ADU rules in Albuquerque, NM — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Albuquerque IDO — ADUs (casitas) allowed in all R-A and R-1 zones since 2023. Maximum 750 sq ft. One per lot. Must be behind rear wall of main house. 5 ft minimum side/rear setback. Cannot exceed 25% of combined side and rear yards.
Since 2023, Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance allows Accessory Dwelling Units (locally called casitas) in all R-A and R-1 (single-family residential) zone districts, plus R-T, R-ML, MX-T, MX-L, MX-M, and NR zones as caretaker units. Only one ADU is allowed per lot in R-A and R-1 zones. Maximum size is 750 sq ft. ADUs must be placed behind the rear wall of the main house with a minimum 5-foot side and rear setback. They cannot take up more than 25% of combined side and rear yards and cannot be taller than the main house. A 5-foot-wide passage must be provided for access. ADUs must be 10 feet from existing structures or have fire-rated construction. Building permit required; must be obtained by homeowner or NM-licensed general contractor. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main property.
Unpermitted ADU: standard building code enforcement. May require demolition or legalization. Occupying unpermitted dwelling: code violation.
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Code Section 8-5-2-3 declares a vehicle abandoned if it sits unattended on a public street for 36 hours, on private property without owner consen...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. IDO landscaping requirements focus on water conservation (xeriscape) an...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. IDO Section 14-16-5-9 noise standards could theoretically apply to over...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants a...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits route through the ...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no specific smoker ordinance, but New Mexico Air Quality Bureau under 20.11.21 NMAC restricts visible emissions and open burning. Albuquerque...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bernalillo County.
See how other cities in Bernalillo County handle adu rules.
See how Albuquerque's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.