ADU Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico โ€” documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$3,075 โ€“ $8,910
Review time
Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections
6 inspections required
VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

Permit Requirements (7 items)

7 required

๐Ÿ“‹ Forms & Applications(1)

๐Ÿ“ Plans & Diagrams(5)

๐Ÿ“„ Supporting Documents(1)

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Albuquerque, New Mexico โ€” tailored to your project details.

  • Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $1,025โ€“$5,400 estimated total
  • Step-by-step City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
Build My Permit Packet

Free to preview ยท Pro to download

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services.

  1. 1

    Zoning Eligibility Verification

    Obtain zoning verification letter from Albuquerque Planning confirming ADU is allowed in property zoning district and meets dimensional requirements

    You'll need: Zoning Verification Letter, Proof of Property Ownership

  2. 2

    Submit Building Permit Application

    Submit complete permit application with architectural, structural, utility plans and all required supporting documentation to Albuquerque Planning and Development

    You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Plans, Mechanical and Utility Plans

  3. 3

    Plan Review and Approval

    Albuquerque Planning conducts comprehensive plan review for compliance with zoning ordinance, New Mexico Building Code, and design standards

  4. 4

    Address Plan Review Comments

    Revise and resubmit plans as needed to address any code compliance issues or comments raised during plan review

  5. 5

    Permit Issuance and Payment

    Pay all permit fees and receive approved building permit authorizing construction to begin

  6. 6

    Construction Inspections

    Schedule and pass required inspections: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspection per New Mexico Building Code

  7. 7

    Certificate of Occupancy

    Receive Certificate of Occupancy from Albuquerque Building Official upon successful final inspection and code compliance verification

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
ADU Permit Fee$2,050 โ€“ $5,400Verified
Plan Review Fee$1,025 โ€“ $3,510Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footing inspection per New Mexico Building Co

Foundation and footing inspection per New Mexico Building Code

Framing and structural member verification

Framing and structural member verification

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Official page
Albuquerque ADU Development Guidelines

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page
Portal guide
Fee schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Albuquerque?
Yes. Albuquerque requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Albuquerque?
Processing times in Albuquerque vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Albuquerque Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque requires 7 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Zoning Verification Letter, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Albuquerque?
Building without a permit in Albuquerque can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Albuquerque?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Albuquerque's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Albuquerque?
ADU permit fees in Albuquerque typically range from $3,075 to $8,910, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Albuquerque.

Related Permits

Ready to apply? Build your submission packet.

Answer a few project questions and get a adu permit packet for Albuquerque, New Mexico โ€” with every document, form, and fee organized for submission.

Build My Permit Packet

Free to preview ยท Pro to download

Sources & Citations

All regulatory information on this page is sourced from official government publications. Always verify requirements directly with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submission.

  1. [1]City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services โ€” Albuquerque ADU Development Guidelineshttps://www.cabq.gov/planning(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  2. [2]City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services โ€” City of Albuquerque Zoning Ordinance and Codehttps://library.municode.com/nm/albuquerque(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  3. [3]City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services โ€” Albuquerque Permits and Development Services Portalhttps://www.cabq.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  4. [4]City of Albuquerque Planning and Development Services โ€” Albuquerque Building Permit and Development Fee Schedulehttps://www.cabq.gov/planning(verified Feb 15, 2026)