Fence Regulations in Rio Rancho, NM (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Rio Rancho, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Rio Rancho caps front-setback fences at 4 feet, side/rear setback fences at 6 feet, and interior buildable-area fences at 8 feet, with corner-lot sight-triangle limits.
Rio Rancho Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsRio Rancho City Code § 154.77(D)
Fences allowed in the front setback area can reach a maximum height of four feet, except that fence height on corner lots must conform to the specifications under clear sight triangle... Fences built within the side yard setback, behind the front setback to the rear setback, can be a maximum of six feet. Fences built outside the setback area within the buildable area of a lot... may reach a max...
Fence Permit Requirements
Every fence in Rio Rancho needs a zoning plan review before installation, requiring an application, lot sketch, and a cross-section of the proposed materials and height.
Rio Rancho Fence Plan Review
Some RestrictionsRio Rancho City Code § 154.77(G)
Approval process. All fences require a zoning plan review. If the fence is a part of a larger submittal, for example new home construction, the fencing plan review will occur at that time and is inclusive in the plan review fee. If the fence is an improvement to a developed site, a fencing plan review is required. (1) Fencing plan review submittal should include the following: (a) Applica...
Neighbor Fence Rules
A fence straddling a property line is jointly owned by both property owners in Rio Rancho, and construction or code-triggered changes need both owners' written permission.
Rio Rancho Shared Boundary Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsRio Rancho City Code § 154.77(A)(1)
A fence that straddles a property line. For the purposes of this section, it is assumed that common fences are jointly owned in their entirety by each property owner and that initial construction and any modifications that require city approval beyond typical maintenance require the written permission of each property owner.
Retaining Walls
Rio Rancho defines a retaining wall as any structure holding back more than 18 inches of soil, and fences on top of one are measured from the retained grade, not the wall base.
Rio Rancho Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsRio Rancho City Code § 154.77(A)(1), (E)(2)
RETAINING WALL. Any structure that is intended to retain more than 18 inches of soil or similar material. ... Fences may be placed on top of retaining walls and height will be measured from the grade level of the retained material behind the retaining wall or, in other words, from the highest soil or similar material point.
Material Restrictions
Rio Rancho allows wood, masonry, adobe, chain link, and wire mesh fencing, but bars barbed wire outside limited zones and prohibits broken glass on any fence citywide.
Rio Rancho Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsRio Rancho City Code § 154.77(B)
Construction materials for fences include common construction materials such as wood, masonry, adobe, chain link, wire mesh, or other materials approved by DSD. Barbed wire, concertina wire, or similar material is only appropriate in the E-1/Estate Residential District where it may be used to confine horses or in M-1 and C-2 Districts. Broken glass in/on fences is strictly prohibited. (C) Fe...
Looking for Sandoval County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rio Rancho city rules.
Fence Regulations in Sandoval County →