Moving to Tijeras, NM?
Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.
Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Tijeras across 11 categories and 41 specific rules we track.
🔊 Noise Ordinances
Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.
Amplified Music & Events
Some RestrictionsTijeras regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. NMSA §30-20-1 applies.
Construction Hours
Few RestrictionsTijeras does not have a specific construction hours ordinance. All building requires Planning and Zoning Commission approval per §26-67. Construction noise is governed by general nuisance rules and state law. The village's rural mountain setting means fewer noise conflicts.
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsThe Village of Tijeras addresses noise under general nuisance provisions in its Code of Ordinances and state law NMSA §30-20-1 (disturbing the peace). Unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace is a petty misdemeanor under state law, with fines up to $500.
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsTijeras Animal Control Ordinance (Ord. No. 32, 1984) prohibits animals running at large. Nuisance barking is addressed under the animal ordinance and general nuisance provisions. Animal control services provided through Bernalillo County Animal Care Services.
🏠 Short-Term Rentals
If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.
Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsTijeras STR operators must pay NM Gross Receipts Tax and applicable Lodgers' Tax under NMSA §3-38-15. State CRS tax ID required from NM Taxation & Revenue Department. Village zoning fees apply for STR permit applications.
Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsTijeras Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Sec. 26-861 et seq. (Ord. No. 240, Nov. 27, 2023) does not set a per-guest overnight occupancy cap, but it caps the village to thirty (30) active STR permits and limits each unit to 225 cumulative rental days per calendar year. The certificate of occupancy and adopted building/fire codes control how many people may stay.
Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsVillage of Tijeras Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Sec. 26-862(5) requires every owner of a short-term rental to 'maintain adequate short-term rental insurance coverage' for the unit. Sec. 26-864(4) requires the application to include 'proof of adequate insurance coverage.' The ordinance does not specify a minimum dollar amount, leaving 'adequate' to the village clerk's review.
Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSTR renter provisions (§26-863) in Tijeras include behavioral standards. STR guests must comply with village nuisance and noise rules. The rural mountain village setting means noise carries; state law NMSA §30-20-1 applies.
Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsTijeras zoning ordinance requires off-street parking with at least 10% landscaped area. STR properties must provide adequate guest parking. The village's rural roads have limited on-street parking options.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTijeras Ordinance No. 240 (Dec 2023) includes Division 8 covering Short-Term Rentals (§26-861 through §26-864). STRs are regulated with general provisions, owner/operator requirements, renter provisions, and violation penalties.
🔥 Fire Regulations
Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.
Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsOpen burning in Tijeras is highly restricted due to wildfire risk in the East Mountains. NMAC 14.10.5 (state open burning rule) applies. Bernalillo County Fire Department enforces. Burn days must be verified; the area frequently under fire restrictions.
Fire Pit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFire pits in Tijeras must comply with International Fire Code as enforced by Bernalillo County Fire Department. The village's location in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) means strict fire safety measures. Attended fires only; wood fuel only.
Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsAerial fireworks are illegal statewide in New Mexico. Tijeras is in a high wildfire risk area in the Tijeras Canyon/East Mountains. Bernalillo County Fire Department provides fire services. Consumer fireworks may be further restricted due to wildfire danger.
🚗 Parking Rules
Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.
RV & Boat Parking
Few RestrictionsTijeras has a rural mountain character with minimum 1-acre lots in R-1 zones, providing ample space for RV storage on private property. Vehicles must not obstruct public rights-of-way. State traffic laws apply to road parking.
Driveway Rules
Few RestrictionsDriveway access in Tijeras is governed by the zoning ordinance. The rural mountain character means most properties have private access roads or driveways. Building and access require P&Z Commission approval per §26-67.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Some RestrictionsTijeras zoning code restricts commercial activity in residential zones (R-1, R-2). Commercial Business Zones (CB-1, CB-2) accommodate commercial vehicles. Buildings in CB-2 must be 100 ft from residential property lines. Off-street loading requirements apply.
Street Parking Limits
Few RestrictionsTijeras Chapter 22 (Traffic and Vehicles) governs parking on village roads. NM state traffic laws (NMSA §66-7-351 to §66-7-353) apply. The village's rural character means most properties have private driveways; limited street infrastructure.
🧱 Fence Regulations
Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTijeras Ordinance No. 240 regulates fence and wall construction. Commercial properties require a solid 6-ft fence or barrier on property lines adjoining residential properties for visual screening. Fence materials must not pose health/safety hazards or disrupt rural character.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsNew Mexico has no shared fence cost statute. Tijeras does not require neighbor consent for fencing on your own property. NM is an open range state (NMSA §77-16-1). The village's rural mountain character means larger lots and more space between homes.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTijeras requires fence permits per §26-67. Village provides fence permit applications at Village Hall or online. All construction requires Planning and Zoning Commission review. Contact (505) 281-1220 for requirements.
