8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Bernalillo County addresses nuisance vegetation through code enforcement. Overgrown weeds and vegetation creating fire hazards or health nuisances are citable. The county's development areas range from rural to urban with varying standards.
Unincorporated Bernalillo County does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance comparable to the City of Albuquerque. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property. Fire safety vegetation management is recommended in WUI areas.
Unincorporated Bernalillo County does not have a specific tree removal permit requirement comparable to the City of Albuquerque. Property owners may remove trees on their own property. Development projects may require landscape plans through the zoning process.
Bernalillo County enforces weed abatement. NM Noxious Weed Law applies statewide. Fire prevention concerns drive enforcement in arid areas.
Much of unincorporated Bernalillo County is served by the ABCWUA, which enforces water budgets and irrigation schedules. Some areas use private wells. Xeriscaping encouraged; ABCWUA offers rebate programs. By NM law, HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscaping or rain barrels.
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Bernalillo County. New Mexico Office of the State Engineer permits residential collection without restriction. ABQ Water Utility offers rain barrel rebates up to $100. No plumbing permit required unless connecting to potable plumbing.
Albuquerque actively promotes native and xeric landscaping through the ABCWUA Xeriscape Rebate and the Water Conservation Ordinance §6-1-1-11 ROA, which caps high-water turf in new front yards. NM Prohibited Noxious Weed List (NMAC 21.17.2) requires removal of listed invasives.
Artificial turf is permitted in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County with no general ban. It counts toward the pervious/impervious calculation in new construction and must drain on-site per the ABCWUA Water Conservation Ordinance and ABQ Drainage Ordinance. HOAs generally cannot prohibit it for front yards under the Water Conservation Ordinance.
3 cities in Bernalillo County have their own landscaping 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 →