The City has committed to continually improving the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) through a Biennial Update process. The update for 2025 included many proposed zoning reforms with the goal of encouraging housing that gives families more options, makes neighborhoods more walkable, and helps lower housing costs.
Thank you for participating throughout the update process! Planning staff is hosting trainings about adopted changes in April 2026.
- Read a summary of adopted housing reforms
- Review adopted changes
- IDO Effective as of 4/20/2026
- IDO Archive Draft with colored text indicating changes with footnotes
- Public review meetings
Hearings
The City's official review/decision process has three steps, each of which includes opportunities for hearings and public comments:
Council Role
City Council reviewed proposed updates and made a final decision on the bill (O-26-2). Council can amend or remove any proposed change or add new changes through Floor Amendments, which were voted on separately.
The changes are legislative in nature, so the public is able to speak directly to Councilors.
Council Hearing
City Council heard the IDO update (O-26-2) on February 18, 2026.
Councilors introduced and voted on Floor Amendments to remove or edit any change proposed for 2025 and to add new changes to the IDO.
- Council Amendments for 2/18/2026
- For all other proposed changes for 2025, see Proposed Citywide Changes.
Council voted to approve the IDO update, as amended.
The bill will be transmitted to the Mayor, who can sign or veto. If not vetoed, the bill will go to the City Clerk to be published. The changes go into effect one month after publication.
Planning staff will prepare the revised IDO and post it as soon as possible.
Summary of Floor Amendments
|
Amendment |
Sponsor(s) |
Purpose |
Status |
|
A – Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS) |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Failed |
|
B – Duplex in R-1 |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Failed |
|
C – Townhouse in R-1 |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Failed |
|
D – Attached ADU in R-1 |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Failed |
|
E – Bodega / Tienditas |
Rogers |
Would have allowed grocery / retail permissively in areas more than ¼ mile from Activity Centers or Major Transit corridors |
Failed |
|
F – Bodega / Tienditas Mid |
Rogers |
Same as above + a required distance separation between these uses of 330 feet |
Not moved |
|
G – Parking Max |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Failed |
|
H – Zoning Conversions – R-1, R-T, R-ML |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Withdrawn |
|
I – Cumulative Impact |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have added a decision criterion for Conditional uses to consider cumulative impacts of uses on an area |
Failed |
|
J – Light Vehicle fueling |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have restored EPC recommended changes |
Failed |
|
K – Subdivisions – Applicability |
Fiebelkorn |
Removes extraneous language |
Passed |
|
L – Tribal Referrals |
Fiebelkorn |
Gives 30 days for Tribal comments on cases that are referred and to respond to offers of Tribal meeting |
Passed |
|
M – Main Street Corridor uses |
Fiebelkorn |
Would have stored adult retail and cannabis retail to be allowed on Main Street corridors, regulated by zone district |
Failed |
|
N – Open Space POS commenting 660 ft |
Bassan |
Removes referrals to Open Space Division for all development within 660 feet of Major Public Open Space |
Passed |
|
O – Festoon Lighting |
Lewis |
Clarifies that festoon lighting has to meet other lighting regulations |
Passed |
|
P – Wall_Fence |
Peña |
Lowers the threshold to get a taller wall permit in the decision criteria and removes mailed notice and posted sign requirements |
Passed |
|
Q – Bodega / Tiendita All |
Rogers |
Same as E and F + making grocery / retail conditional in Residential zone districts |
Failed |
LUPZ Role
City Council introduced the IDO update for 2025 as O-26-2 on January 5, 2025 and referred the case to the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning (LUPZ) Committee.
LUPZ reviewed the Post-EPC Redline Exhibit, which includes changes that the EPC recommended for approval. Councilors on LUPZ introduced Committee Amendments to changes the Post-EPC Redline Exhibit.
Councilors on LUPZ can vote to recommend approval (Do Pass) or denial (Do Not Pass), or LUPZ can pass the bill to full City Council with no recommendation.
Hearing #1
City Council's Land Use, Planning, and Zoning (LUPZ) committee held the first hearing on the update on January 14, 2026. LUPZ reviewed and approved 3 amendments. See below. LUPZ voted to defer the case to a second hearing on January 28, 2025.
Ranking platforms saves time when done correctly. Guides featuring top online casinos highlight the most balanced options. These lists are useful starting points.
- Review LUPZ Amendments passed on 1/14/2026
- Amendment A: Limiting Bodegas/tienditas to 3,000 s.f. – passed
- Amendment B: Changing back R-L to R-1 throughout the IDO – passed
- Amendment C: Making community gardens permissive in NR-LM and NR-GM – passed
Hearing #2
City Council's Land Use, Planning, and Zoning (LUPZ) committee held a second hearing on the update on January 28, 2026. LUPZ voted on proposed amendments and then voted to send the update to full City Council with a recommendation of "Do Pass."
