Santa Fe Setback Requirements & Dimensional Standards

Residential Districts

RR Rural Residential

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft 20 ft for street-facing garage/carport
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft
Height max (residential)	26 ft
Height max (nonresidential)	38 ft
Height near side/rear line	Within 10 ft of line → max 14 ft Within 15 ft → max 26 ft

R-1 – R-6 Lower-Density Residential

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft 20 ft for street-facing garage/carport
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft or 20% of avg lot depth (whichever is less)
Height max (residential)	26 ft
Height max (nonresidential)	38 ft
Height near side/rear line	Within 10 ft of line → max 14 ft Within 15 ft → max 26 ft

Applies to: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6.

R-7 – R-9 Moderate-Density Residential

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft 20 ft for street-facing garage/carport
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft or 20% of avg lot depth (whichever is less)
Height max (residential)	26 ft
Height max (nonresidential)	38 ft
Height near side/rear line	Within 10 ft of line → max 14 ft Within 15 ft → max 26 ft

Applies to: R-7, R-7(I), R-8, R-9.

RC-5 / RC-8 Residential Compound

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft — or 0 ft if yard wall 6–8 ft high is built between building and street
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft — or 5 ft if wall 6–8 ft high is built
Height max	26 ft — upper-story gross floor area ≤ 50% of ground floor area
Height (stories above ground)	No portion of any story above ground level shall be closer than 15 ft from the property line

R-10 – R-29 High-Density Residential

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft 20 ft for street-facing garage/carport
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft or 20% of avg lot depth (whichever is less)
Height max — R-10, R-12	26 ft
Height max — R-21, R-29	26 ft by right \| 38 ft with development plan or conditional use approval
Height near side/rear line	Within 10 ft of line → max 14 ft Within 15 ft → max 26 ft

Applies to: R-10, R-12, R-21, R-29.

RAC Residential Arts & Crafts

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft 20 ft for street-facing garage/carport
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft or 20% of avg lot depth (whichever is less)
Height max (residential)	26 ft
Height max (nonresidential)	38 ft
Height near side/rear line	Within 10 ft of line → max 14 ft Within 15 ft → max 24 ft (note: 24 ft, not 26 ft)

HZ Hospital Zone

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	7 ft 20 ft for street-facing garage/carport
Side	5 ft
Rear	15 ft or 20% of avg lot depth (whichever is less)
Height max	Las Soleras: 70 ft All other HZ: 38 ft

Applies to Christus St. Vincent HZ & Las Soleras HZ. Lot coverage: Christus 30%; Las Soleras: 1.8:1 FAR.

Mixed-Use & Commercial Districts

MU Mixed-Use District

Yard / Standard	Adjacent to Residential	Not Adjacent
Front	7 ft	7 ft
Side	30 ft	5 ft
Rear	30 ft	10 ft
Height max	38 ft all structures — buildings within 70 ft of an adjoining residential property line: max 26 ft

Note [2]: The 7 ft front setback applies if no street separates the MU and R districts. Note [3]: Right-of-way may count as part of setback.

C-1 / C-2 / C-4 Commercial Districts

Yard / Standard	C-1	C-2	C-4
Front	10 ft	15 ft	10 ft
Side	5 ft	0 ft	—
Rear	10 ft	10 ft	10 ft
Height max	38 ft	45 ft	26 ft
Height near side/rear line	C-4: Within 10 ft of line → max 14 ft Within 15 ft → max 26 ft

Rear yard abutting residential: Increases to 25 ft or 20% of lot depth (whichever is less). C-4 note: Max residential density is same as lowest-density contiguous residential district.

SC-1/2/3 Shopping Centers

Yard / Standard	SC-1	SC-2	SC-3
Front / Side / Rear	Same as requirements of any adjoining zoning district
Height max	38 ft	45 ft	45 ft

SC-1: min 5 acres; SC-2: min 10 acres; SC-3: min 40 acres.

BIP Business & Industrial Park

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front	None
Side	None
Rear	None
Height max	38 ft — within 25 ft of a residential district, no structure shall exceed 26 ft
Height stepback (near residential)	Structures 26–38 ft within 25 ft of residential: step back 2 horizontal ft per vertical ft above 26 ft

Adjacent to residential use or zoning: No building, parking, loading, or driveway less than 50 ft from shared property line. Planning Commission may reduce to 25 ft depending on use, topography, or landscaping.

POS Parks & Open Space

Yard / Standard	Minimum
Front / Side / Rear	None
Height max	None specified

Industrial Districts

I-1 / I-2 Industrial Districts

Yard / Standard	I-1	I-2
Front	15 ft	15 ft
Side	0 ft	5 ft / 10 ft (if abutting residential)
Rear	10 ft*	10 ft / 25 ft (if abutting residential)
Height max	65 ft both districts
Height stepback (near residential)	Any portion above 38 ft abutting residential: step back 1 horizontal ft per 2 ft of height above 38 ft

*I-1 rear abutting residential: Increases to 25 ft or 20% of lot depth (whichever is less).

Business-Capitol District (BCD) — Townscape Subdistricts

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The BCD contains multiple townscape subdistricts, each with distinct setback requirements. Corner lot provisions in §14-3.5D do not apply within the BCD. The baseline floor area ratio for the entire BCD is 2.0:1 (2.5:1 in Plaza/San Francisco, Alameda, Redevelopment, and Loretto subdistricts).

