Bernalillo County, NM Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Preferred location
- Rear yard
- Front-yard setback (if used)
- 11 feet minimum
- Right-of-way
- No encroachment allowed
- Occupancy limit
- 2 weeks/year if electrified
- Applies in
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
In unincorporated Bernalillo County, RVs and boats must be stored in the rear yard unless rear access is unavailable, in which case front-yard parking is allowed under strict setback rules.
Recreational vehicle or boat storage in the rear yard when such recreational vehicle or boat is not to be used as accessory living quarters, and is not connected to utilities, other than temporarily to a source of electricity. ... In the event where rear yard access is not available, outside parking in the front yard is allowed, provided: (a) The body of the recreational vehicle or boat is at least 11 feet from the front property line. (b) No part of the unit extends onto the public right-of-way.
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
Bernalillo County's zoning ordinance permits recreational vehicle or boat storage in the rear yard of residential lots (A-1, A-2, R-1, R-2, M-H zones) as long as the unit is not used as living quarters and isn't connected to utilities besides temporary electricity; living in it is capped at two weeks a year. If a lot has no usable rear-yard access, front-yard parking is allowed, but the RV or boat body must sit at least 11 feet back from the front property line and no part of it may extend into the public right-of-way. A corner lot is always presumed to have rear access, so a fence or wall alone doesn't excuse front parking there. This applies only outside Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and Tijeras, which enforce their own separate zoning codes.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Administrator enforcement for violations of the use, setback, or utility-connection conditions; noncompliant units can be ordered relocated or removed as a zoning violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV in my front yard in Bernalillo County?
Does this rule apply in Albuquerque?
Can I live in my RV while it's parked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico parking rules overview
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