- LUPZ Amendments for 1/28/2026
- For all other proposed changes for 2025, see Proposed Citywide Changes.
|
Amendment |
Sponsor(s) |
Purpose |
Status |
Outcome |
|
A – Zoning Conversions |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed
|
Removes zoning conversions |
|
B – Duplex |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed
|
Removes citywide allowance in R-1 |
|
C – Townhouse |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed
|
Removes citywide allowance in R-1 |
|
D – Parking Max |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed
|
Keeps existing parking maximums in some Centers/Corridors |
|
E – SOS Distance Separation from Major Public Open Space |
Grout/Bassan |
New distance separation requirement |
Passed
|
Adds a new distance separation requirement |
|
F – Vacation |
Grout/Bassan |
Delete EPC Recommended Change |
Withdrawn |
Keeps the change to allow DHO to decide vacations |
|
G – Cottage Development |
Grout/Bassan |
Delete EPC Recommended Change |
Not moved |
Keeps the change to allow cottage development on smaller lots |
|
H – Compost |
Fiebelkorn |
Reversed EPC Recommendation |
Passed |
Adds compost facilities as new uses |
|
I – Demolition Review |
Grout/Bassan |
Delete EPC Recommended Change |
Withdrawn
|
Keeps the change to review demolitions of buildings 50+ years old |
|
J – Bodega/Tienditas |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed |
Removes allowance on corner lots in R-1 |
|
K – SOS |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed |
Keeps requirements for plumbing after 2 years, a 6-month break after first 2 years, and 24/7 security |
|
L – Attached ADU |
Grout/Bassan |
Deleted EPC Recommended Change |
Passed |
Removes allowance for attached casitas, 18-ft. building height, and 750 s.f. footprint vs. total |
|
M – Main Street Corridor |
Grout |
New |
Passed |
Prohibits a list of uses from Main Street Corridors |
EPC Role
The Environmental Planning Commission provides expert recommendations within established governance frameworks for urban development decisions. City Council maintains final authority over amendments after considering professional input from specialized advisory bodies. Institutional credibility depends on clear separation of advisory and decision-making responsibilities across organizational hierarchies.
Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) makes a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision on citywide and small area amendments.
Hearing #2
EPC voted to recommend APPROVAL of the proposed amendments to the 2025 IDO Update on November 20, 2025.
- Review case materials in ABQ-PLAN in the "attachments" tab: [TA-2025-00002 Text Amendment - Citywide] or on the EPC webpage:
Hearing #1
At a Special Hearing on October 28, 2025 EPC voted CONTINUE the case to the November 20, 2025 hearing.
- Review case materials in ABQ-PLAN in the "attachments" tab: [TA-2025-00002 Text Amendment - Citywide] or on the EPC webpage:
- Minutes
- October 28, 2025 Special Hearing Zoom Recording
- Staff Report
- Attachment - Public Comments
- 48-Hour Materials
- Notice of Decision
- Summary of EPC Direction to Staff for Proposed Amendments
Study Session
EPC held a Study Session on October 16, 2025 to review the proposed Citywide changes for the 2025 Update to the IDO.
- Presentation [PDF]
- Video
Council Materials
Councilors voted on amendments to the Post-EPC Redline Exhibit, which reflects EPC's recommendations to Council for review and decision, as well as to amendments passed at LUPZ.
LUPZ Materials
Councilors on LUPZ voted on amendments to the Post-EPC Redline Exhibit, which reflects EPC's recommendations to Council for review and decision.
O-26-2 also includes proposed legislative zoning conversions along Major Transit corridors and in Activity Centers. The proposed conversions are shown on interactive maps.
Many proposed changes in the 2025 update aim to expand the types of housing allowed in neighborhoods, reduce housing costs by lowering requirements for parking and large lots, and allow bodegas/tienditas on corner lots in neighborhoods to bring food and other daily needs within walking distance of home.
- Summary of proposed housing reforms – Pre-LUPZ
- Status of proposed housing reforms – Post-LUPZ
EPC Submittal: Planning Staff Proposed Amendments
Planning staff gathered proposed changes to the IDO from staff, the public, Councilors, and the Mayor. These proposed changes were submitted to the EPC for review in 2 formats.
- A Spreadsheet of Proposed Changes includes item numbers, affected IDO sections, a summary of the change, its source, and a brief explanation.
- A Redline Exhibit of the IDO shows proposed changes in red text with footnotes that provide the item number from the Spreadsheet of Proposed Changes.
- See a presentation that summarizes EPC's recommendations here.
EPC Submittal: Proposed Council Amendments
Councilors submitted proposed amendments for EPC consideration. Item # refers to the Spreadsheet of Proposed Changes submitted to EPC.
