Taos City Zoning Code
§ 16.16.180.1
Intent and purpose.
A.
The RHL overlay zone is intended to preserve the historical characteristics of the land that has been used for small scale agriculture, especially irrigated agriculture, and the related social, cultural, and environmental values associated with that land.
B.
The RHL overlay zone is intended to achieve the following more specific purposes:
1.
Protect the identified historic resources of the largely undeveloped areas in order to contribute to the overall historic nature of the town;
2.
Encourage creative and flexible site design that is sensitive to the land’s natural features and adapts to the natural topography;
3.
Protect environmentally sensitive areas of a development site and preserve on a permanent basis open space, natural features, and agricultural lands;
4.
Promote the conservation and efficiency of the water resources for sustained and beneficial use and maintain the viability and health of the historic acequia system;
5.
Minimize and reduce potential contamination of underground and surfaces water supplies from the proliferation of septic systems associated with new development;
6.
Protect the agricultural uses from the negative impacts of development and from uses that are not compatible with irrigated agriculture;
7.
Promote cost savings in infrastructure installation and maintenance by such techniques as reducing the distance over which utilities, such as water and sewer lines, need to be extended or by reducing the width or length of streets;
8.
Facilitate a sense of community and reduce the need for vehicle trips by having residential and nonresidential uses within walking distance of each other;
9.
Provide opportunities for social interaction and walking and hiking in open space areas; and
10.
Provide for and protect the community’s health, safety and welfare.
(Ordinance 09-27 adopted 2009)