Bernalillo County, NM Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

The county engineer requires an approved erosion control plan before any construction begins in unincorporated Bernalillo County, whether the project is public or private. The plan is usually folded into the drainage plan or drainage report and must address stormwater quality once land disturbance reaches one acre or more, or is part of a larger common plan of development. A separate grading permit is required for cuts, fills or imported material exceeding 200 cubic yards, or grading of one acre or more. Grading near a major arroyo or watercourse during July, August or September must additionally provide erosion control and safely pass the ten-year design storm through the construction phase. Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and Tijeras are outside this chapter and enforce their own separate drainage and grading rules.