Before You Build in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

New Mexico has no shared fence cost statute. Los Ranchos does not require neighbor consent for fences on your property. New Mexico is an open range state (NMSA §77-16-1). The village's agricultural zones are especially permissive for boundary fencing.

Los Ranchos requires a building permit for all solid walls and fences. Applications with two complete sets of plans must be dropped off at Village Hall (6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW). Office hours 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Los Ranchos village zoning code — front yard solid walls max 4 ft; side and rear yard solid walls max 6 ft. Open fencing may be placed on a 4-ft solid wall to reach 6 ft total. Gate entrance pillars max 8 ft and max 2 ft width on each side of gate.

Pool safety in Los Ranchos follows NM Residential Code and International Building Code. Gates must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching. Vertical bar spacing max 4 inches. Fire inspection may apply if B&B has a guest pool.

Above-ground pools in Los Ranchos must comply with NM Residential Code if over 24 inches deep. Village pool permit required. Barrier height measured from exterior grade. Standard residential safety requirements apply.

Swimming pools in Los Ranchos require a village pool permit and must comply with the NM Residential Code (IRC Ch. 42) barrier requirements. Pools over 24 inches deep require a barrier. Bernalillo County standards require 48-inch minimum barrier for residential pools.

Los Ranchos does not have specific ADU provisions like the City of Albuquerque. Accessory buildings are permitted as uses customary and incidental to the primary use in conformance with the zone. Building permits required. B&B operations may use accessory buildings for guest rooms.

Garage conversions in Los Ranchos require a building permit and must comply with village zoning code. The village does not have specific garage conversion-to-ADU provisions. Converted space must meet all applicable building and safety codes.

Carports in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque are treated as accessory structures under Chapter 9 (Zoning) of the Village Code. They must comply with the setbacks, lot coverage, and 26-foot maximum building height of the underlying residential zone (A-1, A-2, A-3, R-1, R-3 or VC), and properties bounded by an irrigation ditch or drain have an additional 25-foot setback. Building permits are issued through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) after village zoning sign-off.

Los Ranchos allows accessory structures including storage sheds in agricultural and residential zones. Building permit required. Structures must comply with zone setbacks. The agricultural character of the village allows barns, corrals, and agricultural buildings.

Recreational fires and fire pits in Los Ranchos must comply with International Fire Code as enforced by Bernalillo County Fire Department. Standard setbacks from structures apply. Wood-fueled fire pits must be attended at all times.

Open burning in Los Ranchos regulated under NMAC 14.10.5 (state open burning rule) and Bernalillo County Air Quality regulations. The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board restricts open burning. Burn days must be verified before any burning.

Los Ranchos has landscaping regulations in the zoning code (§9.2.19). The village's extensive cottonwood bosque and agricultural trees are part of its character. Property owners responsible for maintaining trees that affect public rights-of-way.

Los Ranchos landscaping regulations (§9.2.19) address tree preservation in the village's agricultural zones. The bosque area along the Rio Grande has additional protections. Tree removal on public property requires approval.

Los Ranchos is within the ABCWUA service area and subject to water conservation regulations. Xeriscaping encouraged. The village's agricultural irrigation ditch (acequia) system is a historic water resource. ABCWUA water budgets and restrictions apply.