Tijeras's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Tijeras, New Mexico, there are 4 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.

Amplified Music & Events

Tijeras regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. NMSA §30-20-1 applies.

Key details: Permit: Required for public events. Residential: General limits apply. State Law: NMSA §30-20-1. Cultural Events: Special permits available.

Noise violation: $100 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disturbing the peace: petty misdemeanor up to $500.

Construction Hours

Tijeras does not have a specific construction hours ordinance. All building requires Planning and Zoning Commission approval per §26-67. Construction noise is governed by general nuisance rules and state law. The village's rural mountain setting means fewer noise conflicts.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: None — general nuisance rules. Building Approval: P&Z Commission required (§26-67). State Law: NMSA §30-20-1. Setting: Rural mountain village (~500 pop).

First offense: $100 to $500. Stop-work orders for violations outside permitted hours. Repeat offenses: up to $1,000.

The rules around construction hours in Tijeras lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Quiet Hours

The Village of Tijeras addresses noise under general nuisance provisions in its Code of Ordinances and state law NMSA §30-20-1 (disturbing the peace). Unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace is a petty misdemeanor under state law, with fines up to $500.

Key details: State Law: NMSA §30-20-1 (disturbing peace). Penalty: Petty misdemeanor, up to $500. Village Contact: (505) 281-1220. Character: Rural mountain community.

First offense: warning or citation $100 to $500. Petty misdemeanor under NMSA §30-20-1: up to $500 fine and/or 6 months jail.

Barking Dogs

Tijeras Animal Control Ordinance (Ord. No. 32, 1984) prohibits animals running at large. Nuisance barking is addressed under the animal ordinance and general nuisance provisions. Animal control services provided through Bernalillo County Animal Care Services.

Key details: Ordinance: Ord. No. 32 (1984) — Animal Control. At-Large: Unlawful to let animals run at large. County Service: Bernalillo County ACS (505) 468-7387. Village Contact: (505) 281-1220.

Warning first. Nuisance finding: $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

The Bottom Line

Tijeras's noise ordinances 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.