The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for overseeing the orderly and appropriate development and use of land within the jurisdiction of Rio Arriba County while serving to protect the health, safety, and economic well-being of the residents of the County.
Proof of Physical Address
A 911 Address Verification Form may be required by the U.S. Postal Service, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, utility providers, and mortgage lenders. To obtain a 911 Address Verification Form, please review our list of requirements(PDF, 50KB). You may visit our office in person or email us with the necessary information to request and receive your form.
Development Permits
To apply for a development permit, a complete application(PDF, 258KB) must be filled out and turned in with all the required submittals(PDF, 259KB). Fines may be charged if development begins before a permit is issued. Please apply and contact us prior to construction, placement, or a change of land use.
Plat Reviews
Plat reviews are by appointment ONLY. It is required that all the proper forms be filled out and submitted. Please call our office at (505)753-7774 to make an appointment.
File a Complaint
To report a suspected zoning violation, please complete and submit a form to the Planning & Zoning Department with the suspected violation. You may submit your complaint form(PDF, 167KB) by email, mail, or by coming into our office.
Development Permits Required
In accordance with the Rio Arriba County Design & Development Regulation System Ordinance 2012-001.
Business Registrations
Large Scale Development or Special Projects
(Note: Every habitable dwelling in the County must have an account with the North Central Solid Waste Authority.)
Public Hearings
Will be held before The Planning & Zoning Committee, Board of County Commissioners, or Administrative Hearing Officer when scheduled.
P&Z Committee Meeting
All scheduled Planning and Zoning meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month in Española Complex or Tierra Amarilla Complex.
Board of County Commission Meetings
Are held every last Tuesday of the month. (Some meeting dates may change with proper notice.)
Written Notice of Appeal
An appeal of a decision made by the Administrative Hearing Officer or the P & Z Committee shall be received by submitting a written notice of appeal to the Planning and Zoning Department within 15 days from the date the decision was issued. A BOCC decision may be appealed in District Court.