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Albuquerque, NM Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

ADU rules in Albuquerque, NM, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Code Section: IDO 14-16-4-3(F)(6); 14-16-5-11(C)(4)
Allowed zones: R-A, R-1, R-T, R-ML
Number per lot: 1 ADU
Max size: 750 sq ft gross floor area (650 sq ft in CPO-3)
Side/rear setback: 5 ft minimum
Max height: No taller than primary structure (18 ft in CPO-3)
Parking: 1 space per ADU
Sawmill/Wells Park lot minimum: 7,000 sq ft (R-1, CPO-12)

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in New Mexico under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Albuquerque, NM rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance allows one accessory dwelling unit (casita) per lot in the R-A, R-1, R-T, and R-ML zones, capped at 750 square feet of gross floor area, no taller than the primary house, with a minimum 5-foot side or rear setback.

4-3(F)(6)(a) Where this use is allowed, only 1 accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot and is limited to 750 square feet of gross floor area. A garage attached to the accessory dwelling unit shall not count toward this size limit. ... 4-3(F)(6)(b) A minimum 5-foot side or rear setback is required. 4-3(F)(6)(c) An accessory dwelling unit shall be no taller than the primary structure on the property. 4-3(F)(6)(d) Building facades of an accessory dwelling unit shall be the same or similar in color to that of the primary building on the lot. 4-3(F)(6)(e) A detached accessory dwelling unit shall comply with any applicable provisions of Subsection 14-16-5-11(C)(4) (Accessory Buildings). 4-3(F)(6)(f) In any Residential or Mixed-use zone district, a detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located behind the rear wall of a primary building.

Source: Albuquerque Accessory Dwelling UnitView official code

Full Breakdown

Accessory dwelling units (commonly called casitas) are regulated as a Use-specific Standard in Subsection 14-16-4-3(F)(6) of the City of Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), 2023 Annual Update, effective August 2024. Where the use is allowed, only one ADU is permitted per lot and it is limited to 750 square feet of gross floor area; a garage attached to the ADU does not count toward that size limit. When added to a single-family or two-family detached dwelling, the ADU must be provided as an accessory building.

A minimum 5-foot side or rear setback is required, the ADU may be no taller than the primary structure, and its building facades must be the same or similar in color to the primary building. A detached ADU must comply with the Accessory Buildings standards in Subsection 14-16-5-11(C)(4) and, in any Residential or Mixed-use zone district, must be located behind the rear wall of the primary building (with the same minimum street-side setback as the primary building on corner lots). Two small areas have special rules in the R-1 zone: in the Downtown Neighborhood Area (CPO-3) an ADU may not exceed 650 square feet and a detached ADU may not exceed the height of the primary dwelling or 18 feet, whichever is less; in Sawmill/Wells Park (CPO-12) ADUs in R-1 are only allowed on lots of at least 7,000 square feet.

Off-street parking is one space per accessory dwelling unit (IDO Table 5-5-1). The City offers free pre-approved casita construction plans from 450 to 750 square feet as part of its Housing Forward ABQ initiative. New Mexico has no statewide statute preempting local ADU zoning, so the IDO controls.

Violations & Fines

Building an ADU without the required City building permit and zoning compliance can result in code-enforcement action, stop-work orders, and after-the-fact permitting under the Uniform Administrative Code (Article 14-1 of ROA 1994). Violations of the IDO are enforced under Part 14-16-8 and may carry civil penalties and required correction or removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big can a casita be in Albuquerque?

An accessory dwelling unit is limited to 750 square feet of gross floor area citywide, and an attached garage does not count toward that limit. In the Downtown Neighborhood Area (CPO-3) the cap is 650 square feet.

Where can I build an ADU in Albuquerque?

ADUs are allowed in the R-A, R-1, R-T, and R-ML residential zone districts. Only one is allowed per lot, and a detached ADU must be located behind the rear wall of the primary house.

What setback applies to a casita?

A minimum 5-foot side or rear setback is required under IDO 14-16-4-3(F)(6)(b). The ADU may be no taller than the primary structure on the property.

Does Albuquerque offer pre-approved casita plans?

Yes. The City provides free pre-approved casita construction plans ranging from 450 to 750 square feet that meet current building codes, as part of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Albuquerque

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All Albuquerque rules

How Albuquerque compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico accessory structures overview

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