Alamogordo NM
5-13-2026 3:39am

Tularosa Planning and Zoning Commission Addresses Fences, Permits, Safety Hazards, and Code Enforcement

Tularosa, NM — The Tularosa Planning and Zoning Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, May 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Village Hall Council Chambers at 609 St. Francis Drive. All five commissioners were present, a quorum was established, and the agenda and previous meeting minutes from April 20 were approved unanimously.

Key Actions and Recommendations

1. Eight-Foot Privacy Fence at 305 1st Street (Rebecca Mays)

The commission unanimously recommended approval of an eight-foot R-panel privacy fence with pipe and top rail to be constructed entirely on the applicant’s property. Ms. Mays cited ongoing issues with the neighboring property at 303 1st Street, including vulgar signs, animal neglect, trespassing, property destruction, and harassment. A surveyor will mark the property lines, and a licensed contractor will perform the work. The fence is intended to protect children walking to school and prevent further intrusions.

2. Building Permit for Manufactured Home at 11 Brittany Lane (Charlene Chavez)

The commission unanimously recommended approval of the permit with conditions. Installation had begun without prior village approval, prompting a stop-work order. Both homes on the property will share one water meter and one septic system. The applicant must notify the village of the shared utilities and obtain Environmental Department approval confirming the septic system can handle the increased load.

3. Easement Vacation at 305 1st Street (Rebecca Mays)

The commission unanimously recommended approval of the vacation of a 2004 easement that no longer serves its original purpose due to changes on the neighboring property. Supporting documentation, including deeds and a letter from the original easement grantor, was reviewed. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Council.

4. Public Safety and Nuisance Concerns at 303 1st Street

The commission unanimously recommended that the Village Council pursue all available avenues for emergency abatement at the neighboring property. Concerns include large piles of pallets creating fire hazards and blocking access to water meters, numerous profane and lewd signs visible near a school route, and neglected animals. The property owner has been declared mentally incompetent by the district court. Commissioners emphasized protecting public safety, especially for children, while acknowledging the complex legal and mental health issues involved.

5. Procedural and Code Enforcement Improvements

The commission discussed the need for better record-keeping practices. Commissioners will retain copies of approved files for legal protection, while the Village Clerk remains the official custodian. Plans were outlined to establish a dedicated Planning and Zoning office space. New standardized Notice of Violation forms and a Community Safety and Property Concern reporting form were introduced to strengthen code enforcement.

Old Business

• Updates on comprehensive ordinance reforms and fee structures are ongoing, with attorney review in progress.

• A public meeting on a proposed cell tower is scheduled for May 18 at Village Hall.

• A Memorandum of Understanding will be sent to surveyors and manufactured home providers to ensure proper permitting procedures.

The meeting highlighted the commission’s focus on public safety, clear permitting processes, infrastructure protection, and improved enforcement of village codes. All major recommendations were passed unanimously.

For full details and future agendas, contact the Village of Tularosa or attend the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The commission’s recommendations on fences, easements, and abatement will now go before the Village Council for final action.

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