Albuquerque, NM Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected right
- Remove turf, install xeriscape/native plants
- Also protected
- Drip irrigation, rain barrels
- Condition
- Must meet city's 20% turf cap
- HOA still may
- Set criteria for type/placement
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 / 90 days
Summary
Albuquerque voids any HOA covenant that bars a homeowner from tearing out turf grass and planting xeriscape or native, low-water landscaping, so long as the work meets the city's cap on high-water turf for new development.
A property holders' association shall not enforce a provision in a covenant that prohibits or restricts a property holder from: (a) Removing turf grass and installing xeriscape landscaping in compliance with the restrictions for new development in subsection (B) of this section;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Albuquerque's Water Conservation Landscaping Ordinance strips homeowners' association covenants of any power to block water-wise landscaping. Under ROA § 6-1-1-8(C), an HOA cannot enforce a provision that stops a property holder from removing turf grass and installing xeriscape or native plantings, installing efficient/drip irrigation systems, or using rain barrels, provided the work meets the citywide cap limiting high-water-use turf and restricted plants to 20% of the landscape area. Associations may still set reasonable criteria for the type and placement of the new landscaping and rainwater collection systems, and may enforce the turf-percentage cap itself.
Violations & Fines
Violating the water conservation landscaping rules at §§ 6-1-1-8 through 6-1-1-10, including this covenant protection, is a misdemeanor: a fine up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA stop me from replacing my lawn with native plants?
Can an HOA still regulate my new native landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico landscaping rules overview
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