North Albuquerque Acres Subdivision Drainage

[Updated March 2023]

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In North Albuquerque Acres, AMAFCA and Bernalillo County (and the City of Albuquerque in some locations), are the responsible entities for development review and stormwater management.

Platted in the 1920-1930’s and sold as individual lots, the North Albuquerque Acres subdivision sought to preserve the rural nature of the foothills, and the arroyos were left largely in their natural state.

To protect homeowners from the identified risk of flooding from these natural arroyos, AMAFCA and Bernalillo County beginning in the early 1990’s required individual property owners to submit Grading and Drainage Plans (G&Ds) for approval on proposed development. In some cases where an arroyo or flow path was identified, AMAFCA and Bernalillo County required a grant a Drainage Easement to AMAFCA or Bernalillo County to preserve the conveyance of stormwater through each lot.

As development has increased in the area, a growing number of drainage issues have been identified by the agencies. These issues include unpermitted encroachments (perimeter walls/fences, driveway culverts, increased impervious areas) into existing drainage easements and sale of homes to owners who may not be aware of existing easements or drainage requirements. Because of the growing concern by the agencies of these issues and of potential changes in flood risk in the area, AMAFCA and Bernalillo County have begun conducting survey and hydraulic analyses of the arroyos in North Albuquerque Acres.

This includes identification of violations of approved G&Ds, encroachments, and assessments in the potential change in flood risk.