Tijeras's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Tijeras, New Mexico, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Height Limits

Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 regulates fence and wall construction. Commercial properties require a solid 6-ft fence or barrier on property lines adjoining residential properties for visual screening. Fence materials must not pose health/safety hazards or disrupt rural character.

Key details: Commercial Adjacent: 6 ft solid fence required at residential boundary. Materials: Must not pose health/safety hazards. Character: Must not disrupt rural residential character. Drainage: Must not adversely affect drainage.

Code compliance notice. Modify or remove non-compliant fence. Fines if not corrected.

Neighbor Fence Rules

New Mexico has no shared fence cost statute. Tijeras does not require neighbor consent for fencing on your own property. NM is an open range state (NMSA §77-16-1). The village's rural mountain character means larger lots and more space between homes.

Key details: Shared Cost: No NM statute requiring shared cost. Neighbor Consent: Not required for own-property fence. Open Range: NMSA §77-16-1. Lot Size: Min 1 acre in R-1 zone.

Civil dispute - no city enforcement for cost-sharing. Property line encroachments: survey and civil remedy. Open range liability per NMSA §77-16-1.

Tijeras is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.

Permit Requirements

Tijeras requires fence permits per §26-67. Village provides fence permit applications at Village Hall or online. All construction requires Planning and Zoning Commission review. Contact (505) 281-1220 for requirements.

Key details: Permit: Required for all fence construction. Review: P&Z Commission approval needed. Application: Village Hall or online forms. Contact: (505) 281-1220.

Unpermitted fence: stop-work order. Retroactive permit with penalty. May require modification.

The Bottom Line

Tijeras'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 Tijeras is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tijeras can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.