How much does a building permit cost in Albuquerque, NM?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Permit fee calculated as a percentage of total construction valuation (typically 0.5% to 3% depending on project size/type).. Plan check fee: 65% of the permit fee, due at time of application submittal, plus zoning and hydrology fees where applicable..

How do I apply for a building permit in Albuquerque, NM?

1. Determine if your project requires a permit. 2. Create or log in to ABQ-PLAN at cabq.gov/planning/online-planning-permitting-applications. 3. Submit permit application with all required documents and construction plans. 4. Pay plan review fee at time of submittal (65% of the permit fee, plus zoning/hydrology fees). 5. Await plan review: approximately 2.5 weeks for residential, 3.5 weeks for commercial. Larger or more complex projects take longer. 6. Respond to any correction comments posted in ABQ-PLAN and resubmit revised plans. 7. Once plans are approved, pay remaining permit fee. 8. Permit issued; post on job site. 9. Begin construction. Schedule required inspections via ABQ-PLAN portal or call (505) 924-3320. 10. Pass all required phased inspections. 11. Final inspection; receive Certificate of Occupancy for new construction/additions.

What work is exempt from building permits in Albuquerque, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Ordinary repairs with total valuation under $1,000; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools (IRC-regulated buildings) less than 54 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons capacity, installed entirely above ground; Fences not over 6 feet high (fences over 6 feet require a permit); Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or adjacent to a public way; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Albuquerque, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: ABQ-PLAN portal, (505) 924-3320.

City Building Permits

Albuquerque, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico Bernalillo County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Issues all building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for properties within the incorporated City of Albuquerque limits. Albuquerque is the largest jurisdiction in Bernalillo County (~550,000+ residents).

Department: City of Albuquerque Planning Department -- Building Safety Division
Address: 600 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 924-3320
Website: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/building-safety-division

Online Permit Portal

Open ABQ-PLAN

Platform: ABQ-PLAN • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine if your project requires a permit.
Create or log in to ABQ-PLAN at cabq.gov/planning/online-planning-permitting-applications.
Submit permit application with all required documents and construction plans.
Pay plan review fee at time of submittal (65% of the permit fee, plus zoning/hydrology fees).
Await plan review: approximately 2.5 weeks for residential, 3.5 weeks for commercial. Larger or more complex projects take longer.
Respond to any correction comments posted in ABQ-PLAN and resubmit revised plans.
Once plans are approved, pay remaining permit fee.
Permit issued; post on job site.
Begin construction. Schedule required inspections via ABQ-PLAN portal or call (505) 924-3320.
Pass all required phased inspections.
Final inspection; receive Certificate of Occupancy for new construction/additions.

Typical processing time: Approximately 2.5 weeks residential, 3.5 weeks commercial for standard plan review. Expedited FasTrax option available (3x regular fee, $1,000 minimum).

Source: City of Albuquerque Planning Department -- Building Safety Division

General Requirements

Required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and remodeling work -- residential, commercial, and public. Also required for all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations. Walls and fences over 6 feet high require a permit.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and proposed work
Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details as applicable)
Energy compliance documentation (IECC/NM amendments)
Contractor license number (GB-98 or GB-02 for general; trade licenses for E/P/M)
Homeowner permit application and affidavit if owner-builder
Soils/geotech report for certain projects

Permit validity: Permits expire if construction does not commence within 180 days of issuance or work is suspended for 180+ consecutive days. Renewals may be available.
Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFC, all as amended by New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC).
Owner-builder: Homeowners may pull a homeowner construction permit for their primary residence. Only the homeowner (not a hired contractor) may perform electrical and plumbing work under the homeowner permit. HVAC and gas piping requires licensed contractors.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must hold a valid New Mexico CID license. General building: GB-98 (residential/commercial) or GB-02 (residential). Specialty trades require separate CID electrical, plumbing, and mechanical licenses.

Fees

Plan check fee: 65% of the permit fee, due at time of application submittal, plus zoning and hydrology fees where applicable.
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based. Permit fee calculated as a percentage of total construction valuation (typically 0.5% to 3% depending on project size/type).
Reinspection fee: Charged when inspections fail or site is not accessible. Specific dollar amounts not confirmed from public sources.
Payment note: Online payment via ABQ-PLAN portal (credit/debit card). In-person payment also accepted. Plan review fee is paid at submittal; permit fee paid on approval.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Ordinary repairs with total valuation under $1,000
Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools (IRC-regulated buildings) less than 54 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons capacity, installed entirely above ground
Fences not over 6 feet high (fences over 6 feet require a permit)
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or adjacent to a public way
Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling

Inspections

How to Schedule

ABQ-PLAN portal (portal)
(505) 924-3320 (phone)

Inspection hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence for residential new construction: (1) Foundation/footing (after excavation and rebar placement, before pour); (2) Underground plumbing/electrical; (3) Slab inspection (if slab-on-grade); (4) Framing (after roof, framing, fire blocking, and bracing complete); (5) Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; (6) Insulation; (7) Drywall/sheathing (if required); (8) Final inspection (when structure complete and ready for occupancy); (9) Certificate of Occupancy issued after passing final. Note: 98% of inspections completed within one business day of request. Inspections are GPS-routed for efficiency; no fixed time windows assigned.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFC, all as amended by New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC).
Verify contractor license: NM Construction Industries Division License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Albuquerque City Code
Building Safety FAQs
Online Forms
Building Safety Resource Page
Commercial Inspections
License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Albuquerque Planning Department -- Building Safety Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Albuquerque, NM?: Required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and remodeling work -- residential, commercial, and public. Also required for all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations. Walls and fences over 6 feet high require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Albuquerque, NM?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Permit fee calculated as a percentage of total construction valuation (typically 0.5% to 3% depending on project size/type).. Plan check fee: 65% of the permit fee, due at time of application submittal, plus zoning and hydrology fees where applicable..
How do I apply for a building permit in Albuquerque, NM?: 1. Determine if your project requires a permit. 2. Create or log in to ABQ-PLAN at cabq.gov/planning/online-planning-permitting-applications. 3. Submit permit application with all required documents and construction plans. 4. Pay plan review fee at time of submittal (65% of the permit fee, plus zoning/hydrology fees). 5. Await plan review: approximately 2.5 weeks for residential, 3.5 weeks for commercial. Larger or more complex projects take longer. 6. Respond to any correction comments posted in ABQ-PLAN and resubmit revised plans. 7. Once plans are approved, pay remaining permit fee. 8. Permit issued; post on job site. 9. Begin construction. Schedule required inspections via ABQ-PLAN portal or call (505) 924-3320. 10. Pass all required phased inspections. 11. Final inspection; receive Certificate of Occupancy for new construction/additions.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Albuquerque, NM?: Typical processing time is Approximately 2.5 weeks residential, 3.5 weeks commercial for standard plan review. Expedited FasTrax option available (3x regular fee, $1,000 minimum)..
What work is exempt from building permits in Albuquerque, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Ordinary repairs with total valuation under $1,000; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools (IRC-regulated buildings) less than 54 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons capacity, installed entirely above ground; Fences not over 6 feet high (fences over 6 feet require a permit); Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or adjacent to a public way; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Albuquerque, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: ABQ-PLAN portal, (505) 924-3320.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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