Planning Division
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The Planning Division administers the Chapter 16 Development Code, processing land use and development applications and provides technical assistance to the community on current land use and development issues.  The Planning Division maintains and updates the Comprehensive Plan, including the County's two downtown master plans, providing policy and regulatory bases for land use and development as mandated by state and local laws.

The Planning Division coordinates with internal and external partners to ensure efficient use of the land in the County and supports the Economic Development and Housing Program initiatives. The Planning Division also serves as the liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, administers Code Compliance and Historic Preservation initiatives.

Quick Links.

Recent and Ongoing Projects.

Land Use / Development Applications

ADMINISTRATIVE DESCISIONS

Administrative Deviation Applications for relatively minor modification from the dimensional or numeric standards of the Development Code. (i.e. Lot Area, Lot Coverage, Height, Setbacks).
  
Administrative Wireless Telecommunication Facility Application for any Wireless Telecommunication Facilities that are:
(a) Collocations on public utility poles; (b) Collocations on concealed WTFs; (c) Like-for-like antenna swap outs, back-up generators, and other minor site modifications to existing WTFs; and (d) New towers or antennas in non-residential zone districts.

Encroachment Permit Application for construction of structures or site elements to encroach upon a public utility or drainage easement or public right-of-way owned by the County. 

Lighting Plan Whenever a building, subdivision, site plan, or outdoor lighting permit is applied for, an outdoor lighting plan shall be submitted in conjunction with the application. 

Minor Development Plan Amendment Application for any amendment to a previously approved Development Plan that changes site development standards at a threshold of not more than 10%. 

Minor Historic Demolition Permit Applies to all applications for demolition permits within a Historic Protection Overlay. 

Minor Historic Property Alteration Certificate  Application to alter the exterior appearance of any historical designated structure, new construction, or demolition within a designated Historic Protection Overlay; and/or any construction, alteration, relocation or demolition of any fence or other landscape feature included, without limitation, any deck, wall, berm, garden structure, exterior lighting, driveway, or landscaping that has the potential for affecting historic structures or features.
Minor Site Plan Amendment Application for any amendments to a previously approved Site Plan that does not change the use, function, or appearance of the development, or increase the gross floor area of previously approved buildings more than 20%, not to exceed a maximum of 5,000 square foot of gross floor area. 

Small Wireless Facilities Permit  Applications for a Small Wireless Facilities Permit for placement of a small wireless facility in any right-of-way. 

Summary Plat Application which seeks a technical surveying correction, a lot line adjustment, consolidate no more than two lots, or subdivide a lot into no more than two lots.
Temporary Use Permit A temporary use in Los Alamos County is defined as a use of a temporary, seasonal, or a transitional nature and can include such uses as firewood sales, Christmas tree sales, and outdoor festivals or carnivals. $25.00 
QUASI-JUDICIAL DECISIONS
Conditional Use Permit A special use permit is a permit that allows a use that has been determined to be compatible with the purposes of a particular zoning district, but requires additional review at a public hearing. $300.00
Development Plan Adoption/ Major Amendment 

Discretionary Wireless Telecommunication Facility Permit Application for a tower or antenna that is not otherwise administratively approved. 

Historic Economic Hardship Waiver Applies to applicants who have been denied a historic property alteration certificate and may seek
an exemption from all or portions of the requirements of the historic overlay (HP-O) based on economic hardships.

Major Historic Demolition Permit  Applies to all applications for demolition within a historic protection overlay. 

Major Historic Property Altercation Certificate Application for new construction over 200 square feet in gross floor area, and the relocation or demolition of a historic property within a designated historic protection overlay. 

Minor Zone Map Amendment Applications for a zone map amendment to change a single tract, parcel or lot under common ownership; or the land or land affected by the map amendment is predominantly owned by a single person or entity under common ownership

Site Plan Adoption Applications for all new development within the county, except for (a) the construction of individual single-family dwellings and all other permitted single-family dwellings and all other permitted, conditional, and accessory uses in the R-A, R-E, SFR, MHC, RM, and PD zone districts; (b) the construction of individual single-family and two-family dwelling units, and the construction of structures under 120 square feet in area for all other permitted, conditional, and accessory uses in any MFR-L zone district; (c) changes to the interior of an existing structure; (d) façade changes, as defined by the latest county adopted edition of the uniform building code, either through architectural or material means, except if the building or structure is located in the H (historical site) overlay district; and (e) the construction of a shade structure which complies with the site development requirements of this Code and all other applicable rules and regulations of the county. 

