Bernalillo County, NM Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Turf cap
- 10% of landscape area, new development
- Small-lot alternative
- up to 1,500 sq ft allowed
- Large multifamily cap
- up to 30% of landscape area
- Penalty
- fine up to $300, 90 days jail
- Applies to
- unincorporated county only, not Albuquerque
Summary
Bernalillo County caps high-water-use turf at 10% of landscaped area on most new development in the unincorporated county, with narrow exceptions for small lots, large multifamily sites, and agricultural-zoned parcels.
On all properties other than public parks, golf courses and athletic fields, high-water-use turf or plants shall be limited to ten percent the landscape area or less, except:1.For single-family and small multifamily development, the use of high-water-use turf and plants shall not exceed 1,500 square feet of the landscape area;
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 Code § 30-249(4)a limits high-water-use turf and plants to 10 percent of the landscape area or less on new development, outside public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. Single-family and small multifamily lots may instead use up to 1,500 square feet if that exceeds 10 percent, large multifamily developments can use up to 30 percent with no turf dimension under 10 feet, and A-1 Agricultural-zoned land irrigated by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District or community acequias is exempt. The rule applies only in unincorporated Bernalillo County. Albuquerque regulates landscaping through its own Integrated Development Ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Violations are punishable under Bernalillo County Code § 1-6: a fine up to $300, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, enforced by the county manager's designee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Albuquerque?
Do I have to remove existing turf grass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico water use rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.