Rio Rancho, NM Property Maintenance: Weeds & Overgrown Grass (2026)

Vegetation is regulated under Section 91.05 of the Rio Rancho Municipal Code. Subsection (A) requires that all exterior property areas which have been altered from their natural state or developed in any way be kept free from dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, weeds, bushes, tall grass, and trees that present a visual blight, may harbor insect or rodent infestations, or may become a fire hazard or threaten the health, safety, or economic welfare of adjacent owners or occupants. This requirement applies to the road right-of-way that abuts the property line on any side of a lot. Subsection (B) states plainly that the premises shall be free from weeds higher than 12 inches tall, and that all vegetation must be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly so as not to constitute a public nuisance to adjoining property. The City's own Common Violations page confirms that weeds and grass over 12 inches in height are a violation and that owners and tenants must keep lawns mowed to the edge of the roadway. Section 91.02 defines "weeds" to include pigweed, Russian thistle (tumbleweeds), and ragweed, as well as plants that choke out other plant growth and dead, dying, or unattended plant life that is abandoned or overgrown. The approved methods of weed control under Subsection (C) are mowing, cutting, digging, or other methods that remove weeds without unnecessarily disturbing the soil; grading and tillage of lots are prohibited unless written permission of the City Engineer is obtained. The city is responsible for weed control on dedicated open space, drainage rights-of-way, and arterial/collector road rights-of-way unless delegated.