Subdistrict	Front / Street	Side	Rear	Max Height	Notes
Alameda St	None	—	—	56 ft (1 ft stepback per 2 ft above 36 ft)	Lot coverage 67% in bounded block; open space req. for Alameda frontage
Barrio de Analco	East: no restriction West: max 7 ft from property line	—	—	East: 18 ft West: 24 ft	West portion buildings built close to street edge; 67% lot coverage
Cerrillos Road	15 ft min on Cerrillos	—	—	45 ft (1 ft stepback per 2 ft above 27 ft; min 10 ft horizontal)	Lots abutting residential → residential district setback applies along common property line
Don Gaspar	10 ft	5 ft	15 ft	24 ft	—
East Marcy / East Palace	10 ft (or avg existing front yard depth on block)	5 ft	10 ft	27 ft	See §14-3.3C.9 for specific block-face exceptions on Marcy St and Palace Ave
Loretto	None	—	—	65 ft above center-of-site grade (1 ft setback per 2 ft above 36 ft from street ROW line)	—
Marcy	None (avg existing front yard on certain blocks)	—	—	Not specified (1 ft stepback per 1 ft above 24 ft; min 10 ft horizontal)	Parking prohibited in front yard
McKenzie St	10 ft	5 ft	15 ft	24 ft	—
Old Santa Fe Trail	10 ft	—	—	24 ft	—
Plaza / San Francisco	None (buildings on San Francisco St built to street property line)	—	—	36 ft	Buildings set back must have solid wall at property line unless 80%+ paved for public pedestrians
Rosario Blvd / NW Paseo de Peralta	20 ft min from sidewalk (north side of Paseo de Peralta)	—	—	36 ft	Residential district setback applies along common property line; 67% lot coverage
Sandoval / Montezuma	—	—	—	36 ft	Residential district setback applies along common property line; 67% lot coverage
State Capitol	Min = building height	5 ft min	—	48 ft	50% lot coverage. No walls allowed (except retaining, existing parking, delivery/trash areas)
Westside	10 ft	5 ft	15 ft	24 ft	—

Overlay Districts & Special Setback Rules

CRHC Cerrillos Road Highway Corridor

Zone / Standard	Setback from Cerrillos	Min. Lot Depth
Zone 1 (0–75 ft)	15 ft	75 ft
Zone 2 (75–125 ft)	25 ft	125 ft
Zone 3 (125–175 ft)	35 ft	175 ft
Zone 4 (175–225 ft)	45 ft	225 ft
Height max	45 ft — and shall not exceed the distance the building is set back from the Cerrillos Road ROW property line

Setback rule: As indicated above, or 20% of the lot's depth — whichever is less.

WSFRC West Santa Fe River Corridor

From	Setback
Santa Fe River	Min 15 ft from most restrictive of: River Greenway Boundary; 100-yr FEMA Floodplain; or City arroyo/stream code §14-8.2E.5
Agua Fria St	30 ft or 20% of lot depth (whichever is less) — for 2+ lots or 2+ housing units
West Alameda St	50 ft from property line — for 2+ lots or 2+ housing units

GARAGE Street Setback — Garage / Carport

Type	Setback from Street Property Line
Enclosed garage (3 sides) facing street	20 ft
Open carport (3+ sides open, facing street)	7 ft min — subject to conditions

Open carport allowance requires: 7 ft+ from street property line; fully open on ≥3 sides; materials compatible with dwelling; use limited to registered passenger vehicles/motorcycles; no material storage. Applies to all streets; does not apply to alleys.

General Setback Provisions & Exceptions (§14-3.5D)

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These provisions apply citywide across all zoning districts unless a specific district standard states otherwise. Source: §14-3.5D, City of Santa Fe LDC.

Structures Exempt from Setback Requirements

1Walls and fences
2Decks, planters, driveways, walkways, stairways, uncovered porches, and similar structures less than 30 inches above grade
3Swimming pools and other water features
4Above-ground and underground public/private utility facilities (as provided under §14-5.3I.2)
5Above-ground transformers, equipment enclosures, and vaults of utilities when located and screened per approved plat, development plan, or Director approval
6Underground pipes, wires, and conduits providing utility service to the property
7Above-ground wires (service drops) connecting structures to existing overhead utility distribution
8Eaves or other roof projections — may extend into required setbacks up to 2 feet

Additional General Rules

★Existing front setback averaging: Where existing development does not comply with front setback requirements, new development may reduce the front setback to match the average existing front setback of adjacent properties within 150 feet.
★Corner lots: One setback must comply with the zoning district's front setback requirement; all other street setbacks must be no less than 7 ft. (Does not apply in BCD.)
★Side/rear setback reductions: Required side and/or rear setbacks may be reduced with written concurrence of adjoining property owners (recorded agreement, plat, or declaration). The reduction must be offset by a corresponding increase on the adjoining lot. Subject to approval by Planning and Land Use Director per Article 7-1.
★Nonconforming lots: Dimensions of required setbacks, along with all other requirements not involving lot area or density, shall still conform to district regulations (§14-1.13D).

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Terrain overrides height maximums. On slopes ≥15%, ridge tops, and at elevations ≥7,400 ft, district height limits are superseded by lower terrain-specific caps (as low as 14 ft on ridgelines). See the SF County Terrain Management tab for the complete rules.

Setback Table 7-A — All Zoning Districts

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Road setbacks shown on plats are the minimums — an applicant may elect to create greater setbacks. The setback standards in Table 7-A do not apply to fences or walls.

Zoning District	Front Min (ft)	Front Max (ft)	Side Min (ft)	Rear Min (ft)	Height Max (ft)
A/R Agriculture / Ranching	25	n/a	50	50	36 (barn/silo: 50)
RUR Rural	25	n/a	25	25	36 (barn/silo: 50)
RUR-F Rural Fringe	25	n/a	25	25	36 (barn/silo: 50)
RUR-R Rural Residential	20	n/a	25	25	24
RES-F Residential Fringe	10	n/a	25	25	24
RES-E Residential Estate	10	n/a	25	25	24
RES-C Residential Community	5	n/a	5	5	24
TC Traditional Community	5	n/a	5	5	24
CG Commercial General	5	25	0	30	40 base / 48 with TDRs
CN Commercial Neighborhood	5	25	0	30	24
I Industrial General	20	n/a	30	30	36 base / 50 with TDRs
IL Industrial Light	20	n/a	30	30	27 base / 40 with TDRs
MU Mixed Use	0	n/a	0 *	5	27 base / 48 with TDRs
PI Public / Institutional	5	n/a	5	10	48

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MU Mixed Use exception (*): No interior side setbacks are required in the MU district, except when residential uses abut non-residential uses — in which case the minimum side setback shall be 25 ft. If a commercial use in an MU district abuts a residential zone adjacent to the MU district, the setback shall equal that of the adjacent residential zone.

Traditional Communities (TC) — Base Standards, Guidelines & Characteristics (§8.6.3 & Chapter 9)

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Historical Heritage & Settlement Form: Under SLDC §8.6.3, the Traditional Community (TC) base district accommodates the historic settlement patterns, family compounds, acequia agriculture, and compact village centers of Santa Fe County's historic communities. Base density is 1 dwelling unit per 0.75 acres (3/4 acre) with on-site septic/well (higher with community utility infrastructure). Where an adopted Community Overlay District (Chapter 9) applies, its local plan standards govern.

