Home occupations in Albuquerque may display one non-illuminated wall sign up to 2 square feet under the Integrated Development Ordinance, with no freestanding signs allowed in residential zones.
Under the IDO, home occupations in residential zones may display a single non-illuminated wall-mounted identification sign of up to 2 square feet attached flush to the primary dwelling. Window signs, yard signs, freestanding signs, and lighted signs are prohibited. Vehicle-mounted business signage on a personally owned work vehicle parked at the residence is allowed. No flashing, animated, or digital signage is permitted in residential zones regardless of business type. The 2 sq ft limit includes text, graphics, and any trim or border. HOAs often impose stricter rules, including prohibiting all exterior business signage. Historic overlay districts (Old Town, Huning Highlands) add design review for any signage changes.
Prohibited signs must be removed within 14 days of notice. Fines $100-$500 per day for continued violations. HOA violations are enforced separately and can include fines plus legal fees.
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Code Section 8-5-2-3 declares a vehicle abandoned if it sits unattended on a public street for 36 hours, on private property without owner consen...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. IDO landscaping requirements focus on water conservation (xeriscape) an...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. IDO Section 14-16-5-9 noise standards could theoretically apply to over...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants a...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits route through the ...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no specific smoker ordinance, but New Mexico Air Quality Bureau under 20.11.21 NMAC restricts visible emissions and open burning. Albuquerque...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bernalillo County.
See how other cities in Bernalillo County handle signage rules.
See how Albuquerque's signage rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.