Dona Ana County Commissioners Consider Noise Ordinance

For years, residents of unincorporated parts of Doa Ana County have had to deal with noisy disturbances without being able to do anything about it. Now, county commissioners are proposing an ordinance that could change that.

County Commissioner Billy Garrett told ABC-7 that since he was elected, he has received dozens of phone calls from angry residents. As it stands now, residents of unincorporated areas in the county are not protected by a noise ordinance. If they try to file a noise complaint, sheriff’s deputies essentially can’t do anything.

“For a lot of county residents, the idea of being able to enjoy a relatively quiet environment is something they value a lot. It’s one of the reasons they like to live in the county,” Garrett said.

In response, the county has drafted a noise ordinance that commissioners will vote on as early as next month. The proposed ordinance covers a variety of issues, including barking dogs, loud music and noisy cars. First-time offenders can face a fine up to $300. By the third offense, $300 becomes the minimum fine.

“There’s an acceptable level of noise for most people, and then there are things that people feel are very disruptive,” Garrett told ABC-7.

The county is holding four public meetings to discuss the ordinance with residents before commissioners vote on the ordinance. Here are the dates and locations for each:

Feb. 21 – Vado/Del Cerro Community Resource Center, 180 La Fe Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.

Feb. 22 – Chaparral Community Resource Center, 190 County Line Road, 6 – 8 p.m.

Feb. 23, Radium Springs Community Resource Center, 10260 Lindbeck Road 6 – 8 p.m.

Feb. 24, Doa Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., 1 – 3 p.m.