Las Cruces, NM Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

D sets development standards for every residential zoning district in one matrix. height (feet)' row applies a 35-foot cap to the Rural EE, Rural RE, Rural REM, Urban R-1c, R-1a, R-1b, R-1cM, R-1aM and R-1bM districts, and to the R-2 and R-3 multi-family districts, while the R-4 apartment district alone is allowed 60 feet. A footnote to the table sends taller vertical elements to a separate rule: 'See the antennas, towers, communications structures, and other vertical structures, section 38-59,' so flagpoles, towers and similar structures are not capped by the 35/60-foot matrix figures.

Chapter 30's building code definitions fix how height is measured citywide: 'Height of building' means 'the vertical distance from grade plane, undisturbed or altered, to the average height of the highest roof surface,' using 'grade' as the lowest point of finished ground, paving or sidewalk within five feet of the building, or between the building and the property line if that distance is shorter. Front-desk permit staff confirm the applicable zone, maximum height and approved setbacks on a contingency disclosure form before issuing an over-the-counter permit under Section 30-232(a)(2), so a homeowner sees the district's height limit in writing before construction begins.

Downtown parcels follow a different, form-based height and stepback system under the Downtown Development Code's Table 4 through Table 6 rather than this residential matrix.