Bolthole Index

Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Building permits, zoning and septic in the Village of Tijeras, NM

The Village of Tijeras, New Mexico requires village review and approval before erecting a building or changing a building footprint, followed by contacting Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services for any necessary building permits.1 Tijeras sets its own zoning; septic systems inside village limits are regulated by the New Mexico Environment Department, rather than the county wastewater program.23

At a glance

Building approval
Village approval first; contact Bernalillo County afterward for necessary building permits1
Zoning
Village comprehensive zoning ordinance and village zone map24
Septic authority
NMED inside village limits; county wastewater ordinance covers unincorporated land3
RV living
Travel trailers cannot serve as single-family homes in R-1 or R-25
Tiny homes
Allowed as single-family homes in R-1, subject to zoning and project approvals6
Minimum lot size
R-1: 1 acre; R-2: 2 acres78
Owner-builder
State homeowner permits are conditional and do not waive inspections9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Village of Tijeras Clerk/Manager — zoning application contact

Start here for village zoning review, the zone map and application routing

(505) 281-1220

[email protected]

12 Camino Municipal Tijeras, NM 87059

Building permits

Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services

County building-permit contact after village project approval, as directed by the Tijeras ordinance

(505) 314-0350

[email protected]

415 Silver SW Albuquerque, NM 87102

Septic permits

New Mexico Environment Department — Albuquerque Field Office

Septic permitting questions and permit searches; in-person services at Rio Rancho

505-670-6936

[email protected]

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Village of Tijeras means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Village of Tijeras, NM?

Tijeras requires planning-and-zoning or village council review and approval before a building is erected or a building footprint is altered.1 After village approval, the property owner must contact Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services for any building permits necessary to complete the project.10 Start with the village application rather than treating the county building counter as the zoning authority.10

Tijeras charges an administrative review and approval fee; ask the village for the filing and business-registration fee list.11 On completion, owners must deliver county-issued project documents to the village, including applicable inspection and certificate-of-occupancy documents.1213

Who handles building approval and zoning in the Village of Tijeras?

Contact the Village Clerk/Manager at (505) 281-1220 or [email protected] to arrange an appointment at Village Hall.14 The village encourages calling or emailing ahead so the appropriate staff member has time for the request.14 Ask for the parcel’s zoning district, application requirements and current review fees; the village maintains its adopted zone map and directs owners to request its fee list.411

After village approval, contact Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services for necessary building permits.10 The county department lists (505) 314-0350 and [email protected] as its main contacts.15 Septic approval inside Tijeras remains with NMED, separately from village zoning and county building permits.3

Does the Village of Tijeras have zoning, lot sizes and setbacks?

Tijeras has its own comprehensive zoning ordinance, with district boundaries on the adopted village zone map maintained by the village manager/clerk.24 In Residential Zone 1 (R-1), the minimum lot size is 1 acre; in Residential Zone 2 (R-2), the minimum is 2 acres.78

R-1 setbacks are 20 feet front, 15 feet rear and 10 feet side.16 R-2 setbacks are 30 feet front, 20 feet rear and 15 feet side.17 Tijeras generally limits building height to 26 feet, with specified exceptions and height variances for certain taller objects.18 Have the village identify the district before designing the building footprint: the lot-size and setback requirements differ between residential zones.781617

How do septic permits work inside the Village of Tijeras?

NMED regulates septic systems inside incorporated Tijeras; the Bernalillo County wastewater ordinance applies only to unincorporated portions of the county.3 State law requires an NMED permit before installing or modifying an onsite liquid-waste system, subject to the rule’s specified exceptions.19 A dwelling on a lot requiring an onsite system cannot be constructed, modified or transported onto the lot before that permit is issued.19

The published NMED fee for a conventional system with design flow up to 1,000 gallons per day is $225.20 Before a property with an established onsite system transfers, the seller must have the system evaluated by a qualified evaluator using the department-approved form.21 For permit questions, use the NMED Albuquerque contact; its physical office is permanently closed and in-person services are directed to Rio Rancho.22

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Village of Tijeras?

Tijeras prohibits occupying a travel trailer as a single-family home in R-1 and R-2.5 Tiny homes are allowed as single-family homes in R-1, subject to the district requirements, village review and applicable county building permits.6 Under New Mexico’s tiny-house rule, a unit on a chassis with a permanent axle is treated as an RV while the axle remains; removing the axles and placing the unit on supports or a foundation brings permanent-foundation tiny-house code requirements into play.23

A Tijeras casita needs discretionary village council approval, must meet the zone’s setbacks, and must stand at least 20 feet from the primary dwelling.24 Casitas are limited to a 1,000-square-foot footprint and 750 square feet of heated area, with their highest point below the primary dwelling.24 We could not confirm permission for temporary camping while building; ask the Village Clerk/Manager before planning that arrangement.

