Sec. 16-1. Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this article is to establish a clear, consistent, and legally compliant process for requesting and implementing zoning changes within the City of Bloomfield, New Mexico. Zoning regulations play a critical role in shaping the community's development, protecting property values, ensuring compatible land uses, and promoting public health, safety, and general welfare.

This article is intended to:

1.

Ensure transparency and fairness in the zoning change process for property owners, residents, and developers.

2.

Align zoning decisions with the city's comprehensive plan and long-term planning goals.

3.

Comply with applicable state laws, including the New Mexico Municipal Code, particularly N.M.S.A. 1978, §§ 3-21-1 through 3-21-6.

4.

Provide meaningful opportunities for public input and participation in zoning decisions.

5.

Support orderly growth and responsible land use within the city's jurisdiction.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-2. Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

1.

Zoning change (rezoning): A modification of the official zoning map that alters the zoning classification of a parcel or area.

2.

Applicant: The property owner or authorized representative requesting a zoning change.

3.

Planning and zoning commission: The body responsible for reviewing zoning change requests and making recommendations to the city council.

4.

City council: The governing body responsible for approving or denying zoning changes.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-3. Application requirements.

A zoning change request must be submitted through the city's online application system, available at https://ci-bloomfield-nm.smartgovcommunity.com/public/home, and must include the following:

1.

A completed online application form;

2.

A legal description and map of the property to be rezoned;

3.

A written statement explaining the reason for the request and how the proposed change aligns with the city's comprehensive plan;

4.

Payment of any required application fees, submitted through the online portal;

5.

A list of property owners within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the subject property, provided by a licensed title company of the applicant's choice. The list must include names, mailing addresses, and parcel numbers to ensure proper notification as required by state law; and

6.

Any other supporting documentation as may be required by city staff.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-4. Notice and public hearing requirements.

In accordance with N.M.S.A. 1978, § 3-21-6, the city shall provide public notice and hold the hearings contemplated by this section before any zoning change becomes effective.

1.

Public notice: The city shall provide notice of the proposed zoning change for all hearings contemplated by this section as follows:

a.

Publication in a newspaper of general circulation at least fifteen (15) days before any public hearing.

b.

Posting the notice on the property in question.

c.

Notification by mail to property owners within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the affected property.

2.

Public hearings:

a.

The planning and zoning commission shall hold a public hearing to review the request and receive public input.

b.

A recommendation shall be forwarded to the city council for final consideration and hearing.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-5. Approval criteria.

A zoning change may be approved if the following criteria are met:

1.

The change is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan as required by N.M.S.A. 1978, § 3-21-5.

2.

The change promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.

3.

The change is compatible with surrounding land uses and does not adversely impact neighboring properties.

4.

Adequate traffic access is available to support the proposed zoning.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-6. City council action.

1.

The city council shall consider the planning and zoning commission's recommendation and hold a public hearing, as required by N.M.S.A. 1978, § 3-21-6.

2.

Approval of a zoning change shall require a majority vote of the city council.

3.

If denied, no application for the same zoning change may be resubmitted for one (1) year unless substantial changes are made.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-7. Appeals.

Any person aggrieved by a city council final zoning decision may file an appeal with the district court in accordance with N.M.S.A. 1978, § 39-3-1.1.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)

Sec. 16-8. Severability.

If any section, clause, or provision of this article is found to be invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.

(Ord. No. 563, 6-23-25)