Subdivision Application Applications for the subdivision of land into more than two lots. (Sketch, Preliminary, Final)
Variance Any deviation from Chapter 16, Development Code more than the thresholds outlined for Administrative Deviations.


LEGISLATIVE DECISIONS


Comprehensive Plan Adoption or Amendment 

County Landmark or Historic District Adoption or Amendment 

Major Zone Map Amendment-

Master Plan Adoption/ Amendment 

Text Amendment

Planning Owner's Affidavit To be completed when an applicant has an agent acting on his or her behalf.

Site Plan Major Amendment Where a site plan has been previously approved, the Community Development Director may approve, deny, or approve conditionally a minor site plan amendment in accordance with the review criteria of section 16-152A. Minor amendments shall be those proposed changes that will not change the uses, will not increase the building size beyond 20 percent of the gross floor area of the structure(s), not to exceed a maximum of 5,000 square feet of gross floor area, and will not substantially change the function or appearance of the development, or result in any negative health, safety or welfare impacts on the community or adjacent properties.

Development Code Text Amendment Amendment of the Development Code (Chapter 16 of the County Code) requires two hearings, one before the Planning & Zoning Commission, which makes a recommendation to Council, and one before the County Council for final action. $150.00

Appeals of Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, or Community Development Director Decisions- You may appeal a decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment or a decision by the Community Development Director by submitting a completed appeal form to the Community Development Department, 1000 Central Avenue, Suite 150, Los Alamos, NM 87544 in the Municipal Building. $200.00

Fences, Small Sheds, Signs, Manufactured Homes

Fence  or Small shed: The permit that is required for replacing an existing or building a new residential fence or small shed.

Commercial - Permanent Signs: All signs shall require a permit prior to installation, modification, or replacement, unless Table 16-409t1 identifies the sign type as not requiring a permit.

Temporary Signs: A sign is any written, printed or symbolic device capable of visual communication or attraction, including any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, structure or symbol, or architectural feature which serves no other purpose than communication, used to advertise or promote the interest of any person. 

Manufactured Home Application Packet - A permit for the placement of a Manufactured Home in Los Alamos County is meant to indicate compliance with the Los Alamos County Zoning Code. Please check with the State of New Mexico Construction Industries Division at (505) 476-4700 for any other required state permits. "Manufactured Home" does not include recreational vehicles or modular or pre-manufactured homes, built to Uniform Building Code standards, designed to be permanently affixed to real property. "Manufactured Home" includes any movable or portable housing structure over twelve feet in width and forty feet in length which is used for nonresidential purposes. $0.

Election Signs Permit. Campaign/Election signs may be posted on designated County-owned rights of way.


 Fee schedule - The fee schedule for Planning Permits.


 "
Sign Code". Los Alamos County Code of Ordinances Chapter 16 - Article X is the

For more information on building codes, call the Building Safety Division at  (505) 662-8120. 


For Banners on the Diamond Drive overpasses or Lemon Lot Permits, please call the Customer Care Center at (505) 662-8333.


Uses By Zoning District

Official Zoning Districts and Their Uses

Click on the link for each district and it will bring up a PDF of the uses for that district.
Interactive Parcel Viewer - Zoning Map
LAC Map

The area of the county is divided into zoning districts. The location of each of the zoning districts is shown on the official zoning map. The zoning districts and the purposes of each district are as follows: 

