Bernalillo County, NM Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Small-lot rule
- Under 2 acres: no weed accumulation
- Large-lot alternative
- 20-ft cleared firebreak required
- Cure period
- 10 days after notice of violation
- Enforcer
- County manager or designee
- Scope
- Unincorporated Bernalillo County only
Summary
Bernalillo County bars owners from letting weeds accumulate or grow out on any unincorporated lot under two acres, plus adjacent alleys and sidewalks; larger tracts avoid the outright ban only with a cleared 20-foot firebreak along the property line.
It shall be unlawful for any owner to allow the accumulation and/or outgrowth of weeds on any lot, parcel, tract or piece of land less than two acres in area under the owner's control or possession, or upon any alley or sidewalk adjacent to such lot, parcel, tract or piece of land.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Weed and Litter Abatement Ordinance, it is unlawful for an owner to allow weeds to accumulate or grow out on any unincorporated lot under two acres, including adjacent alleys and sidewalks. Lots two acres or larger escape the flat ban only if a cleared firebreak at least 20 feet wide runs along the property boundary; the county manager or designee can order a wider firebreak or full disking when public safety requires it. The rule covers unincorporated Bernalillo County only. Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and Tijeras enforce weed control under their own codes. Violators get a posted and mailed notice of violation with 10 days to correct before further action.
Violations & Fines
Each day weeds remain uncut after notice is a separate offense punishable under Code § 1-6; if the 10-day cure period lapses, the county manager can seek a civil or criminal court proceeding, including a restraining order or injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Albuquerque?
Is there a specific maximum weed height in inches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico landscaping rules overview
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