ABQ Times

Bernalillo County residents will have more options to build secondary dwelling units, commonly known as "casitas," on their properties. This follows a recent amendment to the zoning code approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The decision aims to increase housing availability in the county.

The amendment addresses constituent requests for more flexibility in building secondary dwellings on smaller lots than previously allowed. Properties meeting minimum lot size requirements can now construct casitas without needing a public hearing. Those not meeting these requirements may apply through a zoning hearing process.

This update builds on changes made three years ago that conditionally permitted secondary dwellings based on specific criteria, including housing type and utility connections. The current regulations stipulate that for A-1, A-2 (rural agricultural zones), and R-1 (single-family residential) zones, secondary units must be at least 10 feet from other dwellings and adhere to distance limits from primary homes depending on lot size. These units cannot exceed 1,000 square feet or half the size of the primary unit.

Secondary units must be built conventionally or modularly with permanent foundations and designed to harmonize architecturally with primary dwellings.

Residents can find this text amendment online under APPENDIX A – ZONING in Bernalillo County's Code of Ordinances via Municode Library. For further information or property discussions, they are encouraged to contact Planning & Development Services.