Measure to make Albuquerque more balloon friendly

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque has taken another step to make the city even more friendly when it comes to hot air ballooning.

Mayor Richard Berry has signed a measure that amends the city’s zoning code to allow for the launching and landing of balloons anywhere within city limits.

Previously, there were no clearly defined parameters in the city’s ordinances. City officials say the ordinance signed Friday by the mayor does protect homeowners from having a balloon land on their private property.

Berry says Albuquerque is the balloon capital of the world and the ordinance confirms the city’s commitment to the sport.

The city is home to the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which draws hundreds of pilots and crews from around the world and more than 700,000 spectators each October.