(1)  Residential agricultural district (R-A). The R-A residential agricultural district is intended to accommodate single-family dwellings and accessory structures and uses and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development characterized by large lots having a rural atmosphere, where agricultural, horticultural and animal husbandry activities may be pursued by the residents of the R-A district. 
(2)  Residential estate district (R-E). The R-E residential estate district is intended to accommodate single-family dwellings and accessory structures and uses and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development characterized by large lots, creating in appearance a semirural environment. 
(3)  Single-family residential districts (R-1-5, R-1-8, R-1-10, R-1-12). The R-1-5, R-1-8, R-1-10 and R-1-12 single-family residential districts are intended to accommodate single-family dwellings, accessory structures, and uses. It is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(4)  Residential mixed district (R-M). The R-M residential mixed district is intended to accommodate single-family and two-family dwellings and accessory structures and uses, and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(5)  Multiple-family residential (low density) district (R-3-L). The R-3-L multiple-family residential (low density) district is intended to accommodate single-family, two-family, multiple-family dwellings, accessory structures and uses, It is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(6)  Multiple-family residential (high density) district (R-3-H). The R-3-H multiple-family residential (high density) district is intended to accommodate multiple-family dwellings and accessory structures and uses, and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(7)  Multiple-family residential (very high density) district (R-3-H-40). The R-3-H-40 multiple-family residential (very high density) district is intended to accommodate multiple-family residential developments (primarily apartments or condominiums) at higher than normal densities, and further intended primarily to maintain and protect a residential character of development, but permitting auxiliary commercial or professional uses which are related to the primary use. 
(8)  Mobile home subdivision district (R-4). The R-4 mobile home subdivision district is intended to accommodate mobile homes or similar type dwelling units and accessory structures and uses in residential developments with individually owned lots, and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(9)  Mobile home park district (R-5). The R-5 mobile home park district is intended to accommodate mobile home dwelling units and accessory structures and uses where mobile home sites are rented and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character. 
(10)  Mobile home development district (R-6). The R-6 mobile home development district is intended to accommodate mobile home dwelling units and accessory structures and uses where mobile home sites can be rented, owned in fee simple, as part of a condominium, a cooperative or a land lease rental community, and is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character. 
(11)  Planned development residential districts (PD-2.0, PD-3.5, PD-5.0, PD-7.0, PD-12.0, PD-20.0). The PD-2.0, PD-3.5, PD-5.0, PD-7.0, PD-12.0 and PD-20.0 planned development residential districts are intended to accommodate varied developments of a residential character and are further intended to maintain and protect an interesting and flexible character of development with mixtures of single-family, two-family and multiple-family dwellings and accessory structures and uses. These PD-2.0, PD-3.5, PD-5.0, PD-7.0, PD-12.0 and PD-20.0 districts are also intended to encourage imaginative spatial design such as relatively high dwelling unit densities in portions of the development, compensated by open and recreation areas in other portions of the development (the PD designations are followed by numbers which are the maximum dwelling units per gross acre). Note: As of August 28, 2007, the county will no longer accept or approve new applications for the PD zone designation. 
           CONTACT CDD 662-8120 
(12)  Special plan district (SP). The SP special plan district is an overlay zone which may be used to increase design flexibility in conjunction with an R-M, R-3-L, R-3H, R-3-H-40, P-0, C-1, C-2, C-3, R&D, M-1, M-2, DT-CPO, DT-NGO, DT-NCO, or DT-TCO district. The special plan district may be applied to previously undeveloped areas of three acres or redevelopment of an area of three acres or more as long as it is under single or common ownership or development control. Requirements for establishing a special plan district are found in section 16-534. 
                 CONTACT CDD 662-8120 

