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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 346 eliminates the current requirement for certified mail notice of zoning changes involving areas of less than one block.

Significant Issues

Section 3-12-6 NMSA 1978 requires that notice of the time and place of public hearings of zoning changes be sent to affected property owners. Current statute requires that certified mail with return receipt be used for zoning changes affecting less than one block but allows first class mail to be used for zoning changes affecting areas of more than one block. Senate Bill 346 would require regular first class mail to be used for all zoning changes.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill contains no appropriation.

The bill would have positive fiscal implications for any local government with a zoning authority that is now required to send zoning notices by certified mail, return receipt required. Certified mail with a return receipt from the U.S. Postal Service costs $3.74 for a one-ounce letter. First class mail costs only $.34. The savings to a local government would thus be $3.40 for every notice it is required to send. Municipalities would benefit more than counties, because they are more likely to deal with zoning changes involving one block or less.

LP/ar