ADUs are allowed in Rio RanchoTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Rio Rancho, NM
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
16,088
Owner-occupied
94%
Zoning districts
22
Avg Home Value
$3,663
Median Lot Size
0.23 acres
Avg Income
$92,984
Residential Types:
16,088 housing units
Rr00P
100%
Zoning Districts:
75,408 parcels · 22 districts
R-1
42%(31,556)
TZ
21%(15,826)
SU
13%(10,165)
R-4
11%(8,644)
Other
12%(9,217)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Rio Rancho, NM?
Rio Rancho, NM follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum internal/attached ADU size is 900 sq ft or 50% of the primary structure’s floor area, whichever is greater.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size is 900 sq ft or 50% of the primary structure, whichever is greater; allowed only on lots of 7,000 sq ft or more.
- –General accessory-building cap for detached ADUs: up to 75% of the primary house size or 15% of lot area, whichever is greater; applies on lots of 7,000 sq ft or more.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy is not required.
Parking
- –1 additional off-street space per ADU; must not block a 2-car garage; up to 25% of required spaces may be located off-site within 300 feet with recorded permission; general off-street parking rules apply citywide.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals require a permit; limits include ≤6 rental periods per month (except October), occupancy limits, off-street parking, 100 ft spacing, 1% citywide STR cap, max 2 permits per person, and insurance/inspection requirements; unlawful without a permit.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other New Mexico municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Bernalillo County