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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Albuquerque
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.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Ordinary repairs with total valuation under $1,000
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools (IRC-regulated buildings) less than 54 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons capacity, installed entirely above ground
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high (fences over 6 feet require a permit)
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
- 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
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFC, all as amended by New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC).
- 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.
- 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.
Source: City of Albuquerque Planning Department -- Building Safety Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 2.5 weeks residential, 3.5 weeks commercial for standard plan review. Expedited FasTrax option available (3x regular fee, $1,000 minimum).
- 01 Determine if your project requires a permit.
- 02 Create or log in to ABQ-PLAN at cabq.gov/planning/online-planning-permitting-applications.
- 03 Submit permit application with all required documents and construction plans.
- 04 Pay plan review fee at time of submittal (65% of the permit fee, plus zoning/hydrology fees).
- 05 Await plan review: approximately 2.5 weeks for residential, 3.5 weeks for commercial. Larger or more complex projects take longer.
- 06 Respond to any correction comments posted in ABQ-PLAN and resubmit revised plans.
- 07 Once plans are approved, pay remaining permit fee.
- 08 Permit issued; post on job site.
- 09 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.
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 ↗
Fee schedule
Albuquerque building permit fees
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- ABQ-PLAN portal (portal)
- (505) 924-3320 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Typical 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.
Source: City of Albuquerque Planning Department -- Building Safety Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Albuquerque permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Albuquerque, NM? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Albuquerque, NM? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Albuquerque, NM? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Albuquerque, NM? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Albuquerque, NM? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Albuquerque, NM? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Albuquerque Planning Department -- Building Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.