Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU / Casita) Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (locally called a 'casita') in Albuquerque. Zoning laws changed in 2023 to allow casitas in R-1 neighborhoods citywide. Requires a Site Plan approval followed by a building permit, both processed through ABQ-PLAN.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Casitas are allowed in R-A, R-1, R-T, and R-ML residential zone districts — confirm zoning using the City's zone look-up map
- Maximum casita size: 750 sq. ft. (650 sq. ft. in the Downtown Neighborhood Area CPO-3)
- Only 1 casita allowed per lot in R-A and R-1 zones; cannot exceed 25% of combined side and rear yard area and cannot be taller than the main house
- Minimum setback: 5 feet on either side or rear (same minimum street-side setback as the main house on corner lots)
- Placement must be behind the rear wall of the main house; exterior color must match or be similar to the main house
- One off-street parking space must be provided
- 5-foot minimum building separation from the main house required by the International Residential Code (unless fire-rated) and by the Integrated Development Ordinance setback
- Step 1: Submit a Site Plan (Administrative) via ABQ-PLAN, including property lines, easements, existing structures, new ADU location/size, and required parking space, plus required public notice (signage and Neighborhood Association email)
- Step 2: Submit a Building Permit application via ABQ-PLAN with the building plans and approved Site Plan
- Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) required in addition to the building permit
Required documents
- Required
Site Plan – Administrative Application
Includes location of property lines, easements, all existing structures, new ADU location/size, and required off-street parking space
- Required
Building Permit Application
Submitted via ABQ-PLAN after Site Plan approval, with building plans and the approved site plan attached
- Required
Grading and Drainage Plan
Updated grading and drainage plan required as part of the site plan submittal
- Optional
Truss Detail Drawings
If required, sealed and stamped by a New Mexico Licensed Structural Engineer
- Required
Public Notice Documentation
Posted sign and email notice to the affected Neighborhood Association, per the City's public notice requirements
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 112-A, valuation-based, one- and two-family regional modifier 0.50) | Same Table 112-A formula and 0.50 regional modifier as new residential construction, applied to the casita's building valuation | 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code, Section 112.2.1 and Table 112-A |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | UAC Section 112.3 |
Review timeline
~13–13 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Albuquerque building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation
Footings and foundation before concrete pour
- 2
Framing
Structural framing complete
- 3
Insulation
Insulation installed before wall cover
- 4
Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical
Trade rough-ins inspected under their respective trade permits
- 5
Final Inspection
All work complete and ready for occupancy
Tips
- A Site Plan – Administrative approval is required before the building permit application for a casita — plan for both steps in your timeline.
- Use the City's Zone Look-Up Map to confirm your property is in an R-A, R-1, R-T, or R-ML zone before designing your casita.
- The casita cannot exceed 25% of the combined side and rear yard area or 750 sq. ft. (650 sq. ft. in the Downtown CPO-3 area), whichever is smaller.
- Public notice — posting a sign and emailing the affected Neighborhood Association — is a required step in the Site Plan process.
- Visit the Building Safety counter at Plaza Del Sol, Suite 190, 600 2nd St. NW, if you need in-person help with the ABQ-PLAN submittal.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I build an ADU (casita) in Albuquerque?
- Yes, if your property is zoned R-A, R-1, R-T, or R-ML — confirm using the City's zone look-up map. Since 2023, casitas up to 750 sq. ft. are allowed in R-1 neighborhoods citywide (650 sq. ft. in the Downtown CPO-3 area), subject to setback, height, and yard-coverage limits. The process requires a Site Plan – Administrative approval before applying for the building permit, both via ABQ-PLAN.
- Do I need separate trade permits for a casita?
- Yes. In addition to the building permit, separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits are needed for a casita, per the City's Accessory Dwelling Unit guidance.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Albuquerque
- 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A, adopted) — Table 112-A
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Albuquerque building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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