Fire pit rules in Las Cruces, NM — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Backyard fire pits and cooking fires need no permit in Las Cruces, but must sit at least 25 feet from structures, stay attended with water on hand, and burn only clean fuel.
The Las Cruces Fire Department enforces the 2021 International Fire Code, adopted by Municipal Code Sec. 11-26 (Ord. No. 3052, Dec. 4, 2023). Recreational fires such as fire pits, chimineas, and cooking fires are exempt from the burn-permit requirement, but the Fire Prevention Bureau requires the fire to be at least 25 feet from any structure, never left unattended, and a water source kept readily available. Only clean, dry material may be burned; garbage, oils, rubber, and plastic are prohibited. The fire marshal can order any fire extinguished if smoke or embers become a nuisance or hazard.
Petty misdemeanor under Sec. 11-34: up to $500 fine and/or 90 days. Fire crews may order any noncompliant or hazardous fire extinguished on the spot.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Las Cruces lets residents put up holiday decorations without a permit. Under the Land Development Code, decorations for national holidays and community festi...
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Las Cruces caps garage and yard sale signs at 3 square feet. Under Land Development Code Sec. 36-84, off-premises directional signs are allowed only during t...
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Las Cruces allows political signs up to 32 square feet each. Under Land Development Code Sec. 36-86, signs may go up no sooner than 90 days before an electio...
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Las Cruces does not register or inspect standard long-term rentals, and conventional landlords need no city rental license. Only short-term rentals must regi...
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Las Cruces has no just-cause eviction law. New Mexico's Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act governs: a landlord may end a month-to-month tenancy with 30 day...
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Las Cruces has no rent control. New Mexico's Rent Control Prohibition Act (NMSA 47-8A-1, enacted 1991) bars every city and county from capping rent on privat...
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