🐔 Animal Ordinances
Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.
Breed Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsTijeras Ordinance No. 32, §VI(I) (1984) — BANS ownership or possession of American Pit Bull Terriers within village limits. Any pit bull may be impounded and destroyed after court determination. Upheld as constitutional in Garcia v. Village of Tijeras (1988).
Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping is allowed in Tijeras consistent with the rural residential character. No village-specific beekeeping ordinance. State apiary rules under NMAC 21.27.2 apply. Commercial apiaries must register annually with NM Department of Agriculture by November 1.
Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsTijeras Animal Ordinance (Ord. No. 32, 1984) — unlawful to allow any animal to run at large on streets, alleys, sidewalks, vacant lots, or public property. Leash defined as chain, strap, or cord of sufficient substance to control the animal. County ACS provides services.
Exotic Pets
Some RestrictionsExotic pet regulations in Tijeras fall under Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance and state wildlife laws (NMSA §77-1A-1). The village animal ordinance addresses animal cruelty and dangerous animals. Contact Bernalillo County ACS for guidance.
Chickens & Livestock
Few RestrictionsTijeras allows chickens and small livestock on residential properties consistent with the mountain village character. The rural setting in the Sandia Mountains accommodates hobby farming and animal keeping on larger lots.
🌿 Landscaping Rules
From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.
Grass Height Limits
Few RestrictionsTijeras has no specific grass height ordinance. The village's rural mountain character means natural vegetation is common. General nuisance and fire hazard provisions apply to overgrown vegetation that creates safety risks.
Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsTijeras water service is regulated under Chapter 24 (Utilities) of the village code. Water conservation is important in the arid East Mountains. The village relies on groundwater. ABCWUA does not serve Tijeras; the village has its own water/sewer system.
Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsTijeras does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance. The village is in a forested East Mountains setting. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property. Fire safety vegetation management may be recommended or required in WUI areas.
Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsTijeras enforces weed abatement. NM Noxious Weed Law applies statewide. Fire prevention concerns drive enforcement in arid areas.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Few RestrictionsTijeras does not have a specific tree removal permit requirement. The rural mountain setting includes pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pine. Building projects must submit site plans showing existing vegetation. Defensible space clearing for fire safety is encouraged.
💼 Home Business
Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.
Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsTijeras Ordinance No. 240 includes allowable uses table (§26-942) that governs what activities are permitted in each zone. Home occupations in residential zones are subject to zoning review. All uses require compliance with the village's comprehensive zoning ordinance.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsHome businesses in Tijeras must not alter the residential character of the neighborhood. The village's small size (~500 pop) and rural roads mean customer traffic is closely noticed. Conditional Use permits may be required for higher-impact activities.
Signage Rules
Some RestrictionsTijeras zoning ordinance includes sign regulations to preserve the rural mountain village character. Commercial signs are primarily allowed in CB-1 and CB-2 zones. Home business signs in residential zones are likely restricted or prohibited.
🏊 Swimming Pools & Spas
Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSwimming pools in Tijeras require a village pool permit. NM Residential Code (IRC Ch. 42) barrier requirements apply — pools over 24 inches deep require a barrier. Standard 48-inch minimum barrier height per IBC/IRC. Bernalillo County building standards also apply.
Above-Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsAbove-ground pools in Tijeras must comply with NM Residential Code if over 24 inches deep. Village pool permit required per village forms. Barrier height measured from exterior grade. Standard safety requirements apply.
Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsPool safety in Tijeras follows NM Residential Code and IBC standards. Gates must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching. Village P&Z Commission reviews pool applications. Bernalillo County building inspection services may apply.
🏗️ Accessory Structures
Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.
Carport Rules
Few RestrictionsTijeras Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance treats carports as accessory structures. Per the Article VI use table, accessory structures of 450 sq. ft. or smaller without utilities are permissive (P) in residential zones; larger or utility-served structures are designated (D) and need clerk review under Sec. 26-67. Buildings cannot exceed 26 feet in height (Sec. 26-654), and Bernalillo County issues the building permit under Sec. 26-69.
Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsGarage conversions in Tijeras require P&Z Commission review per §26-67 since they alter building use. The village's ADU provisions (§26-881) may apply if converting to a dwelling unit. Building code compliance required.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsTijeras Ordinance No. 240 includes Division 9 specifically addressing Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (§26-881). ADU requirements are established in the 2023 comprehensive zoning ordinance. Contact the Village for current ADU application requirements.
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsAccessory structures in Tijeras require P&Z Commission approval per §26-67 for any building erection or footprint alteration. The village's rural character on 1+ acre lots provides space for sheds and outbuildings. Setback requirements apply.
🌍 Environmental Rules
Overall: What to Expect in Tijeras
Tijeras has 41 ordinances on file across 11 categories. Of these, 11 are rated permissive, 23 moderate, and 7 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Tijeras compared to other cities.
Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.