Details

Title	Santa Fe, New Mexico Zoning Ordinance
Highlights	There is implicit recognition that the zoning ordinance does not provide incentives to create affordable housing.   The code gives the city authority to create incentives and requirements for inclusionary zoning and a housing opportunity program.
Description	Chapter 14 of the Santa Fe City Code Land Development Laws covers the city's authority to regulate and restrict zoning. This includes many provisions that affect the development of affordable housing. Section 14-8.11 enacts the city’s inclusionary zoning/housing opportunity program. The purpose of the program is to increase the supply of affordable housing within the Santa Fe area for residents and businesses. The program does this by encouraging construction of affordable housing in all areas of the City. It is the city’s intention to provide a full range of housing choices for current and potential residents. Requirements and incentives for the program are found in subsections (F) and (G). Responsibility lies with the Planning and Land Use Department to ensure that inclusionary zoning requirements are met. Amongst other tasks, this includes evaluating density bonuses, code variances or policy waivers, fee waivers, and other development incentives in the development review process as set forth in this section. In addition, Planning and Land Use can invoke sanctions for noncompliance with housing opportunity program agreements at the request of the City Manager (Sections 14-8.11). The purpose of this portion of the code is to increase affordability, encourage innovative design, and allow for optimum flexibility without compromising heath and safety. Incentives in the code to facilitate this include: density bonuses, fee waivers, and variances to the city’s development standards. Zoning districts also must consider affordable housing. In the event of a redevelopment plan, a major project plan, or a minor project plan that is subject to Design Review Committee, the plan must address the availability of affordable housing and affordable business space (Section 14-4.3) Finally, Section 14.6.3 codifies Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units are intended to provide additional dwelling space for the residents of the principal dwelling unit or their guests or employees. In addition, accessory dwelling units are intended to provide dwelling space for non-transient tenants. The rental of accessory dwelling units may increase the supply of affordable housing and will disperse rental units throughout the community. The Santa Fe code is also available online at: http://68.15.49.6/santafe_nm/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=site_main-j.htm&2.0 This site was accessed in December 2003.
Publication Date	2001
Organization	Santa Fe Planning and Land Use
Web Location	http://www.codedsystems.com/santa_fe.htm

Notice: The contents of this record reflect the views of the author and/or promulgating municipality, and should not be construed as representing the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or U.S. HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research. No attempt has been made by U.S. HUD or its contractors to verify the accuracy, currency, or validity of the record contents presented herein.