Environmental Rules in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Albuquerque, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Albuquerque bans putting anything but clean stormwater into the city's MS4 storm drain system: animal waste, vehicle fluids, yard debris, and sewage cross-connections are all prohibited from reaching public storm drains.
Albuquerque Storm Drain Discharge Ban
Significant RestrictionsRevised Ordinances of Albuquerque § 6-11-6(B)
No person shall: (1) Attempt to introduce, introduce, or cause to be introduced into the MS4 any discharge that is not composed entirely of pollutant-free storm water; (2) Leave, accumulate, discharge, or allow animal waste on a publicly owned property or on private property that will drain to the MS4; (3) Allow any fluids from motor vehicles to drip or flow onto public property or into the MS4;
Erosion Control
Albuquerque requires erosion and sediment control for all construction and ground-disturbing activities under §14-5-2-11 and DPM Chapter 22. The city's Construction Stormwater Quality Section reviews and approves erosion control plans before grading permits, building permits, or work orders are issued. Projects involving more than 1.0 acres or 500+ cubic yards of soil must have an approved erosion control plan.
Albuquerque Erosion Control Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Albuquerque Development Process Manual, Chapter 22 — Drainage, Flood Control and Erosion Control, Section 5(E)
E. Erosion and Stormwater Pollution Control. All grading within the City of Albuquerque must be performed in a manner which prevents the movement of significant and damaging amounts of sediment onto adjacent property and public facilities by both water and wind, and minimizes the impacts to stormwater runoff quality. Every project involving the grading of more than 1.0 acres or the importation ...
Flood Zones
Albuquerque requires a Floodplain Development Permit before any construction, fill, grading or land-use change in a mapped area of special flood hazard. The City Engineer serves as Floodplain Administrator, reviewing plans against FEMA's 2016 Flood Insurance Study for Bernalillo County before work can begin.
Albuquerque Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsRevised Ordinances of Albuquerque §§ 14-5-3-3, 14-5-3-4
§ 14-5-3-3 ESTABLISHMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT. A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this Ordinance. (Ord. 2025-031) § 14-5-3-4 COMPLIANCE. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered, or have its use changed without full compliance with the terms of this Ordinance and other applicable regulations. (Ord. 2025-031)
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Albuquerque bans leaving a delivery vehicle under 22,000 pounds gross vehicle weight running and unattended while the driver makes a pickup or delivery. Section 8-5-1-41 reaches both public right-of-way and private property, so a driver can't leave the engine running while carrying a package to a door even in a private lot.
Albuquerque Delivery Vehicle Idling Ban
Light RestrictionsAlbuquerque Code of Ordinances § 8-5-1-41
§ 8-5-1-41 PROHIBITING UNATTENDED DELIVERY VEHICLES FROM BEING LEFT IDLING. No delivery vehicle with a G.V.W. rating of less than 22,000 pounds which is left unattended by its driver during pickup or delivery, whether on public right-of-way or private property, shall be left with the motor running.
Flood Elevation Requirements
New homes in Albuquerque's mapped floodplain must have the lowest floor built at or above the base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor.
Albuquerque Base Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsRevised Ordinances of Albuquerque § 14-5-5-2(1)
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided... (1) Residential Construction - New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to or above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the Floo...
Looking for Bernalillo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albuquerque city rules.
Environmental Rules in Bernalillo County →