Fence Installation Permits in Albuquerque

Local Rule

City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division

Albuquerque requires a Wall or Fence Permit for all new fences, even those under 6 feet (a $25 zoning-level "Minor" permit); fences over 6 feet need the more involved "Major" Wall or Fence Permit and building permit review. The IDO caps walls and fences at 3 feet in a front or street-side yard and 8 feet elsewhere on a residential lot (10 feet in certain nonresidential zones), with limited exceptions for taller view fencing. Retaining walls over 6 feet must be terraced into no more than 3 tiers, with a planted 4-foot terrace between tiers, and footings must stay out of the public right-of-way. Fences near street corners or driveway intersections cannot exceed roughly 30 to 36 inches within 15 to 25 feet of a corner. Razor wire is prohibited on residential backyard fences.

Source · Verified September 2026

Albuquerque Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Bernalillo County

Albuquerque's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services

County's own Building Guide states textually: "Build a fence more than 6'-0" high. Work requiring a zoning permit." Even fences and sheds that fall under this height threshold and do not require a building permit almost always still require a separate zoning clearance to confirm compliance with setbacks and easements.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Albuquerque with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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