Revised Unified Development Code rejected; victory for Talavera homeowners

In a close 3 to 2 vote Tuesday, Dona Ana County Commissioners voted to not move forward with adopting a revised version of the Unified Development Code.

Instead, the 400-page document would go back to the county’s Planning and Zoning committee for more alterations.

The vote was a victory for many living in the Talavera community, which is just east of “A” mountain.

“If I were younger, I’d be jumping through hoops. I’m flabbergasted. I’m really happy,” said Mark Burbano, a 12-year Talavera resident.

“I just wanted to let the people know it was important to kind of give (the revised development code) a second look and give people an opportunity to vet it out,” said District 2 County Commissioner David Garcia.

At a commission meeting, residents argued the revised UDC would allow manufactured homes and mobile homes to be built near their land, which was not allowed before.

Residents argued his would severely bring down their property values. Others were concerned over not receiving enough warning about the proposed changes.

If passed, the document would have been published as a public notice and a final vote would have been held November 29, 2016.

Instead, Planning and Zoning is expected to make changes based off the concerns of residents, then bring the ordinance back to the county commission for a vote.

There is no date set on how long that will take.