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1. Am I able to obtain a current list of vacant and abandoned properties?

Until recently, the NAT had published a map and list of current vacant and abandoned properties. The map and list have been removed from public view to protect the property from being subject to theft and fires and to prevent intruders. 

2. What is the Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT)?

The Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT) is a task force comprising representatives of several departments within City government. The areas represented include:

• Chief Operations Office
• Codes Enforcement
• Community Development
• Community Outreach Office
• Facilities
• Fire Department
• Land Management
• Legal
• Police Department
• Public Information Office

3. Why was the Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT) formed?

The Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT)  was formed to tackle the issue of vacant and abandoned properties in the city limits in a response to fires that occurred in some of these structures that created a public hazard. Residents requested the City to secure these properties in a quicker time frame than allowed by codes and administrative policies. The NAT reviews codes and administrative policies for continued improvements that involve better communication and coordination among department personnel and the public.

4. How can I help or be involved?

If you want to report a vacant or abandoned building, or to report suspicious activity at a vacant or abandoned building, you can contact codes officers assigned to your area. A guide and interactive map for the district officers and contact information can be found at the Meet Your Codes Officer page. You can call the general Codes Office number at 528-4100.

5. Do property owners have to pay taxes?

Yes. New Mexico state statute Article 38 - Administration and Enforcement of Property Taxes - provides the authority for property taxes. Check the News Mexico Statute for details.

6. To whom are the taxes paid?

Property taxes are paid to the Dona Ana County Tax Assessor. This office is responsible for valuing all real and personal property for taxing authorities in the county. Taxing authorities include such organizations as school districts, hospitals, municipalities, conservancy districts, and flood-control authorities. The Assessor’s Office also administers the granting of certain exemptions allowable by state law.

7. Who supervises the Dona Ana County Tax Assessor?

The Dona Ana County (DAC) Tax Assessor is supervised by the New Mexico State Department of Taxation and Revenue, and not by the County Commissioners.

8. What does the New Mexico State Department of Taxation and Revenue do?

The New Mexico State Department of Taxation and Revenue collects tax dollars and distributes them according to state law. The Property Tax Division of the department helps local governments in the administration and collection of taxes in the state.

9. What happens if a property owner’s taxes become delinquent?

By state law, each June the County Treasurer’s Office mails a delinquency notice to the assessed property owner for any tax bill 30 days or more delinquent. The notice informs the owner that if the taxes on real property, including penalty and interest charges, are not paid within two years from the date of delinquency, the property will be sold at state public auction. For owners of mobile homes and personal property, the notice states that the property is subject to seizure and subsequent sale after six months from the date of delinquency.

10. What are my responsibilities as a property owner?

Your responsibilities as a property owner include paying your property taxes in a timely manner and becoming familiar with and following all City laws (codes and ordinances) related to property ownership and personal conduct.

11. Who do I contact to report a vacant or abandoned building?

If you want to report a vacant or abandoned building, please email codes311@las.cruces.org, and make sure that you type in the subject line of the email: Vacant or Abandoned property. You can also call the general Codes Enforcement Office at 528-4100.

12. Who do I contact to report suspicious activity at a vacant or abandoned building?

To report suspected suspicious activity on vacant or abandoned property, please email codes311@las.cruces.org, and make sure that you type in the subject line of the email: Vacant or Abandoned property. You can also call the general Codes Enforcement Office at 528-4100.

13. Who do I contact for help in understanding if my property complies with city codes?

If you want to have a better understanding of city codes as they relate to your property, contact the Codes Officer assigned to your area. Codes officers are assigned districts. You can call the general Codes Office number at 528-4100.