ADU Rules in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Albuquerque, NM. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Whether ADUs are allowed in Albuquerque, NM has not been confirmed — see the official source before proceeding.
Whether Albuquerque, NM permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has not been confirmed from an official source. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. Contact the local building department through their official website to verify current ADU rules before proceeding, as regulations may have changed since this data was last reviewed.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Albuquerque: Detached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Albuquerque: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | None |
| Building Permit | None |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | None |
Permit Timeline
Albuquerque ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Contact them through their official website for current contact information.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Albuquerque: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must be on same lot as primary residence
- One ADU per residential lot in most R-1 through R-2 zones
- Must comply with lot coverage limits for the applicable IDO zone
- Cannot be sold or conveyed separately from primary lot
- Must meet accessory structure setback requirements per IDO Section 14-16-6
- Short-term rental of ADU requires compliance with Albuquerque STR regulations
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Albuquerque: Single-family lots: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1 ADU per R-1 and R-2 lot; allowed by right in R-1 zones per IDO
- Multifamily Properties
- Multiple units allowed by right in R-3 and R-4 zones
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for New Mexico.
View New Mexico preemption detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Albuquerque?
Yes. Albuquerque, NM allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per R-1 and R-2 lot; allowed by right in R-1 zones per IDO.
How big can an ADU be in Albuquerque?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Albuquerque is Not verified — see Albuquerque IDO §14-16-6 for ADU max size square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Albuquerque?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Albuquerque is Contact Albuquerque Development Services — see cabq.gov/planning for current ADU permit processing times.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque parking rules for ADUs: Not verified — see Albuquerque IDO §14-16-6 for ADU parking requirements
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Albuquerque?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Albuquerque: Not verified — see Albuquerque IDO §14-16-6 for ADU owner-occupancy requirements
Source: Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) Section 14-16-6 — Accessory Dwelling Units; codelibrary.amlegal.com/albuquerque. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source