Santa Fe, NM Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

2(E) governs sidewalk construction as part of the city's subdivision and development design standards. New sidewalks built under a required subdivision plat or development plan, or built independently before a certificate of occupancy for new construction, additions over 500 square feet, or larger remodels, must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines and New Mexico Department of Transportation pedestrian access details, be built of concrete or director-approved alternative materials, and, under Subsection (E)(5), be free of any structures, signs, landscaping, above-ground utility elements, or other items that prevent free passage along the walk.

Subsection (E)(6) extends essentially the same obstruction-free standard to sidewalks that already exist: an existing sidewalk doesn't have to be rebuilt if it's in good condition and substantially ADAAG-compliant, but it still has to be kept free of structures, signs, landscaping, above-ground utility elements, or other items blocking passage. Where removing an existing obstruction isn't feasible, the land use director can allow the barrier to remain or approve an alternate sidewalk alignment that restores free passage instead. 2-1's minimum, NMDOTPAD, or ADAAG. In the historic districts, colored concrete matching the historic districts review board's approved palette is required, and construction generally must also comply with Section 23-3 SFCC 1987 governing curb, gutter, and sidewalk maintenance.