Retaining Walls: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do retaining walls rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque and Tijeras have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque retaining walls follow the same maximum heights as other walls unless the City Engineer approves a higher wall. Retaining walls over 6 feet must be terraced to no more than 3 tiers, with a planted 4-foot terrace between tiers and footings kept out of the public right-of-way.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque and Bernalillo County follow the 2018 NM Residential Building Code: retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall require a building permit and stamped engineered plans. Any wall supporting a surcharge requires engineering regardless of height.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | IDO 14-16-5-7(F) | - |
| Max Height | Per Table 5-7-1 unless City Engineer approves higher | - |
| Terracing Trigger | Over 6 ft - max 3 tiers | - |
| Terrace Width | At least 4 ft, max slope 1:3 | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 4 ft or surcharge |
| Code Basis | - | 2018 IRC §R404.4 (NM) |
| Engineer Stamp | - | NM PE required |
| Arroyo Review | - | AMAFCA/MRGCD |
| Setback | - | 5 ft typical R-1 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Do I need to terrace a tall retaining wall in Albuquerque?
Yes. Under IDO 14-16-5-7(F), a retaining wall higher than 6 feet must be terraced to no more than 3 tiers, with a terrace at least 4 feet wide (maximum 1:3 slope) and permanent landscaping between tiers.
Can a retaining wall footing extend under the sidewalk?
No. The IDO requires retaining walls to be set back so the underground footing does not encroach on any abutting public right-of-way.
Tijeras FAQ
I need to build a 3-foot wall to level my yard. Do I need a permit?
Generally no, as long as it is under 4 feet from footing to top and supports no surcharge. If it holds back a driveway or slope, a permit is still required.
Do I need drainage review for a wall near an arroyo?
Yes. Walls in or near AMAFCA- or MRGCD-jurisdiction channels require additional drainage and floodplain review before a permit is issued.
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