Bernalillo County, NM Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold lot size
- Under 2 acres: no weed accumulation allowed
- Larger lots (2+ acres)
- 20-foot cleared firebreak required
- Correction window
- 10 days after notice of violation
- Maximum fine
- Up to $300, 90 days jail
- Enforcement authority
- County manager or designee
Summary
Unincorporated Bernalillo County bans letting weeds or litter accumulate on any lot under two acres, and requires a 20-foot firebreak on larger parcels. Albuquerque and the villages enforce their own separate weed ordinances.
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
Bernalillo County's Weed and Litter Abatement Ordinance makes it unlawful for an owner to let weeds or litter accumulate on any unincorporated lot under two acres, including the adjacent alley or sidewalk. Lots two acres or larger must keep a cleared firebreak at least 20 feet wide along their boundaries, or the county manager can order a wider firebreak or full disking. The county manager posts a notice of violation on the property and mails a copy to the owner of record, giving 10 days to correct the problem unless the risk to public safety justifies a shorter deadline.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected violations can bring a criminal or civil case, including a restraining order or injunction; convictions carry a fine up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this weed rule apply inside Albuquerque?
What counts as a 'weed' under the ordinance?
Is there an exception for large rural parcels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico property maintenance overview
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