The City of Albuquerque is updating the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO)—our zoning code. These proposals will shape:

•  Where homes can be built

•  How walkable neighborhoods are

•  What housing costs

•  How people + places thrive

Now is the time to act. This is a simple, impactful way to make Albuquerque more welcoming, affordable, livable, and sustainable. At this point in the process, leaving pro-housing comments is one of the most important things we can do.

 Comment directly on the spreadsheet of proposed changes here: abq-zone.com/ido-updates-2025

These changes include many Strong Towns priorities, such as:

• Legalizing more duplexes, townhomes, and cottage courts across the city

• Strengthening our activity centers, urban centers, and transit corridors

• Lifting unnecessary parking mandates along the ART corridor and for casitas!

• Legalizing Bodegas/Tienditas, small neighborhood businesses, in Albuquerque

• …and more!

EPC Hearing:

Tuesday, October 28th, starting at 8:40 AM (Zoom)
At this stage, public comment will be limited to two minutes per person—so it’s critical to show up in numbers to speak in support of pro-housing changes. After EPC review, recommendations head to City Council.

 Let’s make sure our voices are heard at every step so Albuquerque can grow stronger, fairer, and more sustainable.

How to Comment on the IDO Spreadsheet of Changes

Make an Impact! Comment in support of the changes

Sample Comment to leave on the spreadsheet:

Dear members of the EPC. My name is [your name] and I live in Albuquerque. As a resident who cares about our city's future, I support the IDO changes that make it easier for people to live, work, and belong in our city. These updates open the door for more housing options—duplexes, cottage courts, casitas, and townhomes—so that families of all kinds can find a place to call home. They also make space for local businesses like tienditas and daycares that bring daily life back to our neighborhoods.

Reducing parking mandates and modestly increasing height limits help make housing more affordable. Finally, expanding allowances for safe outdoor spaces and small shelters will help our unhoused neighbors find stability and connection while we continue building the homes our community needs. These are smart, balanced steps toward a more welcoming, resilient Albuquerque.

Sincerely, [your name]

Click at the top or bottom of the document to leave your comment. Make it your own! Add a story, share your housing dreams, and talk about why these changes will make Albuquerque stronger. 

Want to make a bigger impact? Comment on the individual proposals, too! 

What Proposals are Pro-Homes, Pro-Livability, Pro-Affordability, and make Albuquerque Stronger? Let's go over them and explore some sample comments that you can add to and make your own! 

Amendments in the IDO that are Strong Towns ABQ Aligned

Item 3 (p. 1): Easier Commercial-to-Residential Conversions

Summary: Simplifies the process for converting vacant or underused commercial buildings into housing.
Talking Points:

• Makes use of existing infrastructure instead of building new.

• Encourages adaptive reuse and fills empty strip malls and offices with residents.

• Supports small developers and lowers barriers to affordable housing.
  ✅ Support.

Item 95 (p. 1): Parking Maximums in MX-FB Zones

Summary: Sets an upper limit on how much off-street parking can be built in form-based areas.
Talking Points:

• Prevents over-parking that wastes land and raises housing costs.

• Encourages walking, biking, and transit in mixed-use districts.

• Form based areas, like Downtown, are more walkable and transit-rich than other areas.

• Keeps projects aligned with form-based urban design goals.
  ✅ Support.

Item 96 (p. 1): Bike Parking Minimums in MX-FB Zones

Summary: Requires secure bicycle parking for new developments in form-based districts.
Talking Points:

• Creates real transportation choice and improves last-mile access.

• Aligns with Vision Zero and Complete Streets goals.

• Low-cost way to expand mobility options for residents.
  ✅ Support.

Item 10 (p. 3): Co-Living / Dormitories Permissive in R-ML

Summary: Allows shared housing and dorm-style living in multifamily zones.
Talking Points:

• Adds flexible housing types for students, workers, and retirees.

• Makes housing more affordable through shared amenities.

• Encourages community and efficient use of space.
  ✅ Support.

Item 16 (p. 4): Family Home Daycare by Right (ZHE Automatic)

Summary: Allows small childcare operations within residential areas through a streamlined approval.
Talking Points:

• Expands access to childcare, a critical neighborhood service.

• Reduces bureaucratic hurdles for home-based providers.

• Strengthens neighborhood self-sufficiency and walkablilty

• Adds support for job growth and entrepreneurship
  ✅ Support.

Item 18 (p. 4): Legalizes Cottage Courts on 10,000 sq ft + Lots

Summary: Allows small clusters of homes around shared courtyards.
Talking Points:

• Brings back traditional, human-scale housing types.

• Supports gentle density that fits within neighborhoods.

• Encourages multigenerational and attainable living options.
  ✅ Support.

Sample Comment: "I strongly support the proposal to legalize cottage courts on larger lots. This is a smart way to provide more housing choices without overwhelming existing neighborhoods. Cottage courts allow modest homes to be built in a community setting, often at a scale that feels human and welcoming. They also support multigenerational living—providing starter homes for young families looking to access the housing ladder, while giving older households opportunities to downsize and age within their communities. By creating these kinds of flexible options, cottage courts strengthen neighborhood resilience, affordability, and community ties."

Item C-2 (p. 4): Legalizes Duplexes in R-1 and R-MC Citywide

Summary: Permits duplexes across all single-family zones.
Talking Points:

• Gives homeowners flexibility to add a second unit.

• Create opportunities for affordability, family housing, and access to the housing ladder.

• Doubles housing potential without changing neighborhood form. 

• Allows for small, new homes to be "tucked into" neighborhoods gently

• A key Strong Towns step toward fiscal sustainability—we don't need new streets or sewers for new duplexes and it increases our tax base sustainably.
  ✅ Support.

Sample Comment: "I support allowing duplexes in R-1 zones. R-1 covers much of Albuquerque, and today it is limited to single detached houses. Opening this zoning to duplexes provides more options for families, helps keep housing affordable, and reflects the historic character of many Albuquerque neighborhoods, which were originally built with a mix of housing types. Duplexes are a gentle, incremental way to grow and provide homes for more of our neighbors without changing the look or feel of our communities."

Item C-3 (p. 4): Legalizes up to Three Townhomes on R-1 Lots

Summary: Allows up to three attached townhomes on lots previously limited to one home.
Talking Points:

• Adds attainable ownership options and starter homes.

• Encourages small-scale infill that uses existing infrastructure.

• Gently diversifies neighborhoods and supports local builders.
  ✅ Support.

Item 97 (p. 5): Unit Caps Near R-1 / RA Zones

Summary: Would restrict the number of units on lots adjacent to low-density zones.
Talking Points:

• Reinforces exclusionary patterns by limiting housing near existing homes.

• Undermines corridor and center redevelopment.

• Adds complexity and uncertainty to project planning.
  ❌ Oppose.

Item C-4 (p. 6): Allows Attached & Detached Casitas; Defines Attached ADU

Summary: Clarifies and broadens Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules to include both attached and detached forms.
Talking Points:

• Expands intergenerational housing options.

• Provides flexibility for property owners to meet family or income needs.

• Low-impact way to add affordable units citywide.
  ✅ Support.

Item 28 (p. 6): Casita Footprint Expanded to 750 sq ft

Summary: Increases the footprint (not total space) limit for casitas to 750 sq ft, allowing for multi-story designs and more flexible layouts.
Talking Points:

• Enables diverse and livable floor plans for intergenerational and accessible housing.

• Reduces design constraints that make casitas financially viable.

• Promotes aging in place and small-scale affordability.
  ✅ Support.

Item 29 (p. 6): Casita Height Flexibility

Summary: Allows casitas to match or modestly exceed the height of the primary home.
Talking Points:

• Makes two-story casitas possible, preserving yard space and architectural harmony.

• Enables better design on sloped lots or narrow parcels.