Building a home in the Village of Tijeras: what comes first?

  1. Ask the village to identify the parcel’s district on the adopted zone map, then design around that district’s lot size and setbacks.4781617
  2. Obtain village review and approval before erecting a building or altering its footprint, then contact Bernalillo County for necessary building permits.10
  3. If the lot requires onsite wastewater disposal, obtain the NMED septic permit before bringing in or constructing the dwelling.19
  4. For owner-built work, ask the building authority about a homeowner permit: New Mexico’s primary-residence provisions require approval, applicable building permits and inspections rather than a blanket exemption.9
  5. Deliver the county-issued completion documents, including applicable inspection and occupancy documents, to the village.1213

What should you check before buying land in the Village of Tijeras?

Confirm that the parcel is inside village limits before using these zoning rules; Bernalillo County’s zoning applies to unincorporated land instead.225 For a parcel outside Tijeras, use the Bernalillo County guide for the county’s unincorporated-area building and zoning requirements.2625

Direct property access to NM 333, NM 14 or NM 337 requires authorization from NMDOT District Three; reasonable side-street access can be grounds for denying state-road access.27 Before drilling a well, obtain a drilling permit from the Office of the State Engineer.28 We could not confirm a village water-or-sewer connection threshold or a floodplain development-permit procedure; ask the Village Clerk/Manager to identify the requirements and responsible office for the specific parcel.

Watch-outs

  • Village zoning approval comes before contacting the county for necessary building permits.10
  • RV dwelling use is prohibited in Tijeras R-1 and R-2, even though tiny homes are allowed in R-1 under separate conditions.56
  • NMED’s Albuquerque physical office is permanently closed; the current contact page directs in-person visitors to Rio Rancho.22
  • We could not confirm a minimum principal-dwelling floor area, temporary-camping permission or village subdivision requirements; ask the Village Clerk/Manager before committing to a purchase or design.14

Sources

  1. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  2. Ordinances & Resolutions | Village of Tijeras (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  3. Liquid Waste Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  5. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  6. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  7. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  8. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  9. 14.5.2 NMAC — Permits (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  11. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  12. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  13. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  14. Village of Tijeras Clerk/Manager — zoning application contact (tijerasnm.gov)
  15. Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services (bernco.gov)
  16. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  19. 20.7.3.401 NMAC — Permitting; General Requirements (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  21. Property Transfer Evaluations (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. New Mexico Environment Department — Albuquerque Field Office (env.nm.gov)
  23. 14.7.3 NMAC — 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  25. Bernalillo County Zone Atlas Volume 1, quoted and re-checked
  26. Bernalillo County Residential Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  27. Village of Tijeras Ordinance No. 240 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Village of Tijeras), quoted and re-checked
  28. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Tijeras

Village of Tijeras’s own rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Buildings or altered building footprints inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Village planning-and-zoning or council review and approval is required before erection or footprint alteration.
    • After village approval, the owner must contact Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services for any permits necessary to complete the project.
    “no building or structure shall be erected or building footprint altered upon any premises within the village without being reviewed and approved”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Projects inside Tijeras village limits that receive village approval and have county-issued inspection documents.

    • On project completion, the owner must provide the village all Bernalillo County-issued project documents, including inspections.
    • This source does not establish that every project requires an inspection.
    “including but not limited to permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects inside Tijeras village limits that receive village approval and have county-issued certificate-of-occupancy documents.

    • On project completion, the owner must provide the village all Bernalillo County-issued project documents, including certificates of occupancy.
    • This source does not establish that every project requires a certificate of occupancy.
    “including but not limited to permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Tijeras village limits.

