COUNTY News:

In 2014, the County updated Chapter 18 of the County Code (the Nuisance Code) to address property maintenance issues. Specifically, Sec. 18-42. parts (a), (b) and (d) address weeds and brush piles.

Please read the code excerpts below and survey your property to see if any of these issues exist. This time of year, it is especially important to trim vegetation away from sidewalks for pedestrians – our sidewalks receive heavy use in the summer months with many residents enjoying the warm weather. Thanks in advance for your support to “keep sidewalks clear!”

(a)

All weeds, brush piles, refuse and rubbish on a property within the county are hereby declared to be a nuisance and a menace to the health and safety of the inhabitants of the county. The accumulation of weeds, grasses, refuse and rubbish which constitutes or create a fire, health or safety hazard is unlawful and is hereby declared to be a nuisance. It is unlawful for the owner or occupants of any property to permit refuse, rubbish or brush piles to accumulate on any part of the property.

(b)

All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 18 inches. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Allegations that weeds upon a property constitute a nuisance pursuant to this section shall set forth with particularity which plants are deemed weeds, why, and the abatement measures required, all of which shall be included in the notice issued pursuant to this chapter 18. 

(d)

No owner or occupant of any property shall allow any hedge, shrub, tree or other vegetation, or any part thereof, to overhang, extend or protrude into any street, sidewalk, or public right-of-way in a manner which obstructs or impedes the safe and orderly movement of persons or vehicles thereon.

(Ord. No. 02-238, § 2, 1-7-2014)

For more information or info on other property maintenance issues, visit the Code Enforcement webpage at http://www.losalamosnm.us/cdd/Pages/CodeEnforcement.aspx

Direct questions about specific complaints about weeds on County property to the Traffic & Streets Division at 505.662.8113, or send an e-mail with a description or address of the property that needs attention to LACPW@lacnm.us.