Brush Clearance: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do brush clearance rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Tijeras has fewer restrictions than Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque requires defensible space clearance of flammable vegetation within 30 feet of structures in designated wildland-urban interface zones under AFR fire code and ROA 1994 Chapter 14.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County requires property owners to abate hazardous weeds and combustible vegetation under the weed abatement ordinance. East Mountain WUI areas near the Sandia and Manzano foothills face stricter defensible space expectations from county fire officials.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| WUI Area | Sandia Foothills, Bosque corridor | - |
| Zone 1 | 0-5 ft non-combustible | - |
| Zone 2 | 5-30 ft defensible landscaping | - |
| Annual Deadline | June 1 for grass and weeds | - |
| Enforcement | Albuquerque Fire Rescue | Notice, abate, lien |
| Ordinance | - | Bernalillo County Code Ch. 46 |
| WUI Focus | - | East Mountain foothills |
| Defensible Space | - | 30 ft recommended (not mandated) |
| Vacant Lots | - | Must be maintained |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Do I have to clear brush if I live in the Sandia foothills?
Yes. WUI properties must maintain defensible space zones 1-3 per AFR fire code. Annual clearance by June 1 is strongly recommended before summer fire season.
Can AFR force me to cut vegetation on my property?
Yes. After written notice and 30 days to comply, AFR can abate the hazard at the city's cost and bill the property owner, placing a lien if unpaid.
Tijeras FAQ
Is defensible space required by law in Bernalillo County?
No statewide or county mandate exists, but the weed abatement ordinance requires removing hazardous vegetation and the fire department strongly recommends 30-foot clearance in East Mountain WUI zones.
What happens if I ignore a weed abatement notice?
The county hires a contractor to clear the property and records a lien for the cost plus an administrative fee, which must be paid or it accrues against the property tax roll.
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