ADU Rules in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Albuquerque, NM. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Albuquerque, NM.
Albuquerque, NM permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Albuquerque, the City of Albuquerque Development Services handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Albuquerque.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Albuquerque: Detached ADU: up to 750 sq ft (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: No greater than 50% of primary dwelling floor area. Albuquerque IDO Section 14-16-6 governs accessory dwelling units. Detached ADUs are limited to 750 sqft in R-1 zones. Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the primary dwelling floor area. JADU is a California-specific concept not applicable in New Mexico.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 750 sq ft | 25 feet |
| Attached ADU | No greater than 50% of primary dwelling floor area | Per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Albuquerque: Plan check fee: $200–$1,200. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $700–$3,000. Impact fees: $500–$2,500 depending on utility connections. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$7,000 total fees. Albuquerque Development Services fee schedule available at cabq.gov/planning. ABCWUA (Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority) connection fees apply for new water and sewer service.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$1,200 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $700–$3,000 |
| Impact Fees | $500–$2,500 depending on utility connections |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $2,000–$7,000 total fees |
Permit Timeline
Albuquerque ADU Permit Timeline: Albuquerque Planning Department building permit: typically 4-8 weeks plan check. Albuquerque uses electronic plan review. Construction typically 4-12 months. Apply through the City of Albuquerque Development Services online permit portal. Phone: (505) 924-3946.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Albuquerque: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. ADUs in Albuquerque must maintain 5 ft rear and side setbacks in most R-1 zones. Alley-adjacent lots may have reduced rear setback requirements. Albuquerque IDO Section 14-16-6.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: 1 parking space required per ADU in most R-1 zones. Parking waived for ADUs within one-quarter mile of an ABQ RIDE bus rapid transit route.
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: 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. Albuquerque IDO allows one ADU per single-family lot in R-1 zones by right. R-2 zones allow duplexes and ADUs. R-3 and R-4 zones allow multifamily development by right.
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
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Albuquerque has 4 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Albuquerque has 4 locally designated historic districts including Old Town (Albuquerque's founding Spanish colonial plaza area), Barelas, Huning Highland, and Martineztown-Santa Barbara. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews exterior alterations to designated landmarks and contributing structures. Certificate of Appropriateness required before building permits are issued in historic overlay areas. Old Town is one of New Mexico's most significant historic sites, featuring Spanish colonial architecture dating to 1706. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/historic-preservation
Frequently 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 750 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Albuquerque?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Albuquerque is Albuquerque Planning Department building permit: typically 4-8 weeks plan check. Albuquerque uses electronic plan review. Construction typically 4-12 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,000–$7,000 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Albuquerque?
No, Albuquerque does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Albuquerque?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Albuquerque.
Source: Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) Section 14-16-6 — Accessory Dwelling Units; codelibrary.amlegal.com/albuquerque. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source