Gallup Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Gallup Zoning Overview
Gallup is the county seat of McKinley County in northwestern New Mexico, located along historic Route 66 and Interstate 40. The city serves as a major trade center for the surrounding Navajo Nation, Zuni Pueblo, and other tribal communities, and is internationally known for its Native American art and jewelry trade. Gallup's economy is based on regional commerce, tourism, transportation services, and healthcare, with the city functioning as the primary service hub for a large, predominantly rural region.
Gallup's planning framework addresses the city's role as a regional center, its unique cultural character, and the challenges of infrastructure investment in a community surrounded by tribal and federal lands. The city's Comprehensive Plan focuses on economic development, downtown revitalization along the historic Route 66 corridor, and improving housing quality and availability. Gallup's location in a narrow valley between red sandstone mesas creates topographic constraints that influence growth patterns.
Key Zoning Districts
Gallup's zoning code includes residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3), commercial districts (C-1, C-2), and industrial zones (M-1, M-2). The R-1 zone covers most single-family neighborhoods. Commercial zoning is concentrated along Historic Route 66 (Coal Avenue and the parallel US 66 corridor) and US 491 (formerly NM 666). The city has also focused planning efforts on its downtown and arts district areas.
ADU Regulations
Gallup does not currently have specific provisions for accessory dwelling units in its zoning ordinance. The city's housing stock includes a variety of traditional extended-family housing arrangements. Property owners should contact the Community Development Department for information on permitting options for secondary dwellings.
Development Process
Development in Gallup is managed through the Community Development Department. Building permits are processed locally, with state Construction Industries Division oversight. Zone changes and conditional uses go before the Planning and Zoning Commission with recommendations to the City Council.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Gallup
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 — McKinley 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
- 6,000 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
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Gallup
- 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 Gallup are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Gallup permit fees →