Environmental Rules in Bernalillo County, NM (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Bernalillo County requires new development and redevelopment on unincorporated land to capture and treat stormwater on-site, sizing controls to the 90th percentile design storm for new projects and the 80th percentile for redevelopment before any discharge leaves the property.
Bernalillo County Stormwater Quality Rules
Some RestrictionsBernalillo County Code § 38-412(c)
For all new industrial and commercial development and for all new residential development requiring a grading and drainage plan and approval, all stormwater discharge resulting from the stormwater quality design storm event must be managed on-site for water quality prior to discharge from the property. Implementation of stormwater BMPs into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize run...
Erosion Control
Construction and grading in unincorporated Bernalillo County must have a county engineer-approved erosion control plan before work starts, covering all private and public projects that disturb one acre or more of land.
Bernalillo County Erosion Control Rules
Some RestrictionsBernalillo County Code § 38-171(b)(4)
All construction projects, both public and private, within the jurisdiction of this article, unless specifically excluded, require an approved erosion control plan prior to the start of construction. The erosion control plan must address stormwater quality where the land disturbance is one acre or greater, or is part of a larger common plan of development.
Flood Zones
Anyone building, filling or grading in a mapped flood hazard area of unincorporated Bernalillo County needs a development permit from the county building section before work starts. The application must show floor elevations and floodproofing, and permits cost $10 to $20 depending on project size.
Bernalillo County Floodplain Development Permit
Some RestrictionsBernalillo County Code § 38-72
(a)A development permit shall be obtained before construction of development begins within any area of special flood hazard as shown on the flood insurance rate map.(b)An application for a development permit (same as building permit) shall be made to the county building section. The applicant shall submit to the county administrator plans drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New homes and additions built in a mapped Bernalillo County flood hazard area must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, basement and ductwork included. Commercial buildings can meet the same elevation or floodproof instead, and enclosed crawl spaces below the lowest floor need flood vents.
Bernalillo County Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsBernalillo County Code § 38-102(1)-(2)
(1)Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvements of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including the basement and all attendant utilities and ductwork, elevated to one foot or more above the base flood elevation.(2)Nonresidential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structur...
Environmental Rules by City in Bernalillo County
1 cities in Bernalillo County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Bernalillo County ordinances
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