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Albuquerque, NM Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Standard
Lowest floor at or above BFE
Who certifies
PE, architect, or land surveyor
Enforced by
City Floodplain Administrator
Accessory structure utilities
BFE plus 1 foot
Applies in
FEMA special flood hazard areas

Summary

New homes in Albuquerque's mapped floodplain must have the lowest floor built at or above the base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor.

In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided... (1) Residential Construction - New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to or above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the Floodplain Administrator that the standard of this subsection... is satisfied.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).

Full Breakdown

In any FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area, new construction and substantial improvements to a residential structure must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation shown on the FIRM. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the elevation to the Floodplain Administrator before the Floodplain Development Permit is finalized. Commercial buildings can floodproof instead of elevating, but that requires its own engineer certification and a maintained elevation record.

Violations & Fines

Building below BFE without the required elevation certification is a Floodplain Development Permit violation, enforceable under the code's general penalty provisions; it also triggers higher flood insurance premiums under NFIP rules since coverage is priced to the reduced lowest-floor elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Albuquerque require freeboard above BFE for homes?
The base rule is elevation to or above BFE; only service equipment in floodplain accessory structures must sit at BFE plus 1 foot under § 14-5-5-2(6)(f).
Can a builder floodproof instead of elevating?
Only nonresidential buildings: walls must be watertight below BFE and an engineer must certify the design under § 14-5-5-2(2).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Albuquerque

Vehicle Idling RestrictionsLight RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsErosion ControlHeavy RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions

All Albuquerque rules

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