City of Roswell adopts new enforceable noise ordinance

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – One New Mexico city is updating its noise ordinance, hoping to preserve their way of life.

City councilors are trying to keep things quiet in Roswell. Whether it’s car mufflers, 4th of July fireworks, or the local speedway which neighbors have complained about being too loud. “I can tell you I live 1,600 feet from it and when they are running it sounds like they are right there in my living room,” said Roswell City Councilor Juan Oropesa in a city council meeting on March 14.

Last week, Roswell City Council approved updates to the city code for loud sounds depending on the area and time of day. “We had a noise ordinance, and it didn’t give the police the powers needed to address some of the issues that the constituents had,” said Roswell City Councilor, Cristina Arnold.

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Arnold said the city will purchase decibel reader equipment, making it easier for police to enforce the rules. “That way they can monitor noise on certain levels. It gives them the ability to mark that,” said Arnold.

Anything louder than 110 decibels will not be allowed. The city said if people anticipate violating the ordinance, or creating sound that can be heard from a mile away; they will need a noise permit that’s good for 3 days. “If people choose to buy a ticket to go to the show, then we don’t want to dictate if they’re willing to have their ears exposed that’s on them. What we’re looking at is the effects on the constituents around the actual racetrack,” added Arnold.

Jim Collins, speaking on behalf of the Alien Motor Speedway, had questions about the rules. “The noise ordinance we used to have exempted sporting events. We are a sporting event or we could be an entertainment event… would we be considered an entertainment event,” asked Collins during the city council meeting.

According to the city, there are only entertainment exceptions for bands and school events.The number of days people can use fireworks for the 4th of July in Roswell has been reduced from 5 to 3. Household power tools and construction are permitted from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

KRQE heard back from Alien Motor Speedway. They said the new rules will require more effort for them to run, but the ordinance is written in a way that the track can still open and gain permits to operate.

The speedway is currently working to become ADA compliant to reopen for business. “The city has worked with the track giving them time and opportunity to raise funds to become compliant,” Collins told KRQE.

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