Bernalillo County R-1 limits building coverage to 40% of lot area. Albuquerque IDO §14-16-2 caps R-1 at 40% and R-A at 30% to preserve the rural character of the North and South Valleys. Impervious surface limits also apply for stormwater management.
Bernalillo County Chapter 74 limits R-1 residential building coverage to 40% of the lot area and A-1 agricultural to 15%, preserving open space in unincorporated areas. Albuquerque's IDO §14-16-2-6 sets a 40% maximum building coverage in R-1, 30% in R-A (Residential-Agricultural), and 50% in R-ML (multi-family low). These calculations include the primary dwelling, accessory structures, and covered patios but exclude open driveways and walkways. Total impervious surface (including driveways and hardscape) is additionally regulated through AMAFCA stormwater requirements — lots exceeding 70% impervious must install on-site stormwater detention. Permeable pavers and gravel driveways may reduce the calculated impervious percentage. The R-A zone's lower limit reflects the agrarian heritage of the Rio Grande valley and preserves acequia-adjacent irrigated lands.
Exceeding coverage: correction order, removal of excess structures or hardscape. Civil penalty $200 to $1,000. AMAFCA stormwater non-compliance: additional penalties and required on-site detention retrofit.
Bernalillo County, NM
Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance (Chapter 6, §6-47) — unlawful to allow an animal to persistently or continuously bark, howl, or make noise common to ...
Bernalillo County, NM
Construction noise in unincorporated Bernalillo County is regulated under the county noise ordinance (Chapter 30, Art. IV) and general nuisance provisions. B...
Bernalillo County, NM
Bernalillo County has no leaf blower-specific ban. Gas-powered blowers are widely used in unincorporated areas. General noise and air quality rules apply, wi...
Bernalillo County, NM
Bernalillo County Code Chapter 30, Article IV (Noise) establishes noise regulations for unincorporated areas. State law NMSA §30-20-1 also applies — disturbi...
Bernalillo County, NM
Commercial vehicle parking in unincorporated Bernalillo County regulated by zoning code. Off-street loading/unloading requirements in Section 21 of Appendix ...
Bernalillo County, NM
Bernalillo County Code §30 and Albuquerque §8-5-2-6 define abandoned vehicles as those left on public right-of-way for 72+ hours or inoperable vehicles store...
See how Bernalillo County's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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