Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards, with permits required for walls over 6 feet.
Under the IDO, residential fences and walls in R-1, R-T, R-ML, and R-MH zones may be up to 4 feet in the front yard (measured from front building line forward) and up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have special sight-triangle rules limiting fence height to 3 feet within 15 feet of intersections. Fences and walls over 6 feet require a building permit and, if over 6 feet, structural details. Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in residential zones. Coyote fencing (vertical latillas) is a traditional New Mexican style and permitted. Solid walls facing the street often require decorative features to comply with IDO design standards in some overlay zones. The city encourages earth-tone stucco and block walls to fit regional character.
Over-height fences: $200-$1,000 fines and required removal or alteration. Sight-triangle violations are enforced strictly due to traffic safety. Permit-required walls without permits face stop-work orders.
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