- Councilor Bassan - A - Infrastructure [Item #C-1]
- EPC Recommendation of Approval with Conditions
- Councilor Fiebelkorn - B - Duplex [Item #C-2]
- EPC Recommendation of Approval with Conditions
- Councilor Rogers – Townhouse [Item #C-3]
- EPC Recommendation of Approval
- Councilor Fiebelkorn - ADU [Item #C-4]
- EPC Recommendation of Approval with Conditions
- Councilor Rogers – Safe Outdoor Space [Item #C-5]
- EPC Recommendation of Approval with Conditions
- Review a comparison of Proposed Safe Outdoor Space Amendments
- Councilor Fiebelkorn – Safe Outdoor Space [Item #C-6]
- Generally approved through approval of Item #C-5
- Review a comparison of Proposed Safe Outdoor Space Amendments
- Councilor Rogers - Bodega [Item #C-7]
- Generally approved through approval of #M-2
- Review a comparison of Proposed Bodega / Tienditas Amendments
- Councilor Fiebelkorn – Overnight Shelter [Item #C-8]
- Not recommended for approval
- Councilor Baca – Contextual Standards [Item #C-9]
- Not recommended for approval
- Councilor Fiebelkorn - ADU Parking [Item #C-10]
- Not recommended for approval
- Councilor Fiebelkorn - Parking Maximums [Item #C-11]
- Not recommended for approval (although the intent approved through staff proposed amendments recommended for approval)
- Review a comparison of Proposed Parking Amendments
- Councilor Fiebelkorn – Off-street Parking Minimums [Item #C-12]
- EPC Recommendation of Approval with Conditions
- Review a comparison of Proposed Parking Amendments
EPC Submittal: Proposed Mayor Amendments
The Mayor submitted proposed amendments for EPC consideration at a special hearing on October 28, 2025. Item # below refers to the Spreadsheet of Proposed Changes submitted to EPC.
- Mayor Amendment - Safe Outdoor Space [M-1]
- Generally approved through approval of Item #C-5
- Review a comparison of Proposed Safe Outdoor Space Amendments
- Mayor Amendment - Bodega [M-2]
- Approved
- Review a comparison of Proposed Bodega / Tienditas Amendments
- Mayor Amendment - Character Protection Overlay (CPO) Zones and Historic Protection Overlay (HPO) Zones [M-3]
- Not approved
- See Redline Exhibit
EPC Submittal: Legislative Zoning Conversions
Planning Staff proposed the following Legislative Zoning Conversions as part of the 2025 IDO Update. Item # refers to the Spreadsheet of Proposed Changes.
Pre-EPC Public Review Materials
For 2025, Planning staff posted proposed changes in a spreadsheet and on a Redline draft exhibit in July and August 2025. Staff analyzed comments and revised proposed changes to submit to EPC.
- Review the Pre-EPC Spreadsheet of Proposed Changes
- Review the Pre-EPC Redline Draft
- For more information on the Pre-EPC Submittal:
Post-adoption Trainings
Planning staff will host training sessions on Zoom to review changes made in the 2025 Update prior to the effective date, April 20, 2026.
- Zoom link
- Phone: (253) 205-0468
- Meeting ID: 815 3937 3858
- Passcode: CABQ
Presentations will be recorded and posted for review.
|
Date |
Time |
Topic |
|
Wed, April 8 |
12:00 – 1:30 pm |
Public Review |
|
Thurs, April 9 |
6:00 – 7:30 pm
|
Public Review |
|
Fri, April 17 |
12:00 – 1:30 pm |
Q& A with Staff |
Public Review Presentations
- April 2026 – Post-adoption but prior to Effective Date
- October 2025 – After EPC Submittal but prior to EPC Hearing
- July/August 2025 – Before EPC Submittal
ABQ Housing Info
- ABQ Region Housing Needs Assessment (2024)
- Pew Charitable Trusts, New Mexico's Housing Shortage Presentation (3/12/2025)
- Pew Charitable Trusts, Co-living and Affordability in ABQ (8/5/2025)
- Housing Equity Needs Assessment Report (2022)
- Harvard's Opportunity Insights - The Geography of Upward Mobility in ABQ (2019)
Anti-displacement Toolbox
The City of Albuquerque Planning Department created this Anti-Displacement Toolbox in response to community concerns about losing housing, jobs, and businesses as a result of new development and redevelopment.
O-24-69
Councilor Baca and Councilor Lewis co-sponsored Ordinance 24-69, introduced in December 2024, adopted on January 6, 2025, and effective as of January 31, 2025.
The bill made two major changes to the IDO:
- Appeals
- Added a new requirement that Neighborhood Associations appealing an approval based on proximity to the subject site submit a petition signed by property owners and tenants within 330 feet of the subject property agreeing with the appeal.
- Requiring appellants who lose an appeal related to an application that was approved to pay appeal costs for the applicant.
- Removing the appeal of City projects or projects on City property.
- Residential Uses in Residential Zone Districts within 1/4 Mile of Premium Transit (PT) and Main Street (MS) Areas
- Duplexes, townhouses, and multi-family residential dwellings are allowed permissively in R-A, R-1, and R-T zone districts.
- Councilor Peña carved out an exception for her Council District, so multi-family development is not allowed in these zone districts if south of Central Ave. and west of the Rio Grande.
O-25-73
Councilor Rogers and Councilor Grout co-sponsored Ordinance 25-73, introduced in February 2025, adopted on March 17, 2025, and effective as of 4/11/2025.
The bill revised the changes made to the appeals process in O-24-69, specifically:
- Limiting the appeals cost that appellants were required to pay if the appeal related to an approved application was denied to $1,000.
- Adding an exemption for an appellant that could show hardship, low income, or indigent status or an "entity appellant that has a majority of its area within an area that has an overall score of 50 or greater on the City of Albuquerque's Social Vulnerability Index."