(A) The zones and boundaries of zones as established and shown on the official zone map on file within the Department of Development Services (DSD), and all amendments thereto, are incorporated herein and designated as the official zone map of the city. Any use not designated a permissive or conditional use in a zone is specifically prohibited in that zone except as otherwise provided herein. The official zoning map may be maintained in a digital form as determined acceptable by the Director of the Department of Development Services.

(B) Zoning boundaries indicated as approximately following right-of-way lines, including but not limited to streets, alleys, irrigation or drainage ways, and easements, city limit boundary lines or lot lines shall be construed as following such lines, subject to the following additional rules and application:

(1) Where a right-of-way separates two different zoning districts, the zoning district boundary is the centerline of such right-of-way; and

(2) Where a right-of-way abuts both the city’s municipal boundaries and unincorporated county lands, the city’s zoning shall extend into and be part of the entire abutting right-of-way.

(C) Abutting zoning along frontage on public rights-of-way shall automatically extend to the centerline upon vacation from public use of said rights-of-way.

(D) An application for change of zone of unplatted land must be accompanied by a plan delineating the boundaries of each tract requested to be rezoned.

(E) Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered above, the Planning and Zoning Board shall interpret the district boundaries.

(F) In creating certain districts and allowing certain uses the city refers to the North American Industry Classification System, and any supplements thereto. Those portions of the manual or its amendments which are referenced in any law or regulation creating or modifying zone districts or allowed uses are intended to be adopted or incorporated herein by reference, but only to the extent that they are consistent with other provisions of the city relating to such zones, districts, or uses. The city reserves the right to modify within its laws or regulations any of the selected provisions within the manual or its amendments that the city might adopt.

(G) Any legitimate commercial use not prohibited in the established commercial zoning districts of this code, but not falling within the specific permitted or conditional uses and which is shown to be compatible with listed permitted and/or conditional uses and furthers the interests of the citizens of Rio Rancho in order to secure the advantages of local self-government with paramount consideration given to the health, comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life for the citizens, may be authorized as a permitted or conditional use by the Director of the City Development Department or his/her designee following notification and approval by the Planning and Zoning Board as an agenda item at a regular or special meeting.

(Ord. 18-20)