Rio Rancho, NM Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Construction materials for fences include common construction materials such as wood, masonry, adobe, chain link, wire mesh, or other materials approved by DSD. Barbed wire, concertina wire, or similar material is only appropriate in the E-1/Estate Residential District where it may be used to confine horses or in M-1 and C-2 Districts. Broken glass in/on fences is strictly prohibited.

(C) Fences may be placed anywhere within a lot, parcel, or tract of land within the city as specified herein. Fences may not be placed beyond property lines. Fences in the public right-of-way are strictly prohibited. Placement of a fence within an easement requires written permission of the grantee to which the easement is assigned.

(D) Maximum fence height varies with the location of the fence on the property.

(1) Fences allowed in the front setback area can reach a maximum height of four feet, except that fence height on corner lots must conform to the specifications under clear sight triangle, as defined in Section 154.03.

(2) Fences built within the side yard setback, behind the front setback to the rear setback, can be a maximum of six feet.

(3) Fences built outside the setback area within the buildable area of a lot, parcel, or tract may reach a maximum height of eight feet.

(a) The maximum fence height on nonresidential property is eight feet where it abuts residential property, along the rear or side property line.

(E) (1)