Traditional Community (Click row to expand details)	Geographic Area	Base Density & Height	Base Setbacks (F / S / R)	SLDC Overlay & Community Plan
▶ Village of Agua Fría	Santa Fe River corridor / historic Camino Real (Central County)	0.75 acre/DU · 24 ft height	Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §9.12 · VAF CD (Ord. 2006-02) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Village of Agua Fría Community District Overlay (VAF CD) SLDC §9.12 · §8.6.3 · Ordinance 2006-02 Base Density 0.75 acre/DU (on-site) · Clustered options Max Height 24 ft (max 2 stories) Setbacks Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft Max Lot Coverage 40% maximum Community Characteristics: Historic agricultural village settled along the Santa Fe River and Camino Real. Features centuries-old acequia systems, family compound parcels, historic San Isidro church, and traditional livestock agriculture. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Village Boundary Protection: Buffer non-residential uses from traditional residential lots; preserve existing acequias and agricultural water rights. • Architecture: Traditional Northern New Mexico Pueblo, Spanish-Pueblo, and Territorial vernacular with earthen-tone stuccos (light reflectance < 35%). • Agricultural Use Rights: Animal husbandry and small-scale farming explicitly protected as permitted accessory uses.
▶ La Cienega & La Cieneguilla	Riparian wetland valley & Camino Real (Southwestern County)	0.75 acre/DU (TC) / 2.5–5 ac (Fringe) · 24 ft	Front: 10–25 ft · Side: 5–25 ft · Rear: 10–25 ft	SLDC §9.8 · LCAC CD (Ord. 2002-9) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
La Cienega and La Cieneguilla Community District Overlay (LCAC CD) SLDC §9.8 · §7.13 · Ordinance 2002-9 Max Height 24 ft (standard) · 14–18 ft near ridges Spring/Wetland Setback 100 ft buffer from springs/cienagas River/Arroyo Buffer 50 ft from Santa Fe River / Guicu Arroyo Water Metering Mandatory meter & 0.25–0.50 AFY cap Community Characteristics: Oasis-like spring-fed valley populated since prehistoric times with sacred springs, acequias, petroglyph fields (La Cieneguilla), and El Rancho de las Golondrinas living history museum. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Hydrological Protection: Strict 100 ft non-disturbance buffer from wetlands and spring heads (§7.13); water availability assessments required for subdivisions. • Camino Real Viewshed: Structures along the historic trail corridor must maintain low vertical profiles and natural landscape screening.
▶ Tesuque	Tesuque River corridor & foothill valley (Northern County)	0.75 acre/DU (TC core) / 2.5–5 ac (Estate) · 24 ft	Front: 10–25 ft · Side: 5–25 ft · Rear: 10–25 ft	SLDC §9.5 · T CD (Ord. 2000-13) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Tesuque Community District Overlay (T CD) SLDC §9.5 · §8.6.3 · Ordinance 2000-13 Max Height 24 ft (flat) · 14–18 ft (steep slopes §7.17) River Corridor Buffer 50 ft from Tesuque River center line Acequia Protection 25 ft easement / maintenance buffer Commercial Uses Limited to small-scale neighborhood center Community Characteristics: Verdant, historic village characterized by lush riparian cottonwood bosques, small-scale organic orchards, historic adobe compounds, and proximity to Tesuque Pueblo. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Valley Floor Preservation: Protect historic tree canopies and agricultural fields from mass grading and commercial expansion. • Lighting & Dark Sky: Full-cutoff, shielded downlighting with maximum 2700K warm color temperature to protect dark night skies.
▶ Madrid	Turquoise Trail (NM 14) / Ortiz Mountains canyon (Southern County)	0.75 acre/DU (TC) · 24 ft height	Front: 0–10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §9.6 · M CD (Ord. 2000-14) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Madrid Community District Overlay (M CD) SLDC §9.6 · §8.6.3 · Ordinance 2000-14 Max Height 24 ft Commercial Front Setback 0–10 ft along NM 14 (boardwalk alignment) Live/Work Mixed Use Permitted in Main Street Commercial Zone Water Conservation Strict rainwater harvesting required Community Characteristics: Former historic coal-mining boomtown transformed into an eclectic arts and historic boardwalk community along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Historic Main Street: Preservation of historic wooden miners' cabins, clapboard storefronts, raised wooden boardwalks, and zero-lot-line street frontages along NM 14. • Artist Studios & Gallerias: Mixed-use artisan workshops, live/work spaces, and craft retail permitted by right within the commercial overlay.
