Grass Height Limits: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do grass height limits rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Tijeras has fewer restrictions than Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque does not cap residential lawn height, but its water-conservation landscaping rules sharply limit turf. Under the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) General Landscaping Standards, Sec. 5-6(C), no more than 10 percent of required landscape areas may be cool-season grass species.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Tijeras has no specific grass height ordinance. The village's rural mountain character means natural vegetation is common. General nuisance and fire hazard provisions apply to overgrown vegetation that creates safety risks.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | IDO Sec. 5-6(C) General Landscaping Standards | - |
| Cool-season grass cap | Max 10% of required landscape area | - |
| No turf-height limit | Overgrowth handled via weed ordinance Sec. 9-8-4 | - |
| Also applies | Pollen Control (Art. 9-12) and Water Conservation (Parts 6-1-1, 6-6-2) | - |
| Specific Ordinance | - | None — general nuisance rules |
| Character | - | Rural mountain — natural vegetation common |
| Fire Hazard | - | Overgrowth creating fire risk citable |
| Contact | - | (505) 281-1220 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Is there a maximum lawn height in Albuquerque?
There is no general turf-height limit. Overgrown vegetation is regulated through the nuisance weed ordinance (Sec. 9-8-4), which targets listed weeds over 4 inches, not ordinary maintained lawn.
How much of my yard can be cool-season grass?
For required landscape areas under the IDO, no more than 10 percent may be cool-season grass species, to conserve water in Albuquerque's desert climate.
What grasses are encouraged?
Warm-season turf, native grasses, and xeriscape plantings are encouraged; cool-season (high-water-use) grass is capped at 10 percent of required landscape area.
Tijeras FAQ
How tall can my grass get before I get fined in Tijeras?
Tijeras has no specific grass height ordinance. The village's rural mountain character means natural vegetation is common. General nuisance and fire hazard provisions apply to overgrown vegetation that creates safety risks.
What is the maximum grass height in Tijeras?
Specific Ordinance: None — general nuisance rules. Character: Rural mountain — natural vegetation common. Fire Hazard: Overgrowth creating fire risk citable. Contact: (505) 281-1220.
Compare other topics
See how Albuquerque and Tijeras compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool