Sandoval County, NM Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 14-22 makes outdoor storage of an inoperable or abandoned vehicle, or parts of one, unlawful anywhere on a property in unincorporated Sandoval County unless it sits inside a building or enclosure hidden from adjoining property and public roads. A vehicle used for storage or any other purpose must likewise be enclosed within a building or a solid fence. The code carves out three exceptions: vehicles tied to a duly licensed and properly zoned business; vehicles being actively restored, defined as at least ten hours of labor spent on repair, rebuilding or reconstruction within the prior 30 days, with the burden on the owner to prove it (receipts for parts installed in that window count as proof); and a registered, dismantled or inoperative vehicle kept by its owner or tenant for no more than one month.

Short of those exceptions, one inoperable or abandoned vehicle may still sit on the property, uncovered structure aside, if it is fully covered, kept in the side or back yard, and positioned at least five feet from any property line and any permanent structure. A hardship extension of the compliance period can be requested in writing to the planning and zoning director. Section 14-22(d) makes clear the section never authorizes parking or placing an inoperable or abandoned vehicle on any public street; that placement is enforced separately by the county sheriff's department or the planning and zoning department.

Penalties run through the general chapter 14 penalty section: a misdemeanor punishable up to the maximum allowed by state statute, with each day of violation a separate offense.