Zoning Guide

Albuquerque Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-03-22
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Albuquerque Planning Department(505) 924-3860
Building Code Edition
NM Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
26 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Albuquerque

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — New Mexico

  • Building Code: NM Building Code (2021 IBC)
View New Mexico zoning overview

County — Bernalillo County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
5,000 sq ft
Max Height
26 ft
Front Setback
15 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
R-MLMulti-Family Residential - Low
Min Lot
3,000 sq ft per unit
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
15 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
MX-MMixed Use - Medium
Min Lot
None
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
10 ft

ADU Rules in Albuquerque

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
750 sq ft
Max Height
18 ft
Rear Setback
5 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Parking
No additional parking required
Owner Occupancy
Not required
Permit Timeline
4-8 weeks
Full ADU rules for Albuquerque →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Albuquerque permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Albuquerque Planning Departmentcabq.govOfficial sourceAlbuquerque Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Albuquerque?
Yes. Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zones. ADUs may be attached or detached and must comply with size and setback requirements.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Albuquerque?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-ML, R-MH, and mixed-use zones such as MX-M and MX-H under the Integrated Development Ordinance.