees, notified persons with legal standing, persons requesting a copy of the Notice of Determination, or project-specific remarks at the meeting.

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Public Meetings can be attended without prior notice. AGENDA can be accessed by Meeting Date on NEW ONLINE Page

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If you wish to participate in the meetings. Please contact the PHSZD Commission via the website, telephone, (505) 407 4381, or Commission Email: contact@paradisehillsspecialzoning.org.