Sunland Park Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Sunland Park Zoning Overview
Sunland Park is located at the southern tip of New Mexico, at the intersection of New Mexico, Texas, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The city sits on the western bank of the Rio Grande directly adjacent to El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, making it part of one of the largest international border metropolitan areas. Sunland Park's economy benefits from cross-border commerce, the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, and residential development serving the greater El Paso metropolitan workforce.
The city faces unique planning challenges related to its border location, rapid residential growth, infrastructure needs, and managing development on terrain that includes the Franklin Mountains foothills and the Rio Grande floodplain. Sunland Park's Comprehensive Plan addresses growth management, transportation connections to the broader metropolitan area, and the need for commercial and employment-generating development within the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Sunland Park's zoning includes residential districts (R-1, R-2), commercial districts (C-1, C-2), and industrial zones. Residential development has expanded significantly in subdivisions on the mesa above the Rio Grande valley. Commercial development is concentrated along McNutt Road and Sunland Park Drive. The city also has areas designated for mixed-use and planned development.
ADU Regulations
Sunland Park does not currently have specific provisions for accessory dwelling units in its zoning code. Property owners should contact the Planning Department for information on available approval pathways for secondary dwelling units.
Development Process
Development in Sunland Park requires permits from the city's Planning Department. Building permits are reviewed by the city or the state Construction Industries Division. Zone changes and conditional use permits are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission with recommendations to the City Council.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Sunland Park
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 — Dona Ana 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
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Sunland Park
- 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 Sunland Park are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Sunland Park permit fees →