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Lovington commission rejects backyard-hen ordinance; approves several permits and resolutions
Summary
The Lovington City Commission voted down a proposed ordinance to allow backyard hens, citing split opinions, and approved multiple other items including a carport variance and a one-year special-use permit for an RV while staff continue work on ICIP priorities.
The Lovington City Commission voted 3-2 on May 18 to reject an ordinance that would have allowed residents to keep backyard hens in city limits. After a brief public hearing and testimony in favor of the staff-drafted compromise, Mayor Roberts and Commissioner Perry voted to adopt the ordinance while Commissioners White, Ramon and Rodriguez voted against it, so the motion failed.
The vote followed public testimony from Joe Geary, who told the commission staff had attempted a fair compromise and urged passage. Commissioners who opposed the measure cited neighborhood impacts and said they were not prepared to lift the existing restriction.
The meeting included a slate of other action items. The commission approved a variance (Resolution 2026-060) allowing no front or side yard setback for a carport at 1110 W. Harrison Avenue after staff reported neighbor support and planning-and-zoning approval. The commission also granted a one-year special-use permit (Resolution 2026-061) for an individual to keep an RV on a single lot while he saves to buy a mobile home; the permit was explicitly non-transferable and requires reapplication if the owner needs more time.
Commissioners tabled Resolution 2026-037 (temporary use / gas encampment) to the next meeting.
The meeting closed with standard approvals (accounts payable) and adjournment. The mayor and staff said materials or revised language on the chicken ordinance may return to a future agenda if commissioners wish to revisit the issue.
What’s next: The chicken ordinance failed at this meeting; anyone wanting the commission to reconsider that policy should monitor future agendas or request placement for discussion and potential amendment.
