Environmental Rules in Las Cruces, NM (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Las Cruces, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Las Cruces bans any discharge into its storm drain system that is not pure stormwater, covering everything from used motor oil to pool backwash and construction sediment. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more must file an EPA Notice of Intent and follow a stormwater pollution prevention plan, and violators face up to $500 in fines and 90 days in jail per offense.
Las Cruces Stormwater Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code §§ 34-130, 34-136 (Ord. No. 2146, 11-1-04)
Sec. 34-130. - General prohibitions. (a)No person shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the MS4 or waters within the jurisdiction of the city any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater. ... Sec. 34-136. - Criminal penalty. (a)Any person violating any provision of this article shall be deemed guilty of a petty misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a...
Erosion Control
Las Cruces requires erosion and sediment control on every construction site under Land Development Code Sec. 32-301 and Sec. 32-302, with track-out controls mandatory on any site an acre or larger and a Wind Erosion Control Plan required before grading begins. Violations are a petty misdemeanor carrying up to a $500.00 fine per day.
Las Cruces Construction Erosion Control Rules
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code § 32-301; § 32-302(j)(2), (l)(6)
(b)Purpose and intent of this section. The purpose of this section is to comply with all federal, state and local codes and regulations in order to protect upstream and downstream properties, the city's MS4 system, and all natural waterways from erosion. (c)Erosion control. Erosion control is necessary on any location where contaminated flowing water or blowing soil/dust may threaten the health...
Flood Zones
Any construction, fill, or substantial improvement in a Las Cruces special flood hazard area needs a development permit from the floodplain administrator before work starts. New and substantially improved homes must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, and building without the permit or the required elevation certification is a misdemeanor carrying up to a $10,000 fine per violation.
Las Cruces Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code §§ 34-38, 34-107 (Ord. No. 2785, 7-5-16; Ord. No. 3051, 11-20-23)
Sec. 34-38. - Establishment of development permit. A development permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities. ... Sec. 34-107. - Penalties for non-compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas, Las Cruces requires new and substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor, basement and all electrical or mechanical equipment at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Nonresidential buildings must either meet the same freeboard or be engineered watertight below that line. The city's floodplain administrator enforces compliance under LCMC chapter 34.
Las Cruces Flood Elevation Freeboard Requirement
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code §§ 34-102, 34-107 (Ord. No. 2785, § II(Exh. B), 7-5-16; Ord. No. 3051, § (I)(Exh. A), 11-20-23)
(1)Residential construction. All new construction and substantial improvements of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, all electrical and mechanical equipment and ductwork, elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation. ... (2)Nonresidential construction. All new construction and substantial improvements of any commercial, industrial or other no...
Looking for Doña Ana County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Las Cruces city rules.
Environmental Rules in Doña Ana County →