Zoning Hearing Examiner

Learn more about the Zoning Hearing Examiner.

The Zoning Hearing Examiner

Stan Harada, Zoning Hearing Examiner

Function

The Office of the Zoning Hearing Examiner (ZHE) conducts monthly quasi-judicial public hearings regarding special exceptions to the Integrated Development Ordinance.

A special exception is the allowance to develop property in a manner different from what is prescribed by a particular zone category. Special exceptions include variances, conditional uses, and expansion of nonconforming uses. After a special exception is filed, all interested parties are given the opportunity to participate in a public hearing. All requests are given due consideration.

The Zoning Hearing Examiner will render a determination of approval, approval with conditions, or denial within 15 days after the close of the public hearing. Determinations can be appealed to City Council through the Land Use Hearing Officer.

General Meeting Information

The Zoning Hearing Examiner hosts hearings on the third Tuesday of each month in the Plaza del Sol hearing room at 600 2nd NW in downtown Albuquerque. Hearings begin promptly at 9 a.m.

Notice: Free 2-hour parking for Plaza del Sol customers is available on the north side of the building at 600 Second Street NW. This parking lot is monitored by Parking Services - vehicles in the lot for more than 2 hours are subject to fines and or/towing.

Notices

*****UPDATE*****

City of Albuquerque offices were closed February 19, 2019 due to inclement weather. The Zoning Hearing Examiner cases that were scheduled for 9:00 am that day are rescheduled to March 19, 2019. The rescheduled cases will be heard beginning at 9 am. If you have questions, please contact Suzie Sanchez, ZHE Administrative Assistant at 924-3894.

The Planning Department's Online Services System is expanding. Soon, the Development Review Board, Environmental Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Examiner, and the Landmarks Commission will join other services currently available on the system.

The new online system will allow you to fill out your application, submit required documents, track application progress and pay application fees from any computer or mobile device.

Check back for updates.

Staff Contact

For questions or more information, call Suzie Sanchez, ZHE Administrative Assistant at (505) 924-3894.