Rio Rancho, NM Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 91.05(A)
- Banned growth
- Tumbleweeds, weeds, tall grass
- Allowed methods
- Mowing, cutting, digging only
- Grading/tilling
- Needs City Engineer's written OK
Summary
Rio Rancho's vegetation code bans tumbleweeds, weeds, and overgrown brush that blight a lot or invite pests, and limits removal to mowing, cutting, or digging: grading a lot needs the City Engineer's written approval.
All exterior property areas which have been altered from their natural state or developed in any way, shall be kept free from dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, weeds, bushes and tall grass and trees which present a visual blight upon the area or which may harbor insect or rodent infestations, and dry vegetation which may likely become a fire hazard or result in a condition which may threaten the health and safety or the economic welfare of adjacent property owners or occupants. This requirement shall apply to the road right-of-way that abuts the property line on any side of any lot.
(B) The premises shall be free from weeds higher than 12 inches tall. All vegetation shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly so as to constitute a public nuisance to any adjoining property.
(C) The approved methods of controlling weeds shall be mowing, cutting, digging or other methods designed to remove the weeds but not disturb other vegetation or unnecessarily disturb the soil. The grading and tillage of lots is prohibited unless written permission of the City Engineer has been obtained.
(D) The city shall be responsible for weed control on dedicated open space, drainage rights-of-way and improved right-of-way of arterial and collector roads, unless responsibility has otherwise been delegated, e.g., via a development agreement, development plan, zone map amendment, and the like. (’87 Code, § 9-12-5; Ord. 97-032)
Full Breakdown
City Code § 91.05(A) requires every altered or developed lot in Rio Rancho, New Mexico to stay free of dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, weeds, bushes, and tall grass that create visual blight, shelter insects or rodents, or pose a fire hazard: the duty extends to the road right-of-way abutting the lot on any side. Under § 91.05(C), owners can only clear weeds by mowing, cutting, digging, or similar methods that don't disturb other vegetation or the soil; grading or tilling a lot is prohibited without the City Engineer's written permission. The city itself handles weed control on dedicated open space and improved arterial or collector right-of-way under § 91.05(D).
Violations & Fines
Uncontrolled weeds, tumbleweeds, or tall grass draw a notice of violation with up to 15 days to abate; unauthorized grading or tilling to remove them is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I till or grade my lot to clear weeds?
Who controls weeds along arterial roads?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
How Rio Rancho compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico landscaping rules overview
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