Bernalillo County, NM Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 66-225
- Deviation authority
- County engineer
- Cure period
- 60 days after notice
- Non-compliance remedy
- County removal + property lien
- Coverage area
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Bernalillo County bars street furniture or any item that narrows a sidewalk below the Technical Standards' minimum width, unless the county engineer grants a deviation, under County Code § 66-225(d).
No item of street furniture or other item which would obstruct or effectively reduce the width of a sidewalk below the dimensions established in the Bernalillo County Technical Standards may be placed in, on, over, or under the sidewalk unless a deviation allowing such item is obtained from the county engineer.
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
Section 66-225 of the county's sidewalk-maintenance ordinance requires adjoining owners, occupants, or agents to keep sidewalks clear of rocks, ice, snow, and other obstructions, and bars placing street furniture or any item that would reduce a sidewalk's width below the minimum set in the Bernalillo County Technical Standards unless the county engineer approves a deviation. Corner lots and driveway access points must also keep a clear sight triangle free of fences, signs, hedges, or displays. Applies only in unincorporated Bernalillo County -- Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and Tijeras enforce their own separate codes.
Violations & Fines
The county engineer can serve notice to repair, maintain, or remove an obstruction; noncompliance within 60 days lets the county do the work itself and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a bench or sign on the sidewalk in front of my property?
What happens if I ignore a county notice to clear an obstruction?
Does this rule apply inside Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.