Fence Regulations in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque maintains 154 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Albuquerque falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Height Limits

Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance caps walls and fences at 3 feet in a front or street side yard and 8 feet elsewhere on a residential lot, with limited exceptions for taller view fencing.

Key details: Code Section: IDO 14-16-5-7(D); Table 5-7-1. Front/Street Side Yard: 3 ft (Residential, Mixed-use, NR-C/NR-BP). Other Locations on Lot: 8 ft (Residential, Mixed-use, NR-C); 10 ft (NR-LM/NR-GM).

Violations of the IDO are subject to the General Penalty in ROA 1994 1-1-99: a fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both; each day of violation is a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)).

Material Restrictions

Albuquerque's IDO allows a broad range of wall and fence materials but restricts exposed CMU block on street frontages, bans most chain link on visible frontages, and prohibits barbed/razor wire in or adjacent to residential and mixed-use zones.

Key details: Code Section: IDO 14-16-5-7(E)(1). Exposed CMU: Max 50% of any wall facing a street/park/trail. Barbed/Razor Wire: Prohibited in or adjacent to Residential and Mixed-use zones.

Violations are subject to the General Penalty in ROA 1994 1-1-99: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)).

Retaining Walls

Albuquerque retaining walls follow the same maximum heights as other walls unless the City Engineer approves a higher wall. Retaining walls over 6 feet must be terraced to no more than 3 tiers, with a planted 4-foot terrace between tiers and footings kept out of the public right-of-way.

Key details: Code Section: IDO 14-16-5-7(F). Max Height: Per Table 5-7-1 unless City Engineer approves higher. Terracing Trigger: Over 6 ft - max 3 tiers. Terrace Width: At least 4 ft, max slope 1:3.

Violations are subject to ROA 1994 1-1-99 (General Penalty): up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)). Non-compliant tall walls may require engineering review, redesign/terracing, or removal.

Fence Permit Requirements

Albuquerque requires a permit before any wall or fence is built: a staff-decided Permit - Wall or Fence - Minor for standard fences, or a Permit - Wall or Fence - Major (public hearing before the Zoning Hearing Examiner) for above-standard front/side yard walls.

Key details: Code Section: IDO 14-16-5-7(B)(2); 14-16-6-5(F); 14-16-6-6(H). Minor Permit: Staff/ZEO decision for standard fences. Major Permit: Zoning Hearing Examiner public hearing for taller front/side walls.

Building without a required permit is a violation of the IDO, subject to ROA 1994 1-1-99 (General Penalty): up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)).

The Bottom Line

Albuquerque's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Albuquerque is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Albuquerque's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.