▶ Los Cerrillos	Historic turquoise/silver mining center / Ortiz foothills (Southern County)	0.75 acre/DU (TC) · 24 ft height	Front: 0–10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §9.4 · LC CD (Ord. 1999-12) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Los Cerrillos Community District Overlay (LC CD) SLDC §9.4 · §8.6.3 · Ordinance 1999-12 Max Height 24 ft Plaza Frontage 0–5 ft build-to line on central dirt plaza Street Character Unpaved wide dirt streets maintained Historic Style 1880s Western Boomtown & Adobe Community Characteristics: 19th-century mining railroad town featuring wide unpaved dirt streets, false-front wooden buildings, adobe residences, and adjacency to Cerrillos Hills State Park. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Historic Streetscape: Maintain traditional unpaved dirt roadways; new buildings must conform to Western Boomtown false-front or Territorial adobe styles. • Archaeological & Mining Protection: Protection of historic turquoise and silver mine workings and railroad rights-of-way.
▶ Chimayó	Santa Cruz River valley / High Road to Taos (Northern County)	0.75 acre/DU (TC) · 24 ft height	Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §9.16 · CH CD (Ord. 2015-8) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Chimayó Community District Overlay (CH CD) SLDC §9.16 · §8.6.3 · Ordinance 2015-8 Max Height 24 ft (pitched roof: 27 ft) River & Acequia Buffer 25 ft non-disturbance corridor Historic Plazas Plaza del Cerro & El Santuario viewsheds Traditional Craft Weaving & agricultural commerce permitted Community Characteristics: World-renowned historic Spanish colonial settlement famous for traditional Rio Grande weaving, heirloom Chimayó chile farming, Plaza del Cerro, and El Santuario de Chimayó pilgrimage destination. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Plaza del Cerro Protection: Preserve the last intact fortified Spanish colonial plaza in the United States. • Rooflines & Materials: Pitched corrugated metal roofs (pro-panel) or flat adobe parapets; natural wood vigas, portals, and stone foundations.
▶ Galisteo	Galisteo Creek basin / historic Spanish land grant (Central/East County)	0.75 acre/DU (TC core) / 2.5–40 ac (Basin) · 24 ft	Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §9.15 · G CD (Ord. 2012-3) ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Galisteo Community District Overlay (G CD) SLDC §9.15 · §8.6.3 · Ordinance 2012-3 Max Height 24 ft Floodway Setback 100 ft buffer from Galisteo Creek banks Courtyard Walls Adobe or stone walls up to 6 ft permitted Roads Preservation of gravel & dirt village lanes Community Characteristics: Peaceful 19th-century Spanish land grant village nestled under a dense canopy of ancient cottonwoods along Galisteo Creek, with thick-walled adobe homes and stone corral walls. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Village Core Enclosure: Adobe perimeter walls, courtyard compounds, and narrow traditional lanes. • Riparian Flood Protection: Development restricted within the Galisteo Creek floodplain to safeguard the historic bosque.
▶ Pojoaque Valley & Northern Settlements	Jacona, Jaconita, El Rancho, Pojoaque, Cuyamungue, Nambé, Cundiyó	0.75 acre/DU (TC) · 24 ft height	Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §9.13 · PV CD & §8.6.3 ▼ Click to view design guidelines
Pojoaque Valley Community District Overlay (PV CD) SLDC §9.13 · §8.6.3 · Northern Community Plans Max Height 24 ft Acequia Buffer 20 ft non-disturbance easement Family Compound Traditional family land divisions supported Corridor Setback 50 ft buffer from US 84/285 corridor Community Characteristics: Fertile agricultural river valleys spanning Pojoaque, Nambé, and Santa Cruz watersheds with deeply rooted acequia irrigation associations, family orchards, and equestrian farms. Key Design Guidelines & SLDC Standards: • Acequia & Ditch Rights: Unobstructed maintenance easements along all active mother acequias (acequias madres). • Rural Character: Preservation of pasture views, native vegetation screening, and earthen building materials.
▶ Glorieta, Cañoncito, Lamy, Chupadero & Others	Mountain pass corridors, railroad settlements & high valley villages	0.75 acre/DU (TC) · 24 ft height	Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft	SLDC §8.6.3 Base District Standards ▼ Click to view list & standards
Traditional Communities of Santa Fe County (SLDC §8.6.3) SLDC §8.6.3 · Table 8-10 · Countywide TC Zones Base Density 1 DU per 0.75 acres (3/4 acre) Max Height 24 ft Setbacks (F / S / R) Front: 10 ft · Side: 5 ft · Rear: 10 ft Lot Coverage 40% maximum Additional Recognized Traditional Community Settlements: • Lamy: Historic 1880 Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (AT&SF) railroad junction; historic railroad depot architecture and rural foothills character. • Glorieta & Cañoncito: Historic mountain pass settlements along the Santa Fe Trail at the crest of Glorieta Pass; forested piñon-ponderosa terrain and slope sensitivity (§7.17). • Chupadero, Rio Chiquito & Rio en Medio: Mountain canyon villages in the northern Sangre de Cristo foothills; acequia farming and strict creek riparian protections. • La Puebla, Sombrillo & Santa Cruz: Historic Spanish colonial river valley settlements along the lower Santa Cruz River basin. • San Pedro & Golden: Historic 1820s gold placers and Turquoise Trail mountain foothills settlements.

