5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Bernalillo County enforces the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) Drainage Ordinance and the joint City/County DPM. New development must produce a drainage plan showing 100-year storm containment. MS4 NPDES permit governs discharge to the Rio Grande.
Bernalillo County requires an NPDES Construction General Permit for sites disturbing 1 acre or more and a County-approved erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP). Silt fence, stabilized entrances, and track-out controls are mandatory in the high-desert environment.
Bernalillo County is landlocked with no coastline, but the Rio Grande Bosque is the regulated equivalent. The Bosque Action Plan, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District jurisdiction, and FEMA floodway rules control any development within the river corridor.
Bernalillo County Code Chapter 38 (Flood) governs floodplain development in unincorporated areas. FEMA floodplain development permit required before construction in any SFHA. County Floodplain Administrator approval mandatory. AMAFCA manages regional flood control. South Valley significantly affected by flood zones.
Bernalillo County requires a grading permit for excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards or any cut/fill over 4 feet, per the DPM and 2018 IBC Appendix J adopted by County Code. Drainage must be retained on-site; discharge to neighbors is prohibited.
3 cities in Bernalillo County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Bernalillo County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Bernalillo County Ordinance Hub →