Albuquerque, NM Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- IDO 14-16-5-7(E)(1)
- Exposed CMU
- Max 50% of any wall facing a street/park/trail
- Barbed/Razor Wire
- Prohibited in or adjacent to Residential and Mixed-use zones
Summary
Albuquerque's IDO allows a broad range of wall and fence materials but restricts exposed CMU block on street frontages, bans most chain link on visible frontages, and prohibits barbed/razor wire in or adjacent to residential and mixed-use zones.
5-7(E)(1)(b) Acceptable wall materials include, but are not limited to, concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks or other structural materials; stabilized adobe; split face blocks; slump blocks; bricks; stone; glass blocks; curved interlock blocks; wood; tubular steel; wrought iron bars; chain link fencing; other grill work; or a combination of these materials, with the following exceptions. 1. Exposed flat-faced CMU blocks shall not constitute more than 50 percent of any wall facing a public street or City park or trail. 2. Except in the R-A, R-1, NR-LM, or NR-GM zone districts, chain link fencing (with or without slats) shall not be allowed on any portion of a site visible from a public street, City park or trail, Major Public Open Space, or major arroyo. Chain link fencing is allowed as temporary security fencing during active construction in any zone district. Barbed tape, razor wire, barbed wire, or similar materials are regulated as follows. 1. In or adjacent to any Residential zone district, such materials are prohibited, except that critical infrastructure facilities are exempt from this regulation.
Full Breakdown
IDO Section 14-16-5-7(E) lists acceptable materials including CMU block, stabilized adobe, split-face/slump blocks, brick, stone, glass block, wood, tubular steel, wrought iron, and chain link. However, exposed flat-faced CMU may not exceed 50% of any wall facing a public street, City park, or trail. Except in the R-A, R-1, NR-LM, and NR-GM zone districts, chain link fencing (with or without slats) is not allowed on any portion of a site visible from a public street, City park or trail, Major Public Open Space, or major arroyo, although it is permitted as temporary construction security fencing in any zone. Barbed tape, razor wire, and barbed wire are prohibited in or adjacent to any Residential or Mixed-use zone (critical infrastructure exempt), and in non-residential zones street-facing barbed-wire walls must be at least 6 feet tall and set back at least 5 feet.
Violations & Fines
Violations are subject to the General Penalty in ROA 1994 1-1-99: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chain link fencing allowed in Albuquerque?
Can I put barbed wire on my residential fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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