Planned Development Districts (PDD) — Height & Dimensional Standards (§8.10)

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Governing Authority: Under SLDC §8.10, Planned Development Districts (PDDs) are customized master-planned communities and commercial/resort centers. Heights, setbacks, and densities are established by their specific County-approved Master Plans, plats, and architectural guidelines (CC&Rs). Where an approved Master Plan is silent, base SLDC standards apply (default max height: 30 ft).

PDD District (Click row to expand details)	Primary Uses	Max Height	Typical Setbacks (F / S / R)	Governing Plan & SLDC Section
▶ Community College District (CCD)	Employment centers, mixed-use village cores, residential, media & film	24–27 ft (residential) 38 ft (commercial/mixed-use) Up to 48 ft with bonus	Front: 0–15 ft (build-to) Side: 0–10 ft Rear: 10–20 ft	SLDC §8.10.3 & Appendix F ▼ Click to view subdistricts & rules
Planned Development — Santa Fe Community College District SLDC §8.10.3 · Appendix F · Ord. 2000-12 Max Height 24–27 ft (res) / 38 ft (comm) / 48 ft (bonus) Front Setback 0–5 ft (centers) · 10–15 ft (res) · 20 ft (garage) Side / Rear Setbacks Side: 0–10 ft · Rear: 10–20 ft (0–5 ft alley) Open Space Required 50% permanent dedication + trail network SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: The Community College District is a comprehensive master-planned transect district designed around walkable mixed-use centers and open space separators. Development is guided by the official CCD Land Systems Map, CCD Circulation Map, and CCD Zoning Map (Appendix F). Residential density ranges from 3.5–8.0 DU/acre in centers to 1 DU/5 acres (clustered up to 4 DU/acre) in Fringe and Rural areas. Official CCD Subdistricts (SLDC §8.10.3.5 – §8.10.3.13) • CCD-NCC: New Community Center (Table 8-27) — Max height 38–48 ft; min 3.5 DU/acre • CCD-NC: Neighborhood Center (Table 8-28) — Max height 30–36 ft; 0 ft plaza setback • CCD-VN: Village Neighborhood (Table 8-29) — Max height 24 ft (27 ft pitched roof) • CCD-EZ: Employment Zone (Table 8-30) — Corporate offices, R&D; max height 38–48 ft • CCD-IL: Institutional/Library (§8.10.3.9) — Higher education campus facilities • CCD-M: Media Subdistrict (Table 8-32) — Film production, broadcast, studios • CCD-F: Fringe Subdistrict (Table 8-33) — Sensitive hillsides; min 50% open space • CCD-R: Rural Subdistrict (Table 8-34) — 1 DU/acre; clustered up to 4 DU/acre • CCD-EN: Existing Neighborhoods (Table 8-35) — Valle Lindo, Vista Ocasa, W. Arroyo Hondo (2.5 ac/DU)
▶ Las Campanas (PD-16)	Single-family residential enclaves, golf clubhouse, equestrian, spa	18–24 ft (residential) 30 ft (clubhouse/civic)	Front: 20–25 ft Side: 15–20 ft Rear: 20–30 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(15) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Las Campanas Planned Development District (PD-16) SLDC §8.10.10.1(15) · §8.10.10.2 · Tract Master Plans Max Height 18 ft (ridge/view) · 24 ft (std res) · 30 ft (club) Typical Setbacks Front: 20–25 ft · Side: 15–20 ft · Rear: 20–30 ft Density / Lot Size 1.0 to 2.5+ acres per homesite Perimeter Buffer 50 ft minimum outer tract setback SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Governed by approved Tract Master Development Plans and Las Campanas Homeowners Association (LCHOA) Architectural Review Committee (ARC) covenants. Construction is restricted to defined building envelopes on recorded subdivision plats. Key Architectural & Environmental Conditions: • Height Caps: Strict 18 ft maximum height on ridge lots and designated view corridors; standard flat-roof residential parapet cap is 24 ft; golf clubhouse, equestrian center, and spa allow up to 30 ft. • Style & Materials: Low-profile Territorial and Contemporary Pueblo styles with earthen-tone stucco finishes (LRV < 35%), non-reflective glass, fully shielded dark-sky fixtures, and native landscape preservation.
▶ Aldea de Santa Fe (PD-2)	Traditional neighborhood village, plazas, townhomes, single-family	24 ft (residential, max 2 stories) 30 ft (village center / civic)	Front: 0–10 ft (build-to lines) Side: 0–5 ft Rear: 10–15 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(2) & §8.10.5 ▼ Click to view rules
Aldea de Santa Fe Traditional Neighborhood (PD-2) SLDC §8.10.10.1(2) · §8.10.5 · Aldea Master Plan Max Height 24 ft (res, 2 stories) · 30 ft (village center) Front Setback 0–10 ft build-to lines along plazas & streets Side / Rear Setbacks Side: 0–5 ft (zero-lot line townhomes) · Rear: 10–15 ft Open Space >205 acres (>60% of total tract preserved) SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Model Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) featuring a central commercial and civic plaza surrounded by pedestrian-oriented residential enclaves. Key Architectural & Dimensional Conditions: • Parapet Height: Ground floor finished floor to top of parapet is limited to a maximum of 14 ft to maintain human scale. • Street Enclosure: Homes and courtyard walls form continuous street walls along village lanes; vehicle access is primarily rear-loaded from shared alleys.
▶ Tessera (PD-3)	Single-family residential neighborhood	18–22 ft (standard) 24 ft (designated walk-out lots)	Front: 20 ft Side: 10–15 ft Rear: 20 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(3) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Tessera Planned Development (PD-3) SLDC §8.10.10.1(3) · Tessera Master Plan Max Height 18–22 ft (standard) · 24 ft (walk-out lots) Front Setback 20 ft minimum Side / Rear Setbacks Side: 10–15 ft · Rear: 20 ft Dedicated Open Space >70% natural open space conservation SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Clustered residential subdivision situated on 700+ rolling acres northwest of Santa Fe. Emphasizes view corridor preservation toward the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains, native piñon-juniper preservation, dark-sky lighting, and integrated pedestrian trails.
▶ Galisteo Basin Preserve / Trenza (PD-1)	Conservation community, village center, clustered residential	24 ft (residential) 30 ft (village commercial)	Front: 10–20 ft Side: 10 ft Rear: 15–20 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(1) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Galisteo Basin Preserve / Trenza (PD-1) SLDC §8.10.10.1(1) · Galisteo Basin Master Plan Max Height 24 ft (res) · 30 ft (village center) Typical Setbacks Front: 10–20 ft · Side: 10 ft · Rear: 15–20 ft Conservation Area >95% (9,000+ acres) permanent open space Public Trails 50+ miles of non-motorized trails SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Landmark conservation-based development preserving over 95% of its 9,500-acre land area. Development is tightly clustered in designated village hamlets to protect grassland ecology, wildlife migration corridors, and archaeological sites.
▶ Avanti / SF Metro Center (PD-10)	Office, business park, light industrial, technology	36 ft (standard) Up to 48 ft for office campus	Front: 20 ft Side: 15 ft Rear: 20 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(10) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Avanti Business Park / Santa Fe Metro Center (PD-10) SLDC §8.10.10.1(10) · Santa Fe Metro Center Master Plan Max Height 36 ft (standard) · up to 48 ft (campus office) Typical Setbacks Front: 20 ft · Side: 15 ft · Rear: 20 ft Permitted Uses Corporate HQ, R&D, tech flex, light industrial Screening 100% mechanical & loading dock screening SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Premier corporate office and technology business park located near the I-25 / NM 599 interchange. Standards require underground utilities, unified landscaping, and architectural screening of service bays.
