City Councilor Dan Lewis Proposal to Help Film Production in Albuquerque

May 5, 2023

At the City Council Meeting on May, 15, 2023, City Councilor Dan Lewis’ legislation to help film productions in the City of Albuquerque will be on the agenda for final action. R-23-130 will stay enforcement of key elements in the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) for film production; enforcement of the 45 consecutive day limitation for “Temporary Use Not Listed”, enforcement of the limitation of “Temporary Use Not Listed” in the R-A, R-1, and R-T Zone districts, and parking restrictions related to large vehicles required for filming. These temporary uses will have a stay of enforcement for permitted film productions and will not be available for other types of temporary uses.

The bill also directs City Council Staff to prepare an amendment for consideration by the City Council during the current IDO Annual Update process to establish a new Temporary Use related to film production and to address relevant parking restrictions for these temporary uses. The stay of enforcement will expire in one year or upon the adoption of the in-progress update to the Integrated Development Ordinance.

“These are important changes that will increase the number of productions that bring jobs and economic activity to the city,” said Councilor Dan Lewis. “The permanent studios are already considered in the IDO, but these changes are needed for production for extended periods of time at remote locations within the City limits. Absent this legislation, the City of Albuquerque could miss opportunities to bring significant investments to the City in the next year.”