Albuquerque, NM Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- IDO 14-16-5-7(D); Table 5-7-1
- Front/Street Side Yard
- 3 ft (Residential, Mixed-use, NR-C/NR-BP)
- Other Locations on Lot
- 8 ft (Residential, Mixed-use, NR-C); 10 ft (NR-LM/NR-GM)
Summary
Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance caps walls and fences at 3 feet in a front or street side yard and 8 feet elsewhere on a residential lot, with limited exceptions for taller view fencing.
Table 5-7-1: Maximum Wall Height. Standard Wall Height -- Wall in the front yard or street side yard: Residential 3 ft., Mixed-use 3 ft., Non-residential (NR-C, NR-BP) 3 ft., Non-residential (NR-LM, NR-GM) 6 ft. Wall in other locations on the lot: Residential 8 ft., Mixed-use 8 ft., Non-residential (NR-C, NR-BP) 8 ft., Non-residential (NR-LM, NR-GM) 10 ft. [...] 5-7(D)(3)(a)3. On lots with low-density residential development in the following small areas, walls greater than 3 feet in height are prohibited in any front or street side yard; no Permit - Wall or Fence - Major or Variance to this standard is allowed in the following small areas: a. Downtown Neighborhood Area - CPO-3; b. Monte Vista and College View Historic District.
Full Breakdown
Wall and fence heights are governed by IDO Section 14-16-5-7(D) and Table 5-7-1. In Residential and Mixed-use zones, a wall or fence in the front yard or street side yard is limited to 3 feet, while walls in other locations on the lot (side and rear) may reach 8 feet. Non-residential commercial zones (NR-C, NR-BP) follow the same 3 ft / 8 ft pattern, and light/general manufacturing zones (NR-LM, NR-GM) allow 6 ft in front and 10 ft elsewhere. Taller front-yard walls (up to 5-6 feet) may be approved for low-density residential development when at least 50% of the portion above 3 feet is view fencing and the wall is set back from the street, but in the Downtown Neighborhood Area CPO-3 and the Monte Vista/College View Historic District, walls over 3 feet in any front or street side yard are flatly prohibited. Design elements may project up to 2 feet above the maximum height at intervals of at least 50 feet.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the IDO are subject to the General Penalty in ROA 1994 1-1-99: a fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both; each day of violation is a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in Albuquerque?
Can I build a 6-foot fence in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
How Albuquerque compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico fence regulations overview
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