▶ St. Francis South Business Park (PD-9)	Commercial, light industrial, showroom, flex-space	36 ft	Front: 20 ft Side: 15 ft Rear: 20 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(9) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
St. Francis South Business Park (PD-9) SLDC §8.10.10.1(9) · St. Francis South Master Plan Max Height 36 ft Setbacks Front: 20 ft · Side: 15 ft · Rear: 20 ft Arterial Buffer Enhanced landscape buffer along St. Francis Dr Access Consolidated access points per NMDOT / County plan SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Commercial and light manufacturing corridor along South St. Francis Drive. Regulates access management, unified signage, and building heights up to 36 ft.
▶ Bishop's Lodge Resort (PD-4)	Historic luxury resort, lodge, guest casitas, spa, dining	35 ft (lodge / resort buildings) 24 ft (casitas / residential)	Per approved resort master plan	SLDC §8.10.10.1(4) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Bishop's Lodge Resort Planned Development (PD-4) SLDC §8.10.10.1(4) · Bishop's Lodge Master Plan Max Height 35 ft (main lodge) · 24 ft (casitas) Setbacks Per approved hillside contour development plan Primary Uses Resort hotel, dining, spa, stables, events Terrain Rules Little Tesuque Canyon slope preservation SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Historic luxury destination resort in the Tesuque Valley foothills. Buildings terrace into natural hillside topography to minimize cut-and-fill and maintain the historic pastoral ambiance.
▶ Rancho Encantado (PD-14)	Four Seasons luxury resort, casitas, spa, equestrian	30 ft (main resort lodge) 20–24 ft (casitas)	Per approved resort master plan	SLDC §8.10.10.1(14) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Rancho Encantado Resort Planned Development (PD-14) SLDC §8.10.10.1(14) · Rancho Encantado Master Plan Max Height 30 ft (main lodge) · 20–24 ft (casitas) Perimeter Buffer 25 ft minimum boundary setback Primary Uses Luxury resort suites, spa, wellness, dining Terrain Sensitivity Tesuque foothill slope & arroyo protection SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Four Seasons resort property in northern Santa Fe County with clustered low-profile adobe casitas nestled in pinon-studded hillsides.
▶ Ten Thousand Waves (PD-13)	Japanese-style spa and mountain resort pavilions	24–30 ft	Per approved master plan	SLDC §8.10.10.1(13) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Ten Thousand Waves Spa & Resort (PD-13) SLDC §8.10.10.1(13) · Hyde Park Corridor Plan Max Height 24–30 ft Scenic Corridor Hyde Park Road preservation overlay standards Primary Uses Hot spring tubs, spa pavilions, dining, lodging Terrain Management SLDC §7.17 mountain slope & canopy rules SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Japanese-inspired mountain onsen and spa resort in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. Built with timber and natural materials stepped into steep forested slopes with minimal canopy disturbance.
▶ Sunrise Springs Resort (PD-11)	Hot springs resort, wellness pavilions, guest lodging	30 ft	Front: 25 ft Side: 20 ft Rear: 25 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(11) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Sunrise Springs Wellness Resort (PD-11) SLDC §8.10.10.1(11) · Sunrise Springs Master Plan Max Height 30 ft Setbacks Front: 25 ft · Side: 20 ft · Rear: 25 ft Wetland Buffer 100 ft buffer from natural spring wetlands Primary Uses Hot spring spas, guest pavilions, organic farming SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Historic natural spring and wellness resort in La Cienega. Governed by strict riparian protection standards (§7.13) and low-impact agricultural/hospitality development.
▶ The Downs at Santa Fe (PD-5)	Mixed-use development, entertainment, commercial, events	36–48 ft	Front: 25 ft Side: 20 ft Rear: 25 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(5) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
The Downs at Santa Fe (PD-5) SLDC §8.10.10.1(5) · The Downs Master Redevelopment Plan Max Height 36–48 ft Setbacks Front: 25 ft · Side: 20 ft · Rear: 25 ft Primary Uses Entertainment, commercial, events, film, markets Tract Area 130+ acre former racetrack site SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Master-planned adaptive redevelopment of the former horse racetrack facility off I-25, providing flexible zoning for large-scale public events, commercial hubs, and media production.
▶ Santa Fe Horse Park (PD-12)	Equine competition facility, arenas, stables, hospitality	35 ft (indoor arenas/barns) 24 ft (support buildings)	Front: 50 ft Side: 50 ft Rear: 50 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(12) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Santa Fe Horse Park (PD-12) SLDC §8.10.10.1(12) · Horse Park Master Plan Max Height 35 ft (arenas/barns) · 24 ft (support) Perimeter Setbacks Front: 50 ft · Side: 50 ft · Rear: 50 ft Primary Uses Equestrian arenas, stabling, competition, spectator Buffer Requirement 50 ft agricultural perimeter buffer SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Equestrian event facility designed for regional horse shows and training. Features large perimeter setbacks to buffer surrounding rural properties, dedicated trailer staging, and equine waste management.
▶ Santa Fe Canyon Ranch (PD-7)	Residential estate & equestrian preservation	24 ft	Front: 25 ft Side: 25 ft Rear: 25 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(7) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Santa Fe Canyon Ranch (PD-7) SLDC §8.10.10.1(7) · Canyon Ranch Master Plan Max Height 24 ft Setbacks Front: 25 ft · Side: 25 ft · Rear: 25 ft Primary Uses Single-family residential estate, equestrian Character High-desert terrain & pasture conservation SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Low-density residential subdivision preserving native high-desert terrain, arroyos, and grazing pastures.
▶ Cimarron Village (PD-8)	Mixed-use commercial and residential community	24 ft (residential) 30 ft (commercial/mixed-use)	Front: 10–15 ft Side: 10 ft Rear: 15 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(8) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Cimarron Village Planned Development (PD-8) SLDC §8.10.10.1(8) · Cimarron Village Master Plan Max Height 24 ft (res) · 30 ft (commercial/mixed-use) Setbacks Front: 10–15 ft · Side: 10 ft · Rear: 15 ft Primary Uses Single-family, attached housing, village retail Open Space Clustered greens and central neighborhood park SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Mixed-use residential village community with pedestrian walkability, neighborhood commercial core, and central park areas.
▶ Tavelli Mixed-Use (PD-6)	Commercial, light industrial, and mixed-use subdivision	24 ft (residential) 30 ft (commercial)	Front: 15 ft Side: 10 ft Rear: 15 ft	SLDC §8.10.10.1(6) & §8.10.10.2 ▼ Click to view rules
Tavelli Mixed-Use Subdivision (PD-6) SLDC §8.10.10.1(6) · Tavelli Master Plan Max Height 24 ft (res) · 30 ft (commercial/flex) Setbacks Front: 15 ft · Side: 10 ft · Rear: 15 ft Primary Uses Commercial, artisan flex, light service, live/work Access Unified internal circulation & shared parking SLDC Rules & Master Plan Framework: Small-scale commercial flex subdivision with unified parking and architecture along central arterial access.

