Welcome to the City of Albuquerque

FAQs

Get answers to the frequently asked questions within the Planning Department.

Mold Information
Business Licensing
General FAQs
Albuquerque GIS FAQs
Building Safety FAQs
Code Enforcement FAQs
Development Review Services FAQs
Zoning Regulations FAQs

Mold Information

Who do I call if I have mold in my house?
Call Air Quality, a division of the Environmental Health Department, at 505-768-2662. You may also check the Yellow Pages under “Mold Inspection and Removal.”

How Do I Obtain a Business License/Registration?

Contact New Mexico Taxation and Revenue division of the State of New Mexico (505-841-6200 Albuquerque).

You may also want to visit the City of Albuquerque's Treasury website. The Treasury Department issues the actual business license.

General Questions

  • What is the physical size of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County?
    Albuquerque is 188.8 square miles. Bernalillo County is about 1167 square miles.
  • How can we find a copy of the covenants on our property?
    If you can determine the subdivision name and filing date from your paperwork (deed, etc.), you can contact the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office to purchase a copy of the covenants. For more information, contact the County Clerk at 505-468-1290.
  • How can we find out who owns a problem property in our neighborhood?
    Contact the Bernalillo County Assessor's Office
  • Where do I find zone designations and what they mean?
    You can find information related to zone designations in the Comprehensive Zone Code.

AGIS (Albuquerque Geographic Information System)

  • Where do I obtain maps of Bernalillo County?
    Contact the Bernalillo County GIS office.
  • Can I get the Zone Atlas on-line?
    Yes. The Zone Atlas is available for free at the AGIS website.
  • Can I view AGIS data on the Internet?
    Yes. The City of Albuquerque has an interactive GIS web site at cabq.gov/gis.
  • Can I download GIS data?
    Yes. There are many GIS data layers available at www.cabq.gov/gis.
  • Can AGIS provide location information for specific addresses?
    Yes. This information is available on the city's GIS website.
  • What neighborhood association am I in?
    You will need the address or legal description of the property. Call AGIS at 505-924-3816.
  • Can I get a map of a Neighborhood Association?
    Yes. These are available on the AGIS page. These are updated annually, so if you need more current information, visit the GIS interactive website.
  • How can I obtain demographic, census, or economic data?
    The City Planning Department's Publications and Records Division maintains some current and historical information. Contact the Planning Department's Publications and Records Division office at 505-924-3662. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information may be available at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research -OR- The Mid-Region Council of Governments -OR- the United States Census Bureau.
  • How do I determine if my building project or property is in the city or in the county?
    You will need the address or legal description of the property you are asking about. Call AGIS at 505-924-3816.
  • I live in the City of Albuquerque and your GIS site displays my address incorrectly. Who do I contact?
    City Addresses can be verified by the City Address Verification Clerk. Phone contact: 505-924-3848.
  • I live in Bernalillo County and your GIS site displays my address incorrectly. Who do I contact?
    County Addresses can be verified by contacting Bernalillo County permits section.
  • Can I purchase city maps?
    Yes. You can purchase many standard product maps as listed at the following website: www.cabq.gov/planning/agis/. If you don’t see what you need contact call 505-924-3816.
  • I don’t know how to use the GIS interactive website?
    You can call 505- 924-3816 for assistance or you can refer to the GIS Interactive website.

Building And Safety

  • Does the City have a surveyor available for surveying private property?
    No. The City does not have a surveyor available for private property issues.

