Stormwater Management: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do stormwater management rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque has fewer restrictions than Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque enforces comprehensive stormwater management under City Ordinance §14-5-2-11 and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) standards. The city operates under an EPA MS4 NPDES permit administered by the New Mexico Environment Department. The Construction Stormwater Quality Section reviews all projects for compliance before grading or building permits are issued.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County enforces the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) Drainage Ordinance and the joint City/County DPM. New development must produce a drainage plan showing 100-year storm containment. MS4 NPDES permit governs discharge to the Rio Grande.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | City Ordinance §14-5-2-11 | - |
| Regional Authority | AMAFCA | AMAFCA |
| Permit Trigger | 1+ acre of disturbance | - |
| Design Manual | DPM Chapter 22 | - |
| Watershed | Rio Grande Basin | - |
| Design Storm | - | 100-year 24-hour |
| MS4 Permit | - | NM0030759 |
| Governing Doc | - | DPM + IDO §5-2 |
| Illicit Discharge Fine | - | Up to $59,973/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Who manages stormwater in Albuquerque?
The city's Construction Stormwater Quality Section enforces local ordinances, while AMAFCA (Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority) manages regional flood control and arroyo drainage infrastructure.
Do I need a stormwater permit for construction?
Projects disturbing one acre or more require coverage under the EPA Construction General Permit. All projects need approved erosion and sediment control plans before grading or building permits are issued.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Do I need a drainage plan for a single-family home?
Yes if you add more than 400 sf of impervious surface or are on a lot over 0.5 acre in unincorporated Bernalillo County. The DPM governs review.
Who regulates arroyos?
AMAFCA has jurisdiction over major arroyos in the Albuquerque metro. Any work within an AMAFCA right-of-way requires a separate encroachment permit.
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