After closing Coronado Park in August 2022, Albuquerque adopted a structured encampment-cleanup protocol with 72-hour notice, property storage, and outreach offers, but it actively dismantles unauthorized encampments on public land.
Albuquerque's Solid Waste Management Department and Albuquerque Community Safety run a joint encampment-removal program. Procedures, posted on cabq.gov, generally require 72 hours of posted written notice before cleanup, an offer of shelter through the Gateway Center, storage of personal property for at least 90 days, and a process for residents to reclaim belongings. The program intensified after the August 2022 closure of Coronado Park, then the city's largest unsanctioned encampment, and now operates citywide. Cleanups are coordinated with the Bernalillo County Coalition to End Homelessness. Critics have challenged specific sweeps in litigation, citing Fourth Amendment property and due-process concerns.
Returning to a posted site after cleanup, leaving hazardous waste or fire hazards, or interfering with crews can result in citations, possible arrest, and disposal rather than storage of remaining property.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Albuquerque, NM
Under Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-11, each act in violation is a public nuisance and a separate civil violation, carrying a $250 fine for the first o...
Albuquerque, NM
Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-7(B) bars operating power mowers, leaf blowers, rototillers, power saws, and similar outdoor power equipment within 500 f...
Albuquerque, NM
Under ROA 1994 Sec. 8-5-1-4(b), Albuquerque may establish residential on-street permit parking zones where a study shows a significant portion of available p...
Albuquerque, NM
In residential zones the Albuquerque IDO (Sec. 14-16-5-5(F)) limits how much of a front or street-side yard may be paved for parking - capped by lot size und...
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
On Albuquerque corner lots, the portion of a rear-yard wall abutting the front yard of a residential lot is held to the 3-foot front-yard limit within 10 fee...
See how Albuquerque's encampment sanitation rules stack up against other locations.
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