The Town of Taos, through its Planning & Zoning Department and its citizen Land Use Development Code (LUDC) Revision Committee, is currently progressing toward a new zoning map and land use development code. Also joining this effort is the firm of PlaceMakers out of Albuquerque - a company that is nationally respected for assisting with this type of undertaking. Its professionals have a wealth of experience in planning, urban design, and architectural consulting, with a sound reputation for cutting-edge planning and public participation techniques.

The Town Council, Planning & Zoning Department, its Commission, the LUDC Revision Committee, and other Town department staff will be working closely with PlaceMakers and the public during all phases of the process to develop our new guidelines. Taos' existing 2020 Master Plan will be referenced as the overall vision for the development of these new guidelines, as this work progresses. The new LUDC revised guidelines will have a variety of objectives, including but not limited to:

• protecting and furthering public safety and welfare,
• conserving natural resources,
• identifying transportation alternatives,
• facilitating the development of affordable housing,
• promoting small business, and
• creating a predictable and efficient system for reviewing development applications.

Public participation is critical to the success of this project - with one benefit of PlaceMakers' involvement being their organization of a five-day planning and design public workshop, called a "charette". In this workshop, the public will be invited to share their ideas and critique the plans, illustrations, and recommendations created by the team of consultants and town planners to update our zoning map and land use development codes. The scheduling for this charette is now tentatively set for sometime late this year.

These undertakings are not inexpensive, and are estimated to ultimately total approximately $250,000. But the goals, when met, will be invaluable for helping to develop the type of Taos we all want - now and in the future. The total cost of the project will be underwritten by the Town of Taos with substantial aid from the State of New Mexico's Livability Innovation Fund and others. Additional funds are also being pursued through the Community Development Block Grant program.

If you are interested in participating in upcoming meetings being scheduled by the Town of Taos and PlaceMakers, or if you have further questions, place contact Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner, Town of Taos Planning and Zoning Department, at 575-751- 2037, or email him and/or the LUDC Revision Committee at LUDC@taosgov.com or mfoster@taosgov.com.

Resolution Establishing LUDC Revision Committee
Resolution Establishing LUDC Revision Committee By-Laws
LUDC Revision Committee By-Laws