(13)  Professional office district (P-O). The P-O professional office district is intended to accommodate professional uses which are compatible with each other. Retail uses are not permitted unless they are subsidiary to professional services. 
(14)  Light commercial and professional business district (C-1). The C-1 light commercial and professional business district is intended to accommodate retail, service and professional uses, compatible with each other, to serve nearby residential districts. The regulations of this C-1 district are intended to encourage the growth and development of this type of commercial and professional facility. 
(15)  Civic center business and professional district (C-2). The C-2 civic center business and professional district is intended to accommodate and promote the commercial and professional development in the center of the community, with a mixture of public, historical and commercial uses which are compatible to each other, and which provide an attractive and appropriate setting in which countywide retail and professional services and cultural, recreational and governmental uses may be undertaken, performed or pursued. The C-2 district regulations are intended to encourage the commercial and professional growth and development of this area to that end. 
(16)  Heavy commercial district (C-3). The C-3 heavy commercial district is intended to accommodate commercial uses allowed in the C-1 and C-2 districts and those which generate more traffic and noise. Included are automotive-connected uses such as service stations, repair garages, tire shops, motels and hotels, uses such as large stores, drive-in or takeout facilities and commercial recreation establishments. 
(17)  Research and development district (R&D). The R&D research and development district is intended to accommodate scientific research and development establishments, except for those scientific activities which could endanger or become detrimental to persons or property. 
(18)  Light industrial district (M-1). The M-1 light industrial district is intended to accommodate light industrial and certain accessory commercial uses, none of which create noise, smoke, odor, dust or similar emissions, and which generate a minimum of truck traffic. The regulations of this M-1 district are intended to encourage attractively developed sites to ensure further compatibility with adjoining areas of the community. 
(19)  Heavy industrial district (M-2). The M-2 heavy industrial district is intended to accommodate both light and heavy industrial uses in combination with limited accessory commercial uses. The regulations of this M-2 district are intended to ensure a compatible appearance and relationship with surrounding areas of the community. 
(20)  Public land district (P-L). The P-L public land district is intended to accommodate local government and school district uses and structures, designed to support community needs and the public health, safety and welfare. 
(21)  Scenic open lands district (W-1). The W-1 scenic open lands district is intended to maintain, protect and preserve the scenic and environmental quality, open character and the natural recreational value of undeveloped land. 
(22)  Recreation wilderness district (W-2). The W-2 recreation wilderness district is intended to maintain, protect and preserve the scenic and environmental quality, open character and natural recreational value of undeveloped land; and to accommodate public and private recreational uses of an open nature. 
(23)  Historic overlay district. The historic overlay district is intended to promote and protect the heritage of the county by preserving sites and structures that have historical significance, in an appropriate setting. Such a district shall be established and regulated in accordance with the requirements of article XV of this chapter. 
(24)  Federal lands district (F-L). The F-L federal lands district is comprised of land owned by the United States government and to which the public does not have unrestricted access at any time. None of the provisions of this article are applicable to any land within the F-L district. 
(25)  Residential mixed—North Community district (R-M-NC). The residential mixed—North Community district is intended to accommodate single-family and two-family dwellings, accessory structures and uses within an area of the subdivisions of North Community No. 1 and No. 2. The district is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(26)  Multiple-family residential (low density)—North Community district (R-3-L-NC). The multiple-family residential (low density)—North Community district is intended to accommodate single-family, two-family and multiple-family dwellings, accessory structures and uses within an area of the subdivisions of North Community No. 1 and No. 2. The district is further intended to maintain and protect a residential character of development. 
(27)  Mixed-Use (MU). The mixed-use district is intended to provide flexibility in the development or redevelopment of parcels, while promoting good design and encouraging economic development. This district allows office, residential and commercial uses, individually or in any combination, on the same lot or within the same structure. The mixed-use district corresponds closely, in uses and design and development standards to DT-NCO. 

The Downtown District
1. Downtown district: Neighborhood general overlay zone (DT-NGO),
The neighborhood general overlay zone (DT-NGO) in the downtown district is an overlay zone that is a mixed-use zone combining residential, office, commercial, civic and other uses but at the lowest density permitted in the overlay zones in the downtown district.
2. Downtown district: Neighborhood center overlay zone (DT-NCO).
The neighborhood center overlay zone (DT-NCO) in the downtown district is a mixed-use zone combining residential, office, commercial, civic and other uses at a higher density than allowed in the DT-NGO zone.
3. Downtown district: Town center overlay zone (DT-TCO).
The town center overlay zone (DT-TCO) in the downtown district is a mixed-use zone combining office, commercial, civic, certain types of residential and other uses at the highest density allowed in the downtown district.
4. Downtown district: Civic/public open space overlay zone (DT-CPO).
The civic/public open space overlay zone (DT-CPO) in the downtown district is for public uses such as parks, plazas, recreation, and civic buildings and other uses, although these types of uses may also be located in other areas of the county as permitted by the Use Index.
 

Contacts.

Sobia Sayeda, Planning Manager
Phone
Email

Vacant, Senior Planner
Phone
Email

Desirae Lujan, Associate Planner
Phone
Email

Anita Barela, Associate Planner
Phone
Email

Code Compliance Officer
Phone
Email

Code Compliance Officer
Phone
Email

Contact Info

(505) 662-8120

(505) 662-8363

[email protected]

1000 Central Ave, Suite 150

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mon - Fri