COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
Progress on Phase 2 of the Los Alamos County Downtown Master Plan and Code Updates Project has reached another milestone. The Community Development Department (CDD) and its consultant, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (DPS), released Jan. 24, the second of three modules of the Chapter 16 Development Code. The draft document is available online for the public to view at https://losalamosconnect.org/. In addition, the public is invited to a virtual open house on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 5:30 p.m., where DPS will present a summary of the proposed major changes and take public comment. (The Zoom link will be available on the website https://losalamosconnect.org/ one week prior the open house.)
Los Alamos County initiated the two-year Downtown Master Plan and Code Updates Project in June 2020, in support of the Los Alamos County Council goal and strategic priority to enhance economic vitality and local businesses. The Project encompasses two phases; Phase 1 is to develop a Downtown Master Plan for Los Alamos and White Rock, and Phase 2 is to update the 1965 Development Code through three modules.
The Chapter 16 Development Code is the County’s zoning code and defines how a property in specific geographic zones can be used and developed. Module 2 specifically contains revisions to the development standards, including district-specific standards, off-street parking, landscaping, outdoor door lighting, walls and fences, and signage.
Public comment on Module 2 will be accepted through March 15 and can be emailed to jessical@dpsdesign.org or Bryce Ternet at Michael.ternet@lacnm.us.
CDD and DPS incorporated into the draft Module 2, public feedback received during the Module 1 review, and input from a Code Update Steering Committee. Comprising County staff, the development community, design professionals, and neighborhood representatives, the Committee meets to review proposed revisions every other week.
Subsequent to the public open house, Module 2 will be presented to members of the Planning and Zoning Board on Feb. 23, and to Councilors at the Mar. 15, County Council meeting. The third and final module will be released later this year and will focus on procedures.
This is the direct link to the Module 2 pdf: