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.
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
Landmark Land Use Bill Fails in Colorado Legislature
Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s effort to allow for more housing construction by preempting local control of zoning failed to achieve the required level of political support in the state legislature.
Four ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’ Zoning Reforms
An excerpt from the latest book on zoning argues for four approaches to reform that can immediately improve land use regulation in the United States.
Gainesville Weighs Zoning Reform Proposal
The northern Florida city could follow others in removing barriers to building accessory dwelling units and multifamily buildings in neighborhoods currently zoned for single-family homes. Some local residents oppose the plan.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie