Bernalillo County, NM Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed zones
- C-2 Community Commercial, C-LI Light Industrial
- Restroom
- Required within 200 feet
- Truck spacing
- At least 5 feet apart
- Approval needed
- Zoning Administrator-approved site plan
- School buffer
- 900 ft during school hours (separate rule)
Summary
Mobile food trucks can operate as a food establishment court only in the C-2 Community Commercial and C-LI Commercial/Light Industrial zones, under a county-approved site plan meeting spacing, restroom, and parking conditions.
(13)Mobile food establishment court, provided that:(i)A restroom which meets the requirements of health protection codes is available to the members of the public within 200 during all hours of operation(ii)All mobile food establishments are separated by at least 5'; ... (vi)A site plan is provided to and approved by the Zoning Administrator;(vii)Signage is restricted to those permissive within the C-1 Zone.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County's 1973 zoning ordinance permits a 'mobile food establishment court', multiple trucks operating together on one lot, only in the C-2 Community Commercial and C-LI Commercial/Light Industrial zones. Operators need a Zoning Administrator-approved site plan, a restroom within 200 feet, at least 5 feet between units, and signage limited to what C-1 zone rules allow. The rule applies only in unincorporated county land; Albuquerque controls vending locations through its own Integrated Development Ordinance. Separately, county code bars any mobile food unit from vending on public streets within 900 feet of a school during school hours.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an approved site plan, skipping the required restroom, or crowding trucks closer than 5 feet apart violates the zoning ordinance; the Zoning Administrator can order the use stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a food truck court anywhere in Bernalillo County?
Does this rule cover food trucks in Albuquerque?
Can a single truck park anywhere on a public street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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