Q: How do I get my property into compliance with Ordinance 2006-04?

A: Steps to get a Certificate of Compliance 

Q: Is it a requirement to remove all trees within 10 feet of my house?
A: No, property owners may decide to keep trees against their home or through their deck or living room if they want. Requirements are specified in Zone 1 of the Fuels Management Standards.  You may have up to four (4) trees that constitute a "clump" in zone 1.  Fuels management Standards allow: five trees in a "clump" in Zone 2; six trees per "clump" in Zone 3; and seven trees per "clump" in Zone 4.  Explaination and definitions of terms used in Sec.42-80, Fuels management standards can be viewed at Forestry terms.

Q: Is it necessary to remove all flamable ground material from my yard within 30 feet of my house and how does that effect my landscaping?

A:Yes, with a few exceptions.  First, things that are permanent "hardscape" landscape materials such as railroad ties, wood fences, wooden garden or walkway borders, etc. are not required to be removed and are permitted.  Many landscapes use these materials although they are flamable and we recommend keeping use to a minimum.  Second, mulching material used within specific areas called a "planting wells" (defined Forestry terms) may be used.  Broadcast application of untreated wood chips, mulch or other flamable material just for ground cover is prohibited within thirty feet of structures.  It simply drys out and becomes a hazard to the structure.  Forestry encourages zeriscape and drip irrigation when designing a landscape.  Call Forestry at 505-257-5544 or Email rickdeiaco@ruidoso-nm.gov for more help.

Q: Are the Cost Share Program (CSP) treatment requirements more aggressive than the minimum requirements of Village Ordinance 2006-04?
A: Yes, in terms of tree density. The CSP requirements target forest restoration of fuels reduction which means fuels reduction which means more aggressive thinning.  Restoration levels of fuels reduction go beyond ground fire management and focus on long-term rather than short-term ecosystem health. There are, however, situations where additional measures must be taken to satisfy Village ordinance requirements. Ordinance 2004-04 requires complete removal of forest debris. Click: Additional CSP Reqirements and Steep slope safety specifications.

Q: How much time to do I have to achieve compliance with Ordinance 2006-04)?
A: Compliance is required within fourteen months after Forestry sends you a letter explaining the Community Forest Managemnt Plan (CFMP) CFMP letter .  Although the ordinance applies all over town, implementation began in the southwest quadriant of town where the fire hazard (based on wind direction) is the greatest.  Forestry sends out an initial letter package via regular US mail to groups of subdivisions working west to east through town.  The property owner should fill out and return the enclosed INITIAL RESPONSE FORM back to the Forestry Department. The form can be mailed via US mail or downloaded and sent back as an attachment to an Email.  Email the attachment to Forestry Secretary Kathy Richardson at kathyrichardson@ruidoso-nm.gov. You can also drop it by our office located at 421 Wingfield Street, one block south of midtown.  We are open M-F; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Information from the RESPONSE FORM will enable the Forestry Department to more effectively service residents and implement Ordinance 2004-04.

If Village Forestry does not here from you within 12 months from the CFMP letter, a NOTICE TO REMOVE (NTR) along with a RESPONSE FORM NTR will be issued. 

Q: I got a certified letter and it talks about deadlines.  It says the Village is going to refer me to Court and possibly file a lien against my property.  What do I do?

A: First of all, referrals to Court and filing liens are the last things the Village wants to do, however these actions are the last tools in our toolbox to bring properties into compliance as required by Village Ordinances.  If you have receive a certified letter stating what COULD happen NOTICE TO REMOVE (NTR), there is still time to contact the Forestry Department (505) 257-5544 and talk with us to let us know your intentions.  Generally, this is a 60 day warning to put a plan for compliance together.  If you receive a certified letter warning of a referral to Municipal Court in 30 days FINAL NOTICE TO REMOVE, it means our records indicate we have not heard at all from you or any plan or extension granted has not been followed through with by you and time is just about up.  Contact us immediately.

Q: What if I need a time extension, what do I do?

A:  It is recommended that residents do not wait until the winter months ( November, December, January, or February) to start the work because of potential snow and availability of contractors.  Extensions for work STARTED but not completed are possible.   Starting work begins with a signed contract for the required work from a reputable contractor to be completed in a reasonable timeframe for our approval.  Forestry will contact you if, for some reason, the contract is not acceptable.  Send a copy of the contract to the Forestry Department at our mailing address:  313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345.  You can also drop it by our office located at 421 Wingfield Street, one block south of midtown.  We are open M-F; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  We will log that information into our database.  Upon compliance and final inspection by the Forestry Department, each property owner will receive a Compliance Letter and Certificate of Compliance that will be valid for a minimum of two years.  Re-certification is generally a maintenance effort and will require pine needle raking, pruning and removal of any dead or dying trees.

Q: How does the Village forest debris pick-up service work?
A: All forest debris, including tree stumps, removed from private property within the Village will get picked up at curbside by the Solid Waste Department as per a regular schedule. This service is paid for by a continuous $8.80/lot/month fee added to a property's water/garbage monthly billing.  Once your property is in compliance and a Certificate of Compliance has been issued, you monthly fee will be reduced to $3.00/lot/month.  Generally, trucks run ten hours per day and six days per week.  TREE STUMPS REMOVED MUST BE FREE OF ROCKS AND EXCESSIVE DIRT AND PLACED IN A SEPARATE PILE FROM BRANCH AND TRUNCK MATERIAL.  A SEPARATE TRUCK PICKS UP STUMPS.  Branch and trunk material of any diameter is allowed as long as it is cut up into lengths that do not exceed ten feet. Material may be piled near, but not against dumpsters, fences, or planted areas. Material will not be picked up if it is piled under low hanging power lines. If you have concerns, please contact the Solid Waste Department at (505) 257-1502 and they can assist you in selecting an appropriate location for your debris.

NEW CONSTRUCTION and PERMIT APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY
Forest debris, including tree stumps, generated by fuels management requirements for new home construction (Ordinance 2004-02) MAY be picked up at curbside by Village Solid Waste. During the permit application process, Village Forestry will calculate and charge for the volume of forest debris to be removed from within the construction “footprint”.  The construction “footprint” is generally considered the area where the structures, utilities and driveway are placed. Click Forest Debris Calculation sheet. A fee for this material will be added to the building permit. 

The applicant may choose to dispose of the forest debris and stumps as part of their subcontracting.  This will be verified at the initial lot assessment and the General Contractor or Owner will sign the form to insure proper disposal of forest debris

THE APPLICANT REMAINS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROPER AND LEGAL DISPOSAL OF THE FOREST DEBRIS. 

The remaining forest debris from outside of the "footprint" will be picked up at curbside at no additional cost. Installation of a water meter will begin a monthly fee of $5.00 for future forest debris pick up services. The amount of fuels management is required as per Ordinance 2004-04. Residents may also transport their own debris to SCI and will not be charged for disposal if they present their current water/solid waste billing. Click Fuels Management Standards for specific requirements.

The Village extends appreciation to all the residents who have completed or are creating defensible space on their property. Working together we will maintain our community values at risk and provide an increasingly healthy forest for our enjoyment and that of generations to come. Remember: “Together we’re Firewise”.