Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, NM Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Land-use complaint filed with: enforcement officer
Complaint form: written, must state basis
Smoke-free complaints: filed with city manager
First civil fine: $100
Nuisance trigger: 6 incidents in 6 months

Summary

Santa Fe lets any person file a written complaint alleging a land-use code violation with the enforcement officer, who must log it and investigate promptly. Section 14-11.3 governs complaints; the smoke-free ordinance has its own city-manager complaint path.

(A) Complaints of Violations. A person may file a written complaint alleging a violation of Chapter 14. The complaint shall state fully the causes and basis of the complaint and shall be filed with the enforcement officer. The enforcement officer shall record the complaint properly, investigate promptly and take action as provided in this chapter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

2. The enforcement officer must record the complaint, investigate promptly and take action. 4, and served by posting on the property, personal delivery, or certified mail. The officer may also issue a citation or pursue another lawful remedy instead of, or in addition to, the written notice. 11(C), any citizen who wants to register a complaint about a smoking violation may initiate enforcement directly with the city manager, and the city manager's office administers the smoke-free enforcement program, including requiring 'self-certification' from businesses during their regular inspections.

5(A)(1) also treats a 'constituent complaint' as one type of 'incident' that can trigger an internal nuisance investigation once a property accumulates six incidents in six months, or sooner if the incidents are egregious.

Violations & Fines

Filing a written complaint carries no fee or penalty for the reporting resident. If the enforcement officer confirms a Chapter 14 violation, the property owner faces civil fines under Section 14-11.4(C): $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense within any 36-month period, plus possible permit revocation or a court order to restore the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a land-use code violation in Santa Fe?

File a written complaint with the city's enforcement officer stating fully the causes and basis of the complaint, as provided in Section 14-11.3(A) of the Land Development Code. The officer must record the complaint and investigate promptly, then issue a written notice of violation if warranted.

Who do I contact to report a smoking violation?

Section 10-6.11(C) of the Smoke Free Ordinance says any citizen who wants to register a complaint may initiate enforcement directly with the city manager, who administers the smoke-free program citywide.

What happens after I file a code complaint?

Under Section 14-11.3(B), the enforcement officer investigates and, if a violation is confirmed, issues a written notice describing it, ordering corrective action, and setting a deadline; failure to comply can lead to civil fines of $100 to $500 per offense under Section 14-11.4.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Fe

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant Restrictions

All Santa Fe rules

Compare Santa Fe to another location·View the New Mexico code violation reporting overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.