Material Restrictions: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do material restrictions rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque's IDO allows a broad range of wall and fence materials but restricts exposed CMU block on street frontages, bans most chain link on visible frontages, and prohibits barbed/razor wire in or adjacent to residential and mixed-use zones.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Zoning Ordinance allows wood, adobe, stucco, coyote, wrought iron, chain-link, and masonry fences in residential zones. Barbed wire and razor wire are restricted in residential zones. Traditional adobe and coyote fencing remain common throughout the county.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | IDO 14-16-5-7(E)(1) | - |
| Exposed CMU | Max 50% of any wall facing a street/park/trail | - |
| Barbed/Razor Wire | Prohibited in or adjacent to Residential and Mixed-use zones | - |
| Approved | - | Wood, adobe, coyote, wrought iron |
| Coyote Fence | - | Traditional NM style allowed |
| Barbed Wire | - | Residential prohibited |
| Agricultural | - | Allowed in A-1 zones |
| Historic Zones | - | Adobe/stucco required in ABQ overlays |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Is chain link fencing allowed in Albuquerque?
Chain link is allowed in R-A, R-1, NR-LM, and NR-GM zones. In other zones it cannot be used on any portion of a site visible from a public street, park, trail, Major Public Open Space, or major arroyo, except as temporary construction security fencing.
Can I put barbed wire on my residential fence?
No. Barbed tape, razor wire, and barbed wire are prohibited in or adjacent to any Residential or Mixed-use zone district, with an exemption only for critical infrastructure facilities.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Can I build a coyote fence in Bernalillo County?
Yes. Coyote fencing (vertical latillas between horizontal stringers) is an allowed traditional New Mexico style in all residential zones under the Bernalillo County Zoning Ordinance.
Is barbed wire allowed on my property?
Only in agricultural (A-1) and rural zones for livestock. Residential zones (R-1, R-2) prohibit barbed wire under the zoning ordinance.
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