The City of Las Cruces City Council has adopted a vacant and abandoned property ordinance to address long-term vacancies, reduce deterioration and nuisance conditions, and encourage owners to return properties to productive use.
What property owners must do:
• Register qualifying properties annually, including properties with an approved fee exemption.
• Keep owner and property information current and provide current contact information.
• Remain in compliance with property maintenance standards.
Use this link to access the City of Las Cruces Vacancy Property Registration Application.
If City of Las Cruces Community Development staff have assessed your property as vacant, you will be contacted with information regarding how to proceed with registration.
Use this link to access the public online registry maintained by Community Development.
Which properties qualify:
The ordinance generally covers buildings, structures, or portions of them that have not been lawfully occupied or in operation for at least two consecutive years, along with the land on which they sit.
For multi-tenant properties, at least 50% of residential units or spaces, or 50% of commercial leasable area, must meet the two-year vacancy threshold. Properties are excluded for 24 months after a certificate of occupancy is issued.
Other exclusions include government-owned property; lawful, maintained parking areas; utility and drainage uses; landscaping, open space, parks, trails and recreation uses; and land actively used for agriculture.
Annual registration fees
| Property type | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 and later |
| Residential other than multi-tenant | $500 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Commercial and qualifying multi-tenant | $2,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 |
Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 refer to fiscal years in the City registry. Timing rules and approved exemptions can affect when fees are due.
Fee exemptions
Owners may apply for exemptions for qualifying construction or rehabilitation, foreclosure redemption periods, secured properties in probate or ownership litigation, active sale or lease marketing that meets pricing and marketing requirements, or eligible historic properties making progress through the City preservation process.
Exemptions require City approval, last 12 months, and may be renewed once for another 12 months. Registration and maintenance requirements still apply, and the City may address unsafe conditions. Use this link to visit the Nuisance Abatement Team page.
New properties are not considered vacant during the first 24 months after a CO.
Questions and appeals
Owners may appeal a final vacancy assessment or exemption decision in writing to the Community Development Director within 30 days.
Email [email protected] or call 575-541-2299 with questions or concerns.
