A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS AND ZONING AUTHORITIES TO REQUIRE TWO ACCESS ROUTES FOR HOUSING BUILT IN FORESTED AREAS.

WHEREAS, New Mexico contains many beautiful forested areas that are available for the building of homes and other structures; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has a characteristically arid climate; and

WHEREAS, years of drought have increased the state's risk of forest fires; and

WHEREAS, many homes have been destroyed and lives endangered by forest fires; and

WHEREAS, homes and housing developments are being built with only one access road leading through wooded areas; and

WHEREAS, two access roads would provide alternative routes out of the danger in the event of a forest fire; and

WHEREAS, counties, cities and local zoning authorities are charged with regulating and restricting the location and use of buildings, land and structures; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that cities, counties and local zoning authorities require, where practicable, that two access roads be available for homes built and located in or near forested areas; and