    • The village's official ordinances page identifies Ordinance 240 as the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
    “Ordinance 240 – Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and map for land inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Zone boundaries are shown on the adopted village zone map maintained by the village manager/clerk.
    “the village is hereby divided into the following zones:”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential Zone 1 inside Tijeras village limits.

    minimum lot size: >= 1 acre (Residential Zone 1)

    “The minimum lot size for this Residential Zone 1 (R-1) shall be one acre.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential Zone 1 inside Tijeras village limits.

    front setback: >= 20 feet (Residential Zone 1) · rear setback: >= 15 feet (Residential Zone 1) · side setback: >= 10 feet (Residential Zone 1)

    “The minimum setback requirements for this Residential Zone 1 (R-1) are as follows: Front Rear Side 20 feet 15 feet 10 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings and structures inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Chimneys, noncommercial antennas, flagpoles, and telephone and electrical utility poles are excepted as stated by the ordinance.
    • Water tanks, windmills, commercial antennas, spires, and other objects over the limit require a height variance.

    maximum building height: <= 26 feet (Specified exceptions and approved variances)

    “No building shall exceed twenty-six (26) feet in height.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupation of a travel trailer as a single-family home in Residential Zone 1 and Residential Zone 2 inside Tijeras village limits.

    • The ordinance's definition treats a travel trailer or RV as a temporary dwelling for travel and recreational purposes.
    • This claim does not establish rules for every nonresidential district.
    “This zone does not allow for the occupation of a travel trailer as a single-family home.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes used as single-family homes in Residential Zone 1 inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Other applicable zoning requirements, village review, and county permitting remain applicable.
    • The source states certain other uses are allowed only if compatible with neighborhood development.

    maximum density: <= 1 dwelling unit per acre (Residential Zone 1 minimum one-acre lot)

    “including conventional housing, modular or prefabricated dwelling units, tiny homes and mobile homes.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Mobile or manufactured homes in Residential Zones 1 and 2 inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Mobile homes must meet R-1 setback requirements.
    • Within 30 days after occupancy, they must be connected to adequate utilities, have durable skirting, and be stabilized and anchored under state Manufactured Housing Act regulations.
    • They are limited to residential use unless otherwise provided in the chapter.

    utility-connection deadline: <= 30 days following occupancy (Mobile homes in R-1 or R-2)

    “Within 30 days following occupancy, mobile homes shall be connected to adequate utilities, provided with skirting of a durable material, and stabilized and anchored”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Detached accessory dwelling units (casitas) inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Village council approval is discretionary.
    • The unit must meet the applicable zone's setbacks.
    • The unit's highest point must be lower than the primary dwelling and must be at least 20 feet from it.

    maximum footprint: <= 1000 square feet (Detached accessory dwelling unit) · maximum heated area: <= 750 square feet (Detached accessory dwelling unit) · minimum separation from primary dwelling: >= 20 feet (Nearest two points)

    “The village council may approve an application to construct a detached accessory dwelling unit, commonly known as a “casita,” given the following conditions are met:”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Properties inside Tijeras village limits with direct access to NM 333, NM 14, or NM 337.

    • Authorization is from NMDOT District Three.
    • Residents with reasonable side-street access may be denied access to the state road.
    • State-road access must comply with the state's access management manual.
    “Property owners must receive authorization for access from their properties to NM 333 (Old 66), NM 14 and NM 337 (Old South 14).”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals inside Tijeras village limits.

    • The village allows at most 30 active permits at one time.
    • A dwelling may be rented no more than 225 cumulative days per calendar year.
    • The owner/operator must obtain a short-term-rental permit and business registration before listing.
    • A separate permit is required for each unit and annual renewal is due on or before June 1.

    maximum active permits: <= 30 permits (Villagewide) · maximum rental days: <= 225 cumulative days per calendar year (Per dwelling unit) · late renewal fee: 50 USD (Failure to renew by 5:00 p.m. on June 1)

    “The maximum number of active short-term rental permits allowed in the village at any given time shall be limited to thirty (30).”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Village administrative review and approval of projects inside Tijeras village limits.

    • The ordinance directs owners to contact the village for the filing and business-registration fee list.
    “Property owners subject to this chapter will be charged a fee by the village for administrative review and approval of all projects.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Erection of buildings or alteration of building footprints inside Tijeras village limits.

    • Village approval precedes contacting Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services for permits necessary to complete the project.
    • Completed-project county documents must be delivered to the village.
    “Upon approval of an application by the village, the property owner shall contact Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services for issuance of any permits necessary”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Tijeras or Bernalillo County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residential construction inside Tijeras village limits.
  • Building code adopted — Building-code adoption for construction inside Tijeras village limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Principal dwellings inside Tijeras village limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lots inside Tijeras village limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Tijeras village limits.
9 more unanswered
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Building in a floodplain

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Tijeras publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Bernalillo County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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