A Resident's Guide to Los Ranchos de Albuquerque's Local Ordinances

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 41 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: The Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque only permits short-term rentals operated as owner-occupied Bed & Breakfast (B&B) facilities under Village Code Chapter 9, Section 25(E)(1). Occupancy is capped at two adults per guestroom (children 12 and under not counted), the operator must be present on the property for the full rental, and the village limits the total number of B&B permits to 65 by Board of Trustees resolution..

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (permissive), Taxes & Fees (strict), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Carports in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque are treated as accessory structures under Chapter 9 (Zoning) of the Village Code. They must comply with the setbacks, lot coverage, and 26-foot maximum building height of the underlying residential zone (A-1, A-2, A-3, R-1, R-3 or VC), and properties bounded by an irrigation ditch or drain have an additional 25-foot setback.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Los Ranchos de Albuquerque enforces noise control under village ordinances and NMSA §30-20-1 (disturbing the peace). Unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace is a petty misdemeanor under state law.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Amplified Music & Events (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Los Ranchos is within the ABCWUA service area and subject to water conservation regulations. Xeriscaping encouraged.

Also covered: Tree Trimming (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Aerial fireworks are illegal statewide in New Mexico. Los Ranchos is within Bernalillo County Fire Department jurisdiction.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Los Ranchos zoning code addresses parking of oversized vehicles. The agricultural/residential character of the village provides more flexibility for RV storage on larger lots.

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate), Driveway Rules (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Animal Ordinances

Beekeeping: Beekeeping is allowed in Los Ranchos, consistent with the village's agricultural character. The A-1 and A-2 agricultural/residential zones support agricultural uses including beekeeping.

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Exotic Pets (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Los Ranchos village zoning code — front yard solid walls max 4 ft; side and rear yard solid walls max 6 ft. Open fencing may be placed on a 4-ft solid wall to reach 6 ft total.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Los Ranchos allows home occupations in residential zones under the village zoning code. A village commercial business license is required.

Also covered: Signage Rules (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Pool safety in Los Ranchos follows NM Residential Code and International Building Code. Gates must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching.

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Los Ranchos is adjacent to the Rio Grande and much of the village is in or near FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) manages regional flood control.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.