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: 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: Contact Albuquerque Development Services — see cabq.gov/planning for current ADU permit processing times 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: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Not verified — see Albuquerque IDO §14-16-6 for ADU parking requirements
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
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for New Mexico.
View New Mexico preemption detailsHistoric 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/culturalservices
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 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