Albuquerque IDO allows home occupations in all residential zones with limitations. As of January 2025, a City Business License (replacing old business registration) is required. Manufacturing, baking, machine repair, and automotive work are not allowed from home.
Home-based businesses (home occupations) are allowed from any residential location in Albuquerque under the Integrated Development Ordinance, but with limitations on intensity and area used. As of January 1, 2025, the city transitioned from a Business Registration system to a Business License program, which includes zoning and fire inspections. Manufacturing activities including baking, small machine repair, and automotive work are not permitted. Restrictions apply to noise, traffic, signage, employees at the home, and storage. Even telephone or mailing-only businesses must register. The Planning Department's Business Registration Section processes applications.
Operating without permit: cease-and-desist order. Fines $50 to $500 per day. Business registration penalties apply.
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 zoning restrictions.
See how Albuquerque's zoning restrictions 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.