Rio Rancho, NM Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Rio Rancho addresses weeds primarily through its nuisance code (Chapter 91, Nuisances; Health and Sanitation) and its Code Enforcement program. Exterior property that has been altered from its natural state or developed in any way must be kept free of dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, weeds, bushes, and tall grass and trees that present a visual blight or that may harbor insect or rodent infestation. The City's Code Enforcement materials translate this into a clear, enforceable threshold: weeds and grass over 12 inches in height are a violation. Residents are responsible for weeds and litter on their own property out to the right-of-way, and the City emphasizes that this applies even to vacant lots. The City itself only clears weeds along major arterial roads and does not maintain residential yards, which is the owner's or HOA's job. In this high-desert climate, tumbleweeds (Russian thistle) and other dry brush are a recurring fire and nuisance concern, and the City separately bans the open burning of leaves, green weeds, nuisance vegetation, or garbage within city limits, so residents must dispose of cleared material through the Sandoval County landfill rather than burning it. Complaints are filed through the Report Rio Rancho system, after which Code Enforcement may notify the owner and pursue abatement.