• Encourages flexible, space-efficient infill.
  ✅ Support.

Items M-1, C-5, C-6 (p. 7): Streamlining Safe Outdoor Spaces

Summary: Simplifies the process for Safe Outdoor Spaces (managed encampments with sanitation, supervision, and services).
Talking Points:

• Encourages humane, managed alternatives to unsafe street camping.

• Aligns with housing-first and harm-reduction goals.

• Paired with strong oversight and clear siting standards.
  ✅ Support.

Item 30 (p. 8): Prohibits Single-Detached Homes in MX-T

Summary: Removes the option to build single-detached houses in townhouse/mixed-use transition zones.
Talking Points:

• Prevents downscaling in areas meant for urban housing.

• Keeps corridors and transition zones efficient and people-scaled.

• Encourages walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.
  ✅ Support.

Item M-2 (p. 9): Legalizes Bodegas/Tienditas

Summary: Allows small corner stores in more neighborhoods; excludes cannabis sales.
Talking Points:

• Restores neighborhood-scale retail and daily amenities.

• Strengthens local entrepreneurship and walkability.

• Reduces car trips for basic goods and fosters community interaction.
  ✅ Support.

Item C-7 (p. 9): Legalizes Bodegas/Tienditas (Alternate Version)

Summary: Similar to M-2; clarifies some zoning nuances.
Talking Points:

• Same Strong Towns rationale: small-scale retail makes neighborhoods complete.

• Builds local economic resilience and street-level activity.
  ✅ Support.

Sample Comment: "I support the legalization of small neighborhood stores, bodegas, or tienditas within more of Albuquerque. These shops provide everyday essentials close to where people live, which reduces car trips, strengthens walkability, and builds community. Bodegas are especially valuable for families without reliable access to a car, older adults, and neighbors with mobility challenges. They also create opportunities for local entrepreneurship and keep more dollars circulating in our neighborhoods. Allowing small-scale commercial like tienditas makes Albuquerque more resilient, more affordable, and more livable while also honoring our historic, built form and character."
 

Item C-8 (p. 9): Allows Small Shelters (≤10 Beds) in Select Zones

Summary: Permits small-scale shelters in MX-M, MX-H, NR-C, NR-LM, and NR-GM zones.
Talking Points:

• Supports distributed, community-based solutions to homelessness.

• Reduces concentration of services while increasing accessibility.

• Encourages dignified, context-sensitive care infrastructure.
  ✅ Support.

Item 31 (p. 9): Mobile Home Park Purchase Window

Summary: Gives mobile home park residents 18 months to collectively buy their park if it’s being sold.
Talking Points:

• Preserves affordable housing and community stability.

• Empowers residents with ownership opportunities.

• Complements Strong Towns’ equity and fiscal resilience goals.
  ✅ Support.

Item 32 (p. 10): Height Increase in R-ML / R-MH Near Transit

Summary: Allows modest height increases for multifamily housing in transit corridors and centers.
Talking Points:

• Makes housing near transit financially viable.

• Promotes density where infrastructure already exists.

• Supports walkability and corridor revitalization.
  ✅ Support.

Sample Comment: "I support the proposal to gently increase height limits in RM-L/RM-H zones and in designated activity centers. These are the places in Albuquerque that are already well-suited for growth, near transit and jobs, where additional homes will strengthen walkability and affordability. Allowing modestly taller buildings makes it possible to add more housing choices—including apartments for young people, working families, and seniors—without displacing existing neighborhoods and neighbors. This kind of incremental height adjustment helps us meet demand, support small businesses, and create vibrant centers where more people can live, work, and connect."

Item C-9 (p. 10): Contextual Standards Relief for Subdivided Lots

Summary: Exempts subdivided infill lots from excessive contextual rules like setbacks.
Talking Points:

• Reduces barriers to incremental infill and missing-middle housing.

• Makes small development simpler and less costly.

• Encourages lot-by-lot reinvestment.
  ✅ Support.

