7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Bernalillo County includes rural and semi-rural areas with larger lot sizes that generally accommodate RV storage. County zoning code (Appendix A) establishes parking requirements by zone. RVs must not obstruct public rights-of-way.
Driveway and parking surface requirements in unincorporated Bernalillo County vary by zoning district under Appendix A. Rural areas are generally more permissive. Flatwork such as walkways and driveways generally does NOT require a building permit.
Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Residential Building Permit Guide (Rev. 8/22)
The following work does not require a building permit: Flatwork (i.e. walkways, driveways, etc.). Installation of gutters and downspouts. Construction of a shed that is less than 120 square feet in area. Fences and freestanding masonry walls less than 6'-0" in height. Retaining walls that retain less than 36 inches (915 mm) of unbalanced fill, and have a total height equal to or less than six f...
Commercial vehicle parking in unincorporated Bernalillo County regulated by zoning code. Off-street loading/unloading requirements in Section 21 of Appendix A. Commercial activity restricted in residential zones. State traffic laws govern road use.
Parking in unincorporated Bernalillo County regulated under county ordinances and NM state traffic laws (NMSA §66-7-351 to §66-7-353). Many unincorporated areas have rural roads without curbing. Bernalillo County Sheriff enforces traffic laws.
Bernalillo County and Albuquerque generally permit overnight on-street parking in residential areas, but vehicles may not remain in the same spot on a public street for more than 72 continuous hours under Albuquerque Traffic Code §8-5-2-6 and NM Motor Vehicle Code §66-7-351.
Albuquerque and Bernalillo County encourage EV charger installation. The 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code adopted statewide requires EV-ready parking in new multifamily and commercial construction, and ABQ permit fees for residential Level 2 chargers are expedited through the One Stop Shop.
Bernalillo County Code §30 and Albuquerque §8-5-2-6 define abandoned vehicles as those left on public right-of-way for 72+ hours or inoperable vehicles stored visibly on private property. NM Abandoned Vehicle Act NMSA §66-3-1001 et seq. governs title processing for towed vehicles.
3 cities in Bernalillo County have their own parking 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 →