Special & Resource-Based Setbacks

§7.3.3.3 Highway Setbacks

Road Type	Min. Setback from Pavement
Federal Highway	150 ft
Highway / Major Arterial / Railroad	100 ft

Unless established through a right-of-way. May be reduced via landscaping — see §7.3.3.9 reduction provisions below.

§7.3.3.9 Highway Setback Reductions (Landscaping)

Buffer Type	Reduced Setback
Trees ≥20 ft at maturity, 25 ft wide, 1 tree/350 sq ft (≥⅓ evergreens)	75 ft
Trees ≥30 ft maturity + shrubs ≥12 ft maturity, 25 ft wide, 1 tree/300 sq ft + 1 shrub/350 sq ft	50 ft
Trees + solid masonry wall, or trees + 3–4 ft earth berm	Further reduction possible — Admin discretion based on site variables

§7.3.3.5 Commercial / Industrial to Residential

Condition	Setback
Any structure/use in Commercial or Industrial district adjacent to a Residential district	100 ft from the property line

Note: "Commercial district" for purposes of this section does not include the MU zone.

§7.3.3.6 Acequia / Ditch Setback

Feature	Setback
Centerline of any acequia, ditch, lateral, or drain under authority of an acequia association, organization, or irrigation district	15 ft min

Applies to all structures excluding walls and fences. Requirement may be waived if easement is otherwise prescribed by a recognized acequia association or irrigation district. Applicants must provide notice to impacted acequia associations if development is within 25 ft of an acequia.

§7.17.5 Arroyo / Floodplain Erosion Setbacks

Feature	Min. Setback
Natural edge of arroyos with flows >25 cfs (100-yr storm)	25 ft
FEMA-designated 100-year Floodplain	75 ft (min 25 ft if bank stabilization engineered)

No fill shall be placed in natural drainage channels. FEMA setback may be reduced below 75 ft if bank stabilization or stream-bed/bank stability is designed by a licensed professional engineer — but in no case reduced below 25 ft.

§7.17.10.6 Ridgeline / Ridgetop Setback

Feature	Min. Setback
Ridge, ridgetop, ridgeline, or shoulder	100 ft

The 100 ft default may be reduced only if a field inspection demonstrates that structures within the default minimum would be non-visible or less visible from applicable public rights-of-way than structures built outside the default minimum setback.

Exceptions to Setback Requirements (§7.3.3.8)

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These exceptions apply provided that a 10-foot distance between structures is maintained.

Allowed within Required Setbacks

1Fences and walls
2Chimneys, flues, or smokestacks — may extend into setbacks but may not occupy more than 20 sq ft of the setback
3Sills and ornamental features — may project up to 2 ft into any setback
4Fire escapes — may project up to 5 ft into any required setback
5Cornices and eaves — may extend up to 5 ft into required setback, but shall remain at least 2 ft from the property line
6Marquee signs and awnings — may extend into setback
7Security gates and guard stations — may be located within required setback
8At-grade patios, decks, uncovered terraces, uncovered steps, and handicapped access ramps — may extend into any required setback
9Mechanical equipment for residences — may extend into required setback but shall remain at least 5 ft from the property line
10Bay windows, entrances, balconies, portals, and similar features — may extend up to 2 ft into required setbacks, but shall remain at least 5 ft from the property line
11Pedestrian, bike, or equestrian pathways or trails; leach fields; retention ponding
12Garages with alley access — may extend into the rear setback
13An addition to an existing structure legally located within a setback may be built within the setback, provided the addition will not be built closer than the existing structure is to the property line
14Where setback requirements prohibit development of a legal lot of record, the Administrator may allow a reduction of the setback(s) to a minimum of 5 ft

Other County Setback Notes

§7.3.3.4 Fire-Resistant Materials

A reduced side yard setback may be permitted where fire-resistant materials are used consistent with the New Mexico Fire Code and the Santa Fe County Fire Code. The road, side, and rear setback standards shall still apply around the perimeter of an attached housing development.

§7.3.3.2 Road Setbacks on Plats

Front and side setbacks adjacent to roads shall be shown on all plats as required by the SLDC. The setbacks provided on plats are minimum setbacks — an applicant may elect to create greater setbacks. A setback shown on a recorded plat that is greater than the SLDC minimum governs.

§7.17.4 No-Build Areas

No-build areas shall be identified on any plat and site development plan. These include: rock outcroppings, wetlands, riparian areas, arroyos and natural drainage ways; setbacks from ridgetops and natural streams; areas with natural slopes ≥30%; and access or other easements in which development is prohibited.

§7.17.1 — Purposes & Applicability

What Terrain Management Is Designed to Do

1Protect water quality and the natural character of the land
2Minimize soil and slope instability, erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater runoff
3Protect and retain rugged and steep terrain, natural landmarks, and prominent natural features as open space
4Adapt development to existing natural topography, soils, vegetation, geology, and hydrology — by minimizing cuts/fills, blending graded areas with natural terrain, and careful phasing of revegetation
5Preserve natural drainage patterns and protect the public from flooding, erosion, and landslides
6Encourage minimum disturbance to natural areas by locating roads, driveways, and utilities to minimize scarring

Applicability: All development shall comply with the standards of §7.17 without exception.

§7.17.3–7.17.4 — Buildable Area & No-Build Areas

§7.17.3 Buildable Area Requirements

Standard	Requirement
Designation	A buildable area must be identified on all plats and site development plans
Minimum size	2,000 sq ft including all required working areas (does not apply to high-density PD or MU)
Development limit	Development shall occur only within the designated buildable area
Alternative	Administrator may approve alternative buildable area on proof of SLDC compliance

§7.17.4 No-Build Areas (Always Prohibited)

✗Rock outcroppings, wetlands, riparian areas, arroyos, and natural drainage ways
✗Setback areas from ridge tops, ridges, and natural streams and drainage ways
✗Areas with natural slopes of 30% or greater
✗Access easements and other easements in which development is prohibited

§7.17.6 — Grading, Clearing & Grubbing

Rules for All Grading Activity

1A development permit must be obtained before any grading, clearing, or grubbing. (Not required for routine driveway maintenance; required for major changes or capital improvements.)
2Grading and clearing of native vegetation is limited to approved buildable areas, roads/driveways, drainage facilities, wastewater systems, and utility corridors
3Topsoil from graded areas shall be stockpiled for use in revegetation
4Limits of disturbance (LOD) fencing or construction barriers must be installed before any grading begins
5No grading permitted within 1 ft of a property line (except for roads, driveways, and utilities)
6Temporary fencing shall be installed to protect natural vegetation outside disturbance area
7Retaining walls shall not exceed 10 ft in height

§7.17.9 — Steep Slopes, Ridge Tops, Ridgelines & Shoulders

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Applies to: Any structure on a slope exceeding 15%, any area where slope exceeds 30%, and any ridge, ridge top, ridgeline, or shoulder. Where a ridgetop is more than 500 ft from shoulder to shoulder, standards apply within 200 ft of the shoulder.

