Albuquerque Poised to Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units

Allowing ADU construction on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family detached housing is one component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, a larger effort to reform zoning practices in Albuquerque.

1 minute read

June 6, 2023, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

trekandphoto / Adobe Stock

Planners with the city of Albuquerque are considering zoning changes that would legalize the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), known locally as casitas, in large swaths of the city, according to an article by Alaina Mencinger for the Albuquerque Journal. The Albuquerque City Council is expected to decide on the zoning changes this week.

"Currently, two-thirds of the city is zoned as ‘R–1’, which only permits single family construction. Should the zoning code pass, R–1 and R–A — residential agricultural — zones would be opened to casita and duplex construction," according to Mencinger.

The zoning changes are a component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, championed by Mayor Tim Keller Albuquerque's City Council will consider adopting a change that would make it easier and more widely accessible to build casitas and duplexes through the city. "Besides the changes to casita and duplex zoning, the plan includes other strategies, such as converting hotels and motels into new housing," explains Mencinger.

The source article below includes more details on the proposed legalization of ADUs and the ensuing political debate.

FULL STORY: Zoning change could bring more casitas to Albuquerque

Monday, June 5, 2023 in Albuquerque Journal

View the discussion thread.

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