Las Cruces says “Yes in My Backyard” With Growth-Focused Development Code
The City of Las Cruces has adopted a new development code for the first time in almost 25 years to support modern growth patterns and urban planning principles. The Realize Las Cruces code streamlines and simplifies development procedures with a more flexible, sustainable framework designed to guide future development.
As Las Cruces grows, so do its challenges: rising housing costs, demand for economic opportunity and the need for environmental sustainability. To address these issues, the City partnered with Freese and Nichols’ Urban Planning + Design team to create a code that reflects the goals of their comprehensive plan and adapts to the realities of the changing community.
The comprehensive plan, Elevate Las Cruces, launched in 2020 and included a roadmap for development policies and regulations. The new development code builds on that plan as a blueprint for livability.
Innovative planning for mixed-use development and housing options
The Realize Las Cruces development code prioritizes three key areas: housing, transportation and sustainability.
Zoning features include:
- Character-based zoning for rural, suburban and urban guides how areas grow without strict separation. This allows for context-appropriate mixed-use development.
- Hybrid form-based zoning focuses on how buildings look and fit into their surroundings rather than what they’re used for, allowing for a cohesive urban design.
- Legalizing middle housing such as duplexes, fourplexes and casitas provides diversity and affordability.
- Allowing for small businesses such as cafes, corner stores and personal services reduces car dependence and supports lively, walkable neighborhoods.
The code promotes sidewalks, bike lanes and reduced vehicle parking in urban areas to promote community health and increase safety. It also promotes equity and sustainability by requiring developers to fund park and traffic improvements, and it encourages the reuse of historic buildings to preserve Las Cruces’ character.
“The Realize Las Cruces code is a great example of forward-thinking zoning reform and serves as a model for cities looking to balance growth and sustainability,” Freese and Nichols Project Manager Erica Craycraft said. “Its focus on community input, flexibility and innovative ideas make it a roadmap for modern development codes.”
Aligning policy with community and vision 
Alignment with the comprehensive plan was important in developing the updated code. To get the public participation essential for feedback and buy-in, more than 30 meetings and public commenting sessions were held with city staff and officials, local developers and frequent code users. This process allowed the code to reflect diverse community input and authenticity. The code’s adaptable framework also makes adjustments easier as growth and development occur.
Despite pushback from some residents, the City Council demonstrated unwavering commitment to their vision of a vibrant, sustainable community by adopting the Realize Las Cruces development code. Public meetings revealed strong resident support for the proposed code and its initiatives. Embracing a “Yes in My Back Yard” (YIMBY) philosophy, the Council and plan supporters prioritized the principles of the Elevate Las Cruces comprehensive plan, aiming to foster housing variety, affordability, and walkable neighborhoods.
Planning progress in every corner