§7.17.9.2 Slope Development Standards

Condition	Rule
Ridge top / ridgeline / shoulder	No structure allowed unless no other buildable area exists on the property. Only single-story structures permitted.
Buildable area on ridge/shoulder	Must be set back 25 ft from the shoulder
Slope ≥ 30%	No structure may be constructed. Utilities, drainage, slope retention, and access roads may be placed on ≥30% slopes if disturbance is limited to ≤3 separate areas of ≤1,000 sq ft each.
Slope 15–30% (finished floor)	Finished floor elevation shall not exceed 5 ft above natural grade at any point
Slope instability / hazards	No structure where evidence exists of instability, rock falls, landslides, or other hazards
Significant trees on ≥30% slopes	No significant trees may be removed

§7.17.9.3 Height Limits — Slopes & Ridges

Location	Max Height	Additional Rule
Slope ≥ 15%	18 ft	Distance from highest point of structure to lowest point at natural/finished cut grade: max 30 ft (unless ≥15% portion is incidental to the entire site)
Ridge / ridgeline / shoulder	14 ft, 1 story	Exception: a 1-story pitched roof structure may reach 18 ft if screened from view from any arterial or major arterial road

These limits supersede base district height maximums whenever the slope or ridgeline triggers apply.

§7.17.9.4 Architectural Standards — Steep Slopes

Standard	Requirement
Site design on slopes >15%	Structure must follow contours to minimize cuts and fills; must solidly meet the ground plane
Pier foundations	Must be enclosed so exterior walls appear to meet the ground; shall not exceed 5 ft above natural grade
Colors & materials (visible from roads)	Muted, non-reflective/non-glossy; Light Reflective Value (LRV) < 40%
Landscaping	Required for cut/fill slopes >4 ft; min 50% of visible cut/fill slope and building facade must be landscaped

§7.17.10 — Development at or above 7,400 Feet Elevation

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All general terrain standards (§7.17.1–7.17.9) continue to apply at ≥7,400 ft, with the following additional requirements layered on top. These are among the most restrictive rules in the SLDC.

§7.17.10.1 Buildable Area Analysis

Every lot or parcel at ≥7,400 ft must be formally analyzed. A buildable area must satisfy all three criteria:

#	Criterion
1	Average slope of the buildable area is < 20% — only 50% of any structure may sit on slope between 20–30%
2	Soils within the area are acceptable for construction of foundations
3	Buildable area must be closest to the nearest pre-existing public or private road or ROW, unless that would make the structure visible from a major arterial or conflict with terrain standards

§7.17.10.2 Visual Impact Analysis (Required)

Every proposed development site at ≥7,400 ft must be evaluated for visibility from a major arterial. The analysis must include:

1White story poles at every corner and on the pitch of any proposed structure, at the proposed height
2Telephoto photographs or computer simulations from the nearest major arterial road with a view of the site
3Viewpoints approved by the Administrator before the analysis; Administrator may require additional viewpoints

If visible from a major arterial, applicant must consider: (a) a less visible site; (b) adjusting lot lines or roads; or (c) additional screening, buffering, or setbacks.

§7.17.10.3 Disturbed Area Limitation

Standard	Limit
Total disturbed area per lot	Max 12,000 sq ft
Primary driveway disturbance	Excluded from the 12,000 sq ft calculation
Construction staging areas	Must be fenced prior to construction
Revegetation required	All disturbed area not occupied by permanent improvements (utilities, leach fields, staging areas)
Walls & fences	Count toward disturbed area if impermeable to overland sheet flow or inhibit water infiltration

§7.17.10.4 Roads & Driveways at ≥7,400 ft

Standard	Requirement
Maximum slope for roads/driveways	May not be designed or constructed on slopes exceeding 25%
Exception (Admin approval)	Allowed on slopes >25% only if: (a) ≤3 isolated disturbance areas of ≤1,000 sq ft each, and (b) applicant demonstrates minimal terrain and visual impact

§7.17.10.5 Architectural & Appearance Standards

Standard	Requirement
Window & door glazing per façade	Max 30%
Glazing under portals ≥8 ft deep	Max 50% of that façade area
Glazing material	Non-mirrored; LRV < 20%
All other surfaces (visible from roads)	Muted, non-reflective; LRV < 40%

§7.17.10.6–7 Setbacks & Screening at ≥7,400 ft

Standard	Requirement
Setback from ridge / ridgetop / shoulder	100 ft — reducible only if field inspection proves non-visibility from public ROW
Structures >4 ft visible from ROW	Screened with indigenous shrubs/trees matching on-site species
Structure 8–14 ft high	≥1 indigenous evergreen so ≤50% of structure is exposed from tree top to highest point
Structure >14 ft high	≥1 indigenous evergreen ≥8 ft tall within 15 ft; tree at maturity shall exceed structure height
Per linear wall	≥1 tree ≥6 ft for every 15 linear ft of horizontal wall, within 15 ft of wall
Retaining walls	Max 5 ft per individual wall; if more needed, multiple walls set back min 6 ft face-to-face; setback area grading ≤1% cross slope

Quick Reference — Height Limits by Terrain Condition

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These terrain-based height caps apply countywide regardless of zoning district. They override the district maximum wherever the terrain trigger is met.

Terrain Condition	Code §	Max Height	Key Additional Rule
Slope ≥ 30%	§7.17.9.2(3)	No structures permitted	Utilities/drainage/roads only; ≤3 disturbance areas of ≤1,000 sq ft each
Ridge / ridgeline / shoulder	§7.17.9.3(2)	14 ft, 1 story only	1-story pitched roof exception: up to 18 ft if screened from arterials; shoulder setback 25 ft
Slope ≥ 15%	§7.17.9.3(1)	18 ft	Max 30 ft from structure's high point to lowest at natural/finished cut grade
Slope 15–30% (floor elevation)	§7.17.9.2(6)	Floor ≤ 5 ft above natural grade	Controls floor elevation, not total height — works alongside the 18 ft cap
Elevation ≥ 7,400 ft + ridge	§7.17.10.6 + §7.17.9.3	14–18 ft (slope rules apply)	100 ft setback from ridge/ridgeline also required; visual impact study required
Elevation ≥ 7,400 ft (general flat/gentle slope)	§7.17.10	District max — but additional process required	Buildable area analysis, story poles, visual impact study, 12,000 sq ft disturbance cap

Santa Fe Setback Requirements

City of Santa Fe — Setback Standards

Structures Exempt from Setback Requirements

Additional General Rules

Santa Fe County — Setback & Height Standards

Allowed within Required Setbacks

SF County Terrain Management — §7.17

What Terrain Management Is Designed to Do

Rules for All Grading Activity