Who fixes potholes on my street?

The city is responsible for defects in the public roadway; private-driveway issues are the property owner's responsibility. See the city reporting page for intake procedures.

Can I get reimbursed for vehicle damage?

Claim or reimbursement procedures depend on city claims rules; the municipal code and city claims page should be consulted for exact requirements.

What if a sidewalk is broken by a tree from the neighbor's yard?

Responsibility often rests with the adjacent property owner; the city can inspect and may issue repair orders under the municipal code.

Albuquerque Pothole and Sidewalk Reporting - City Ordinance

Transportation New Mexico 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, residents and businesses must report dangerous potholes and sidewalk hazards so the city can inspect and, where responsible, repair public streets and rights-of-way. This guide explains who enforces city rules, how to submit a report, what penalties or orders may apply, and practical steps to get a hazard fixed. It references official City of Albuquerque resources and the municipal code to help you follow the correct complaint, inspection, and appeal paths.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Albuquerque assigns responsibility for street and sidewalk maintenance based on whether the defect is within the public right-of-way or on private property. Enforcement and repair authority most commonly sit with the Streets Division (Municipal Development / Public Works). For online reporting and official complaint intake see the city reporting page Report a pothole and street hazards^[1]. For applicable ordinance language and delegation of duties consult the municipal code and code of ordinances Albuquerque Municipal Code^[2].

Enforcer: Streets Division / Public Works or the department named in the municipal code.
Fines: specific dollar amounts for potholes, sidewalk neglect, or obstruction are not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: the city may issue notices, assess abatement costs, or seek fines for continuing violations; exact escalation steps and amounts are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: repair or abatement orders, charging the property owner for abatement work, and referral to municipal court when compliance is not met.
Inspection and complaints: submit a report online or contact the Streets Division to request an inspection; use the city report link above for intake procedures.^[1]
Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits for contesting orders are governed by the municipal code or specific department rules and are not specified on the cited page.
Defences and discretion: the city may consider permits, active construction, or emergency conditions when deciding enforcement; specifics depend on cited ordinance language.^[2]

If you believe a sidewalk defect is caused by a private tree or private construction, document and report it — responsibility may fall to the property owner.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes an online reporting form for street and sidewalk problems; there is no separate standardized ‘‘sidewalk repair permit’’ form published on the municipal code page referenced above. For formal appeals or to request an administrative review, check the municipal code section cited for procedures or contact the enforcing department directly.^[2]

How the process typically works

After you report a pothole or sidewalk hazard, the Streets Division schedules an inspection. If the defect is city responsibility, repairs are scheduled according to priority; if the defect is private, the city may issue an abatement notice to the property owner. Document hazards with photos, exact location, and any injury or vehicle damage details when reporting.

Evidence: take clear photos, note nearest address or intersection, and record date/time of observation.
Deadlines: request inspection promptly; statutory appeal deadlines are described in the municipal code and are not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Who fixes potholes on my street?: The city is responsible for defects in the public roadway; private-driveway issues are the property owner's responsibility. See the city reporting page for intake procedures.^[1]
Can I get reimbursed for vehicle damage?: Claim or reimbursement procedures depend on city claims rules; the municipal code and city claims page should be consulted for exact requirements.^[2]
What if a sidewalk is broken by a tree from the neighbor's yard?: Responsibility often rests with the adjacent property owner; the city can inspect and may issue repair orders under the municipal code.

How-To

Document the hazard with photos and the exact location (nearest address or intersection).
Use the city online report form or phone line to submit the hazard, attaching photos when possible. Report online^[1]
Note the case or reference number provided and track inspection status via the department contact.
If the city issues an abatement or repair order to a property owner, follow the municipal code instructions for compliance or appeal.^[2]
If you disagree with enforcement, file an appeal according to the municipal code timelines and procedures; consult the enforcing department for exact steps.

Key Takeaways

Report hazards promptly with photos and location details.
City inspects and assigns responsibility; private defects may lead to owner orders.