2011 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 3: Municipalities
Article 21: Zoning Regulations, 3-21-1 through 3-21-26
Section 3-21-8: Appeals to zoning authority; grounds; stay of proceedings.

3-21-8. Appeals to zoning authority; grounds; stay of proceedings.

A. The zoning authority shall provide by resolution the procedure to be followed in considering appeals allowed by this section.

B. Any aggrieved person or any officer, department, board or bureau of the zoning authority affected by a decision of an administrative officer, commission or committee in the enforcement of Sections 3-21-1 through 3-21-14 NMSA 1978 or ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation adopted pursuant to these sections may appeal to the zoning authority. An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed unless the officer, commission or committee from whom the appeal is taken certifies that by reason of facts stated in the certificate, a stay would cause imminent peril of life or property. Upon certification, the proceedings shall not be stayed except by order of district court after notice to the official, commission or committee from whom the appeal is taken and on due cause shown.

C. When an appeal alleges that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination by an administrative official, commission or committee in the enforcement of Sections 3-21-1 through 3-21-14 NMSA 1978 or any ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation adopted pursuant to these sections, the zoning authority by a majority vote of all its members may:

(1) authorize, in appropriate cases and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards, variances or special exceptions from the terms of the zoning ordinance or resolution:

(a) that are not contrary to the public interest;

(b) where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship;

(c) so that the spirit of the zoning ordinance is observed and substantial justice done; and

(d) so that the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan are implemented; or

(2) in conformity with Sections 3-21-1 through 3-21-14 NMSA 1978:

(a) reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination of an administrative official, commission or committee;

(b) decide in favor of the appellant; or

(c) make any change in any order, requirement, decision or determination of an administrative official, commission or committee.