Code Enforcement

  • Where do I find zone designations and what they mean?
    You can find information related to zone designations in the Comprehensive Zone Code.
  • What businesses are allowed in a single-family residential neighborhood (R-1 zone)?
    Home businesses or "home occupations" are allowed, but are limited to telephone or mailing services or low-key businesses. Manufacturing, which includes baking, small machine repair, and automotive work, are not allowed. For more information, contact Zoning at 505-924-3850.
  • Are there any rules that govern landscaping in a single-family neighborhood?
    Single-family homes built after October, 1995 must meet water conservation standards which limit the amount and type of plants and grass used. The City's anti-pollen ordinance, enforced by the Environmental Health Department, controls the types of trees which can be planted after 1992.
  • Is there a limit to how many garage sales my neighbor can hold?
    Each home in an R-1 area may have a garage sale or yard sale once every twelve (12) months. The sale may not exceed three (3) days in length and only normally accumulated household goods may be sold.
  • How can you find out the zoning of a particular property and what the property can be used for?
    Call City Zoning at 505-924-3850 with the specific property address or legal description or visit City Zoning at 600 Second Street NW, 5th floor.
  • Can a recreational vehicle be parked on private property in an R-1 zone?
    Recreational vehicles, boats and boat trailers may be parked inside or outside in the side yard or rear yard, provided that no part of the unit extends over a public sidewalk. The unit can only be used for dwelling purposes for a maximum of 14 days. Cooking is not permitted and there can be no permanent connection of water, sewer, or electricity. Call Code Enforcement at 505-924-3850 for more information.
  • Can a car repair business be conducted at a home in a residential neighborhood?
    The Zoning Code does not allow auto repair done as a business to take place in residential zones.
  • Can day care be conducted in a residential neighborhood?
    A family day care home, with only members of the residing family providing care for no more than 6 children (limit not including provider's children over 6) may exist if the activity is licensed by the State as a family day care home. If over 6 but not more than 12 children are cared for, the facility requires that a conditional use be obtained from the City.
  • Can a group home be located in an R-1 zone?
    A Community Residential Program (not a Community Residential Corrections Program or a Community Residential Program for substance abusers) with up to ten (10) client residents can be located in an R-1 zone provided that the standards of Section 14-16-3-12 of the Zoning Code are met.

Development Review Services

  • Can you tell me on which Zone Atlas page my property is located? Can you tell me if my property is located within the city limits?
    Yes. This information is available on the city's GIS website.
  • Can you tell me what the zoning is for my property?
    We can tell you how the zoning of a piece of property is reflected on the Zone Map. For verification of zoning, you need to contact Zoning Code Services at 505-924-3850.
  • What process do I follow for a zone change, site plan approval, landscaping plan, sector development plan amendment, conditional use, etc.?
    The Comprehensive Zone Code and the Development Process Manual contain information related to these questions. For specific inquiries or explanations of the process, call the Planning front counter at 505-924-3895 or Planning reception at 505-924-3860.
  • I live in a poorly maintained apartment/house. What can I do?
    Make contact with the Housing Code Enforcement at 311 (Citizen Contact Center) and report the problem to us.
  • How do I know whether or not I can file a claim against my landlord?
    To receive advice on your legal rights regarding your landlord, call the Landlord Tenant hot line at 505-998-4529.
  • Can I purchase a posted/condemned property from the City of Albuquerque?
    No, the City of Albuquerque does not take title to the property.  The owner, bank, or realtor would be a first contact for these inquires. Ownership can be found by contacting the Bernalillo County Assessor at 505-222-3700.
  • Can the City put a lien on my property?
    Code Enforcement Liens - The Code Enforcement Division occasionally creates and files liens on properties when they have been found to be in violation of the Anti-Weed and Litter Ordinance or the Uniform Housing Code Ordinance.  In both cases, property owners are notified that their property is in violation and are given time to resolve the violation(s).  If the violation(s) are not corrected in the time given, a work order is created to have the work completed and a lien a filed against the property for the work performed. All liens are filed with the County Clerk’s office and can be reached at 505-468-1294 or visit the Bernalillo County Clerk's website.
  • Did I call the correct number for Weed and Litter?
    Please call 311.
  • Can I file a complaint and remain anonymous?
    Yes, call 311.
  • Who inspects commercial properties?
    Call Building and Safety at 505-924-3319.
  • Who is responsible for treating roaches? Landlord or Tenant?
    Review your lease agreement, but ultimately the owner of the property is the responsible party.
  • Is there a Tenant/Landlord Hot Line?
    Landlord/Tenant Hotline, 664 Alta Vista Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-983-8447. Law Access New Mexico - Albuquerque: 505-998-4529 Statewide: 1-800-340-9771.
  • What is the number to Legal Aide?
    505-243-7871.
  • What do I do when my water heater has been Red Tagged?
    Call Plumbing & Mechanical at 505-924-3310 or Housing Code at 505-924-3450.
  • What are the height requirements for fences?
    Call Zoning at 505-924-3850.
  • I need to report my neighbor for building without a permit. How do I report that?
    Call Building Safety at 505-924-3368.
  • How do I report Section 8 housing program abuse?
    Call Albuquerque Housing Authority at 505-764-4900.

Although there are several zoning regulations, the following represent those residential regulations most often of concern.

  • ADDITIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
    All additions to existing buildings must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement office prior to construction. Generally, the building addition is subject to the same use and set¬back restrictions as the existing structure.
  • CARPORTS
    A carport may be erected permissively provided that it complies with the same setback standards as those that apply to the dwelling on the lot. If the carport cannot be erected in compliance with the required setbacks, a conditional use may be obtained, allowing the carport in the side or front setback, but no closer than three feet to the side line. The carport may never be enclosed.
  • FENCES AND WALLS
    Fences and walls may not exceed three feet in height in the front yard and may not exceed eight feet in height in the side and rear yards. Fence and wall height is measured from lowest grade on either side. All fences and walls require permits.
  • GARAGE SALES
    Garage or yard sales are allowed once every twelve months at a given residential location. The sale may not exceed three days in length and only normally accumulated household goods may be sold. Advertising signs may not be placed on medians or other city property.
  • HOME OCCUPATIONS
    Certain businesses may be run from the home as permissive uses. Generally the business must be of a phone arid mail operation or a low-key service business. No home business may sell, display or manufacture from the residence.
  • SIGNS
    All signs need to be reviewed for permitting. The copy on a permitted sign may be changed without review. All signs including bandit and garage sale signs are prohibited on the public right of way including medians, sidewalks, and area between the sidewalk and curb, street trees, light and utility poles.
  • RESIDENTIAL PARKING
    All motor vehicles parked in a residential zone shall only be parked on the improved parking and maneuvering area in the front yard setback.
  • INOPERATIVE VEHICLES (JUNK CARS)
    All motor vehicles parked in a residential zone must be operative unless such vehicles are parked inside a building, including a carport. Vehicles covered by tarps or stored in the rear yard must still be in operating condition. Major automotive repair, even of personal vehicles may not be conducted outdoors.
  • MANUFACTURED HOMES
    Manufactured homes with a minimum size of 24 feet by 36 feet and meeting the HUD standards for construction are treated as any site-built house.  A manufactured home, when placed on a permanent foundation as prescribed by the manufacturer or state statute, is allowed in any residential zone.
  • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AND BOATS
    Recreational vehicles and boats that are parked in the front yard area must be parked no closer than 11 feet from the face of the curb and must be perpendicular to the street.
  • RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
    Only regulations specifically found in the Zoning Code are enforced by the Zoning Enforcement office. Restrictive covenants are not considered in assessing zoning requirements; however, restrictive covenants may be more restrictive than zoning regulations and enforced through civil action.
  • SEMI-TRUCKS & OTHER COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
    Only those vehicles whose use is incidental to a residential activity are allowed on a residential property. A non-commercial vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 10,000 pounds and can be legally parked in a standard 8.5 by 20 feet parking space.
  • SWIMMING POOLS
    Swimming pools must be constructed so that the waters edge is no closer than five feet to any building or lot line. Pools must be enclosed with a wall or fence six feet high.
  • TREES, SHRUBS & OTHER LANDSCAPING
    Landscaping in a single-family residential zone must comply with the Water Waste and Water Conservation Landscape Ordinance.
  • WEEDS & LITTER
    Any growth of weeds to a height greater than four inches, or any accumulation of weeds, is prohibited on occupied and unoccupied land within the city.  This includes the area located between the property line and the middle of the alley adjacent to the property, and the area located between the property line and the curb, the area of any curbs or sidewalks located adjacent to the property, and the area located ten feet outside the property line where there is no curb.
  • Where do I get information about the Comprehensive Plan? Where do I get information on Sector Plans?
    The Comprehensive Plan and most Sector Development Plans are available on the Planning Department's Publications website. Call 505-924-3860 for further information.
  • A Reminder for Neighborhood Associations
    It is a good policy to let your City Councilor know about your meetings. Send meeting notices or call, giving them advance notice, especially if you plan to invite them to participate.
  • Annual Reports for the month of January are due to the Office of Community and Neighborhood Coordination by April 1, February reports are due by May 1, March is due by June 1, etc. Just a reminder – we will need the original Annual Report and a copy of the announcement of your Annual Meeting before your Annual Report will be approved for the year. Call 924-3906 if you have any questions.
  • Please Let Us Know If Your Neighborhood’s Contacts Have Changed
    If you have any questions or changes, please contact Dalaina at 505-924-3914 or dlcarmona@cabq.gov.

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