Clean & Lien Program Initiated to Address Unsafe Structures and Reduce Flood Risk
April 24, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Village of Ruidoso is implementing a Clean & Lien Program to address unsafe and unstable structures across the community as part of ongoing disaster recovery efforts.
Following recent wildfire and flooding events, a number of structures have been identified as potential hazards to public safety, infrastructure, and surrounding neighborhoods. This program is designed to reduce those risks in a coordinated, transparent, and ordinance-based manner ahead of the 2026 monsoon season.
Why This Work Is Necessary
Ruidoso continues to recover from multiple disasters in a short period of time. Burn scar conditions and structurally compromised buildings increase the risk of flooding, debris flow, and damage during storm events.
Unsafe structures can:
Pose immediate safety risks to residents and first responders
Obstruct waterways and increase flood impacts
Delay infrastructure repair and recovery efforts
Taking action now helps reduce the likelihood of repeated damage during future storms and supports long-term community recovery.
Program Purpose
The Clean & Lien Program provides a process for addressing properties that pose a demonstrated risk to life safety and critical infrastructure.
This includes structures that may:
Be unstable or at risk of collapse
Contribute debris during storm events
Interfere with drainage or flood flow
This program is not intended to take property. It is a risk-reduction measure focused on protecting the broader community while maintaining due process and property owner rights.
How the Process Works
The Clean & Lien Program follows Village ordinance (Section 38-81) and includes multiple steps to ensure transparency and legal compliance:
• Identification and Evaluation
Properties are identified based on risk and evaluated by qualified professionals, including licensed engineers.
• Prioritization
Properties are prioritized using a data-driven framework that considers structural condition, flood risk, and potential downstream impacts.
• Notification to Property Owners
Owners are notified and given the opportunity to respond, take corrective action, or participate in available recovery programs.
• Council Review and Authorization
All demolition actions require approval by the Village Council.
• Action if Necessary
If no action is taken and a structure continues to pose a risk, the Village may proceed with removal to protect public safety.
• Due Process Protections
The process includes notice requirements, response periods, and opportunities for objection or appeal.
FEMA Recovery Program Coordination
This effort is closely aligned with FEMA-supported recovery programs, including:
Commercial Property Debris Removal (CPDR)
These programs provide resources to assist with debris removal and hazard reduction.
Key deadlines include:
April 30, 2026 – Deadline to apply for PPDR
May 13, 2026 – Final deadline for Council demolition authorizations
July 23, 2026 – Deadline for debris removal completion
Meeting these deadlines is critical to maintaining eligibility for federal funding and reducing financial impact on local taxpayers.
Prioritization and Implementation
The Village is using a structured prioritization process to focus on the highest-risk areas first, particularly:
Properties within floodways and drainage corridors
Structures identified as immediate threats to life safety
Locations with potential upstream and downstream flood impacts
Initial assessments identified 134 properties, of which 78 were prioritized for immediate evaluation based on risk factors.
Coordination and Oversight
The Clean & Lien Taskforce is a multi-departmental effort involving:
Office of Emergency Management
Community Development
Public Works
Legal Department
Procurement
Building and Safety Officials
The task force coordinates assessments, tracks progress, ensures compliance with local ordinances, and supports Council decision-making throughout the process.
Community Impact
Unsafe structures can affect more than a single property. Debris and structural failure in one area can create flooding and damage in another.
By addressing these risks proactively, the Village is working to:
Protect residents and visitors
Reduce flood-related hazards
Support rebuilding and recovery efforts
Strengthen community resilience ahead of future events
Additional Information
More information about recovery programs and emergency preparedness is available at:
https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information
Residents with questions about the Clean & Lien Program or PPDR/CPDR eligibility are encouraged to contact the Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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The Clean & Lien Program is a Village-led process to address unsafe or unstable structures that pose a risk to public safety, infrastructure, or flood conditions. It is part of the community’s broader disaster recovery effort.
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No. This program is not about taking property. It is focused on reducing safety risks. Property owners retain ownership, and all actions follow established legal processes and protections..
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If your property is identified for evaluation, you will receive formal notification from the Village with information about the process, next steps, and your options.
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Property owners have the opportunity to:
Respond to the notice
Address the issue independently
Participate in available programs such as PPDR or CPDR
The Village encourages property owners to take action whenever possible.
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If a structure is determined to pose a continued risk and no action is taken, the Village may proceed with removal following Council approval and all required legal steps.
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Yes. The process includes formal notice, response periods, and opportunities for objection or appeal before any action is authorized.
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Properties are evaluated using a data-driven process that considers:
Structural safety
Location within flood-prone areas
Potential impact on surrounding properties and infrastructure
Higher-risk properties—especially those in floodways or drainage paths—are addressed first.
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The Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program is a FEMA-supported program that may assist eligible property owners with debris removal following a disaster.
The application deadline for PPDR is April 30, 2026.
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Costs and eligibility depend on individual circumstances and program participation. In many cases, FEMA-supported programs may cover debris removal. Additional information will be provided to affected property owners.
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For more information or assistance, please contact the Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management.
