Carports require building permits in Bernalillo County and Albuquerque as accessory structures. ABQ IDO §14-16-5-5 setbacks typically require 5 ft side/rear and 20 ft front in R-1 zones, with lot coverage counting toward the zone maximum (usually 40-50%).
Both attached and freestanding carports are accessory structures under the Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance §14-16-2-1 and the Bernalillo County Zoning Ordinance. A building permit is required regardless of whether the carport is stick-built, pre-fabricated metal, or fabric on a metal frame longer than 30 days. In ABQ R-1 (single-family residential) zones, carports must meet 20-foot front setback (or match the dwelling), 5-foot side and rear setbacks, and 12-foot maximum height for accessory structures (IDO §14-16-5-5). Total accessory structure coverage is capped at 50% of the rear yard. Bernalillo County unincorporated uses similar side/rear setbacks, with larger setbacks in A-1 agricultural zones. Materials must meet NM CID wind-load requirements (90-115 mph depending on exposure per ASCE 7 mapping for the Rio Grande Valley). Structures over 200 sq ft or with any enclosed sides may also require electrical permits if wired. Historic Overlay Zones (Old Town, Los Ranchos adjacent) have additional design review.
Unpermitted carports: stop-work order, double permit fee for retroactive permitting, and possible demolition if setbacks cannot be met. Fines $200-$1,000 plus daily accrual. Failure to meet wind-load standards after local storm damage is a common insurance-denial trigger.
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See how Bernalillo County's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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