City Council - 2026-02-18

Adopted citywide text amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance. Most EPC-recommended pro-housing provisions were stripped by LUPPS committee amendments and floor amendment attempts to restore them failed. Final bill includes cumulative impact criteria for conditional uses, extended tribal consultation periods, fence compliance changes, and lighting clarifications.

Amendment to reinstate EPC language removing 6-month break requirement, permanent plumbing requirement, and clarifying 24/7 on-call support for safe outdoor spaces. Sponsored by Councilors Fiebelkorn and Rogers.

Amendment to make duplexes permissive in R-1 zone districts citywide, reinstating EPC recommended language. Sponsored by Councilors Fiebelkorn and Rogers.

Amendment to allow townhomes (capped at 3 units) as permissive use in R-1 districts, reinstating EPC language. Sponsored by Councilors Fiebelkorn and Rogers.

Amendment to allow attached ADUs, flexible height allowances, and site requirements for accessory dwelling units, reinstating EPC recommendations.

Amendment to allow small grocery stores and retail (under 3,000 sq ft) in residential zones on corner lots, reinstating EPC language for walkable neighborhood services.

Alternative amendment making neighborhood grocery/retail conditional use rather than permissive, with 660-foot separation requirement between stores in residential zones.

Amendment to reduce maximum parking requirements in activity centers, major transit areas, and main street areas to free up space for housing.

Amendment to convert R-1 to RT, RT to MXT, and RML to MXL along major transit corridors was withdrawn due to failure of state legislation (SB-131) that would have protected property tax caps during zone changes.

Amendment adding cumulative adverse impacts as a factor that can be raised in conditional use applications, allowing neighbors to cite combined effects of multiple similar uses.

Amendment to prohibit light vehicle fueling stations within 330 feet of residential homes due to air quality, traffic, and environmental concerns.

Amendment clarifying when electrical distribution lines must be installed underground, requested by PNM to address IDO interpretation issues.

Amendment extending tribal consultation period from 15 to 30 days for master development plans, site plans, subdivisions, and zoning map amendments within 660 feet of major public open space, Petroglyph National Monument, tribal land, or Northwest Mesa Escarpment overlay.

Amendment to remove adult entertainment, cannabis retail, and pawnshop restrictions from Main Street corridors, arguing these are legitimate small businesses.

Amendment removing Open Space Division as required commenting agency for applications near major public open space and Petroglyph National Monument to reduce duplication.

Amendment clarifying that festoon lighting on patios, decks, and outdoor structures must comply with total lumen allowance and light trespass regulations.

Amendment reducing criteria for major wall applications, lowering threshold from 20% to 10% of nearby properties with similar walls, and removing some public notice requirements to help non-compliant properties achieve compliance.

Bill to add factors for LUHO to consider when awarding appeal costs, including bad faith conduct, reasonableness of claims, and deterrence effects. Deferred for further discussion with councilors.

Confirmation of Carla Martinez as Chief Financial Officer.

Confirmation of Matthew Whalen as Chief Operations Officer.

Receipt noted for West Mesa Community Planning Area Assessment Report. Some opposition expressed regarding action items 13 and 14 that were allegedly not part of public engagement process.

Council rejected LUHO recommendation to deny variance for 66-inch projecting wall sign at 3715 Silver Avenue SE, sending case back for full hearing. Applicant (Maria Gonzalez) failed to meet evidentiary burden for variance under IDO criteria.

Bill establishing African American Advisory Council deferred to add NAACP Albuquerque branch and APS African American Equity and Engagement Coordinator as permanent positions.