ADU Rules in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque — New Mexico's largest city and the "Duke City" — regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) through its Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), administered by the City of Albuquerque Planning Department. New Mexico has no statewide ADU preemption law, meaning Albuquerque's local code is the sole authority. Always verify current IDO provisions directly with the city, as the IDO has been updated multiple times since its 2017 adoption.

Permitted ADU Types

Albuquerque's IDO distinguishes between:

• Detached ADU: A standalone accessory dwelling on the same lot as the primary residence
• Attached ADU: An addition to or integral part of the primary dwelling
• Interior ADU: A unit created within the existing primary structure (basement, garage conversion, upper floor)

Eligibility depends on your IDO zone district (R-A, R-1, R-2, MX-L, etc.) and lot dimensions. Single-family residential zones (R-1) generally allow one ADU per lot.

Size and Dimensional Standards

Specific limits vary by zone, but general guidelines include:

Confirm exact dimensions for your zone district through the IDO or the Planning Department's pre-application process.

Critical Overlay Zones

Kirtland AFB AICUZ: Southeast Albuquerque lies within noise contour and Accident Potential Zone (APZ) overlays from Kirtland Air Force Base. Residential land uses — including ADUs — may be restricted or prohibited in the highest-impact zones. Review the AICUZ Overlay map in the IDO before planning any construction near the base.

Rio Grande Corridor Overlay / Bosque: The Rio Grande Bosque (cottonwood riparian forest) running through central Albuquerque is environmentally protected. Properties within the Rio Grande Corridor Overlay and FEMA 100-year floodplain (Zone AE) face strict development limits. Floodplain development permits may be required separately from zoning approval.

Old Town Historic District: Properties in or adjacent to Old Town Albuquerque are subject to Historic Landmark and Streetscape Overlay regulations. Exterior design review is required; ADU structures must be compatible with the historic character of the district.

Escarpment Overlay / Petroglyph National Monument Adjacency: Properties on the West Mesa near the escarpment or Petroglyph National Monument may have additional site constraints.

Permit Process

1. Determine your zone district and overlays: Use the Albuquerque GIS zoning map at cabq.gov
2. Pre-application meeting (recommended): Meet with Planning Department staff to identify overlay constraints and IDO requirements
3. Submit application: File plans with the Development Review Board (DRB) or administratively depending on project type
4. Building permit: After zoning approval, apply for a building permit with the Building Safety division
5. Inspections and certificate of occupancy: Pass all required inspections

Contact Information

• Albuquerque Planning Department: (505) 924-3946 | cabq.gov/planning
• Building Safety Division: cabq.gov/building-safety
• IDO Official Text: cabq.gov/planning/boards-commissions-and-committees/integrated-development-ordinance

Disclaimer

Zoning regulations change frequently. The information above is a general summary based on publicly available sources as of April 2026. Always verify current rules with the City of Albuquerque Planning Department and consult a licensed New Mexico architect or attorney before making construction or investment decisions.