Property Blight: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do property blight rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque and Tijeras have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque addresses property blight through its Code Enforcement Division under Chapter 11 (Health and Sanitation) and the IDO. Properties must be maintained free of junk, debris, abandoned vehicles, and conditions that create a public nuisance. The city uses a complaint-driven enforcement model supplemented by proactive neighborhood inspections.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Property Maintenance Ordinance prohibits blighted conditions on unincorporated parcels including peeling exterior paint, broken windows, structural deterioration, and accumulated junk. Written notice requires abatement within 15 to 30 days, with county abatement liens available under NMSA 1978 Section 4-37-1 home-rule authority.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting | 311 complaint system | - |
| Compliance Period | Typically 10-30 days | - |
| City Abatement | Costs charged to property owner via lien | - |
| Governing Code | Chapter 11 and IDO | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement Division | - |
| Authority | - | County Code Ch. 30 / IPMC |
| Notice | - | 15 to 30 days to cure |
| Max Fine | - | $500/day (NMSA 4-37-3) |
| Abatement | - | Lien under NMSA 3-18-5 |
| ABQ Overlap | - | ROA 1994 Sec. 14-3 in city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
How do I report property blight in Albuquerque?
Report property blight through the city's 311 system (call 311 or use the ABQ311 app). The Code Enforcement Division will investigate and issue a notice to the property owner if violations are found.
What counts as property blight?
Property blight includes junk accumulation, debris, abandoned vehicles, broken appliances, dilapidated structures, graffiti, and unmaintained landscaping that creates a public nuisance.
Tijeras FAQ
Does Bernalillo County enforce blight inside Albuquerque city limits?
No. The City of Albuquerque Planning Department Code Enforcement Division handles blight inside city limits under ROA 1994. County enforcement applies only to unincorporated Bernalillo County, Tijeras-adjacent areas, and the villages that contract with the county.
Can the county place a lien on my property for cleanup costs?
Yes. Under NMSA 1978 Section 3-18-5 and Section 4-37-1, abatement costs become a lien against the parcel collected alongside property taxes if unpaid. The lien survives ownership transfers.
What counts as blight in the high desert context?
Typical triggers include peeling stucco, cracked adobe, broken windows, accumulated tumbleweeds, inoperable vehicles, and debris piles. Dry vegetation is treated aggressively due to wildfire risk in the East Mountains and Rio Grande bosque edges.
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