Code Enforcement
Keeping Valencia County Safe, Clean, and Compliant
Valencia County Code Enforcement works with property owners, residents, and businesses to promote compliance with County codes and regulations, address property-related concerns, and maintain safe, clean, and orderly communities. Our goal is to work collaboratively with property owners and residents to identify concerns, explain applicable requirements, and provide reasonable opportunities for compliance.
Our Mission
To protect the health, safety, and quality of life of Valencia County residents through education, fair and consistent code enforcement, and a commitment to voluntary compliance, while ensuring violations are addressed promptly, professionally, and equitably.
Have a Property Concern?
If you believe a property may be in violation of a Valencia County code or regulation, you may submit a Code Enforcement concern for review. Code Enforcement will review the information provided and determine whether the matter falls within the County’s jurisdiction and whether further investigation is appropriate.
Before submitting a complaint:
Please provide as much information as possible:
☐ Property address or location
☐ Description of the concern
☐ Specific area of the property involved
☐ Your contact information
COMMON CODE VIOLATIONS
Trash & Debris
Accumulation of trash, refuse, junk, or other materials that may constitute a violation of applicable County
requirements.
Unpermitted Structures
Construction, placement, or use of structures that may require County approval or permits.
Inoperable or Abandoned Vehicles
Vehicles that are abandoned, inoperable, or otherwise maintained in a manner that violates applicable
County regulations.
Unpermitted Businesses
Commercial activity that may require zoning approval, business registration, permits, or other County
authorization.
Abandoned or Unsafe Buildings
Buildings or structures that may be abandoned, deteriorated, unsafe, or otherwise subject to County
enforcement.
Zoning Violations
Property uses or activities that may not comply with the zoning designation applicable to the property.
Weeds & Overgrown Vegetation
Property maintenance concerns involving excessive vegetation, weeds, or other conditions addressed by
applicable County requirements.
Premises Nuisances
Conditions on a property that may constitute a nuisance under applicable Valencia County ordinances.
CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS
1. Concern Received
The County receives a complaint or identifies a potential code violation.
2. Initial Review
Staff reviews the information to determine whether the concern falls within County jurisdiction.
3. Investigation
When appropriate, Code Enforcement conducts an investigation or site inspection.
4. Violation Determination
If a violation of an applicable County code is identified, the property owner may be notified of the violation
and applicable compliance requirements.
5. Opportunity to Correct
The property owner is provided an opportunity to address the violation within the applicable timeframe.
6. Follow-Up
Code Enforcement conducts follow-up as appropriate to determine whether the property has been brought
into compliance.
7. Further Enforcement
If compliance is not achieved, additional enforcement action may be pursued in accordance with applicable
County codes and procedures.
PROPERTY OWNER COMPLIANCE:
Received a Code Enforcement Notice?
Don’t Ignore It.
A Code Enforcement notice identifies a concern that requires attention. The notice should explain the
applicable violation, required corrective action, and the timeframe for compliance.
What Should I Do?
1. Read the notice carefully.
Review the violation identified and the corrective action requested.
2. Contact Code Enforcement if you have questions.
Staff can explain the notice and the applicable compliance requirements.
3. Correct the violation.
Take the necessary steps to bring the property into compliance.
4. Provide documentation when requested.
Permits, photographs, receipts, approvals, or other documentation may be required depending upon the violation.
5. Request clarification if needed.
If you are unsure what is required, contact Code Enforcement before the compliance deadline.
6. Schedule/request follow-up when appropriate.
Code Enforcement will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify compliance.
WHAT CODE ENFORCEMENT CAN AND CANNOT DO
Code Enforcement May Address:
☐ Property maintenance concerns
☐ Premises nuisances
☐ Certain abandoned or unsafe structures
☐ Certain vehicle-related property violations
☐ Unpermitted property uses
☐ Certain unpermitted structures
☐ Certain business and commercial-use violations
☐ Other violations specifically addressed by applicable County codes
Some Concerns May Be Handled by Another Agency:
Valencia County Code Enforcement jurisdiction, staff can provide information regarding the appropriate agency when possible. Depending on the issue, a concern may fall under the jurisdiction of:
☐ Law enforcement
☐ Fire authorities
☐ Animal Services
☐ Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
☐ Building officials
☐ Environmental agencies
☐ New Mexico state agencies
☐ Municipal governments
☐ Homeowners’ associations
☐ Private property owners
Resources
Contact Us
Code Enforcement
Physical Address
444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1119
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: 505-866-2050
Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Frequenty Asked Questions
How do I report a code concern?
Does Filing a complaint mean there is a violation?
No. A complaint identifies a concern for review. Code Enforcement must investigate and determine
whether an applicable County code has been violated.
How long does a compliance review take?
The timeframe may vary depending on the nature of the concern, the information available, inspection requirements, and the complexity of the matter.
Will the property owner be contacted?
If an investigation determines that a violation exists, the property owner or responsible party may be
notified in accordance with applicable County procedures.
Can I report a concern anonymously?
Yes. You may initially report a Code Enforcement concern anonymously.
However, please be aware that information provided to Valencia County Code Enforcement may be subject to disclosure under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). If the property owner or another member of the public requests records related to the complaint, the complainant’s name and other information may be subject to disclosure if required by law. For this reason, anonymous reporting does not guarantee that your identity will remain confidential.
Can I report my neighbor?
Residents may report concerns involving properties. However, Code Enforcement addresses code
violations, not ordinary neighbor disputes.
Does Code Enforcement enforce HOA rules?
Generally, private HOA rules are separate from County code enforcement. Residents should contact their HOA regarding private covenants and restrictions.
What happens if a property owner does not comply?
Additional enforcement action may be taken in accordance with applicable County codes and legal
procedures.