Farmington Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Farmington Zoning Overview
Farmington is located in the Four Corners region of northwestern New Mexico at the confluence of the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers. The city serves as the commercial and population center of San Juan County, with an economy historically tied to oil and gas extraction, coal mining, and power generation. Farmington's land use patterns reflect its role as a regional service center, with a traditional downtown, auto-oriented commercial corridors, established residential neighborhoods, and industrial areas associated with the energy sector.
The city's planning framework addresses the challenges of an energy-dependent economy, including the need to diversify economically as coal-fired power plants in the region phase out. Farmington's Comprehensive Plan sets goals for downtown revitalization, outdoor recreation development, and attracting new industries. The city's location adjacent to the Navajo Nation and near several other tribal communities influences regional planning considerations.
Key Zoning Districts
Farmington's zoning code includes residential zones (RE, RS, RD, RM), commercial zones (CN, CG, CH), and industrial zones (IL, IG). The RS zone covers most single-family neighborhoods, while commercial zoning is concentrated along East Main Street, Farmington Avenue, and the Hutton Road corridor. The city has also designated a Downtown Mixed-Use district to support revitalization efforts in the historic core.
ADU Regulations
Farmington does not have specific provisions in its zoning code for accessory dwelling units. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling should contact the Community Development Department to determine what approvals may be required, which could include a conditional use permit or variance.
Development Process
Development in Farmington is managed through the Community Development Department. Building permits are reviewed locally, and the state Construction Industries Division provides additional oversight. Zone changes and conditional use permits are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission with final action by the City Council for zone changes.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Farmington
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — San Juan County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 26 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,500 sq ft per unit
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Farmington
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Farmington are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Farmington permit fees →