Item 33 (p. 10): Modest Height Increases in Mixed-Use Zones

Summary: Raises maximum building heights slightly in MX zones.
Talking Points:

• Helps projects pencil out amid rising construction costs.

• Increases capacity for housing and local businesses.

• Supports main-street vitality and corridor redevelopment.
  ✅ Support.

Item 34 (p. 10): Streamlined Traffic Impact Reporting

Summary: Simplifies traffic analysis requirements for new developments.
Talking Points:

• Cuts red tape that drives up project costs.

• Avoids overestimating car traffic and underestimating multimodal impact.

• Makes small projects more achievable.
  ✅ Support.

Item 36 (p. 11): Parking Reductions for Multifamily and Workforce Housing

Summary: Reduces parking requirements citywide, with deeper cuts for workforce housing.
Talking Points:

• Frees up land and dollars for housing instead of asphalt.

• Reflects real car-ownership patterns in urban areas.

• Supports affordability and livable design.

• Supports the right of builders and homeowners to decide how much parking they need
  ✅ Support.

Item C-10 (p. 11): Removes Parking Requirements for Casitas

Summary: Eliminates mandatory off-street parking for ADUs.
Talking Points:

• Makes casitas easier and cheaper to build.

• Recognizes that many residents rely on transit, bikes, or shared parking.

• Supports small-scale housing choice in all neighborhoods.
  ✅ Support.

Item C-11 (p. 12): Parking Maximums + Lifting Requirements in Activity Centers

Summary: Establishes parking maximums and removes minimums in transit-oriented areas.
Talking Points:

• Encourages walkable, mixed-use development near major investments.

• Prevents overbuilt parking that undermines TOD goals.

• Reinforces fiscal sustainability by reducing excess infrastructure.
  ✅ Support.

Item 40 (p. 13): Removes Parking Minimums in Key Centers + Corridors

Summary: Fully eliminates parking requirements in Urban Centers, Activity Centers, Main Streets, Premium Transit, and Major Transit corridors.
Talking Points:

• One of the strongest pro-housing, pro-climate reforms in the package.

• Removes a key financial and spatial barrier to development.

• Aligns Albuquerque with national best practices (Portland, Minneapolis, Austin).
  ✅ Strongly Support.

Sample Comment: "I support lifting parking mandates along ART and reducing them across the city. Albuquerque has invested heavily in transit, and requiring large amounts of parking undermines that investment. Parking mandates make housing more expensive, reduce the land available for homes and businesses, and encourage car dependence. Removing these mandates, especially along ART and other key corridors, will help us build more affordable housing, support small businesses, and create walkable, people-friendly streets."

Item C-12 (p. 13): Citywide 20% Parking Reduction

Summary: Reduces minimum parking requirements across most zones by 20%.
Talking Points:

• A broad step toward aligning parking supply with actual demand.

• Reduces costs for small-scale developers.

• Complements corridor-based parking elimination.
  ✅ Support.

Item 88 (p. 31): Increased Setback Requirements

Summary: Potentially adds new setback requirements in some zones.
Talking Points:

• Could make infill harder and reduce housing potential.

• Risks reinforcing sprawl patterns and inefficiency.

• Needs amendment to avoid undermining infill goals.
  ❌ Likely Oppose.

Item 92 (p. 32): Minimum Lot Size Reduction

Summary: Standardizes minimum lot sizes to the lowest size currently allowed.
Talking Points:

• Expands the number of buildable parcels citywide.

• Enables more entry-level homes and small-scale infill.

• Moves toward ending arbitrary lot-size barriers.
  ✅ Support.

Items ZC-3, ZC-4, ZC-5 (p. 33): Zoning Map Updates

Summary: Updates zoning maps to reflect previously approved O-24-69 reforms (e.g., R-ML expansions).
Talking Points:

• Provides clarity for builders, staff, and residents.

• Prevents confusion and delays in permitting.

• Ensures zoning maps match legislative intent.
  ✅ Support.