Bernalillo County, NM Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Bernalillo County, NM, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
- Coverage
- Residential zone + 500 ft
- Night-work permit
- From the county manager
- Max fine
- $300
- Max jail
- 90 days
Summary
Outside construction or repair work within a residential zone, or within 500 feet of one, is barred between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the county manager issues a permit beforehand.
It shall be unlawful for any person within a residential zone, or within a radius of 500 feet therefrom, to operate equipment or perform any outside construction or repair work on buildings, structures, or projects or to operate any piledriver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick, steam or electric hoist, or other construction type device (between the hours of 10:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the next day) in such a manner that a person residing in the area is caused discomfort or annoyance unless beforehand a permit therefor has been duly obtained from the county manager.
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
The county's noise article makes it unlawful to run equipment or perform outside construction or repair work on buildings, structures or projects -- including piledrivers, steam shovels, pneumatic hammers, derricks and hoists -- inside a residential zone or within 500 feet of one, between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., if it causes a nearby resident discomfort or annoyance. A permit from the county manager clears night work in advance; maintenance that couldn't be finished during normal working hours and emergency work need no permit. This applies in unincorporated Bernalillo County only -- Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and Tijeras enforce their own noise codes.
Violations & Fines
Punishable under the Code's general penalty (Sec. 1-6): a fine up to $300, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both. Continuing violations are also a public nuisance that a court may enjoin or abate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a contractor get permission to work at night?
Does this rule apply inside Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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