Town of Bernalillo, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The Town does not directly issue building permits. CID issues all building and trades permits on behalf of the Town. The Town's P+Z department conducts the initial zoning and floodplain review.

Department

Town of Bernalillo Planning and Zoning Department

Address

829 S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo, NM 87004

Phone

505-771-7118

Email

pzdept@tobnm.gov

Website

https://www.tobnm.gov/departments/planning_zoning/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the appropriate application (Building Permit Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application) from the Town website.
2. Complete the application and prepare a site plan showing structure location, property lines, and setbacks.
3. Email completed application and site plan to pzdept@tobnm.gov
4. Town P+Z conducts zoning and floodplain review. Processing typically takes 2-3 days.
5. Town staff emails the applicant with the review fee amount.
6. Pay fee by credit/debit card via Town cashier at 505-771-7120 or 505-771-7122, or by mailed check to PO Box 638, Bernalillo, NM 87004.
7. Upon payment, Town P+Z emails the signed application and receipt copy.
8. Submit the signed application, site plan, and required construction documents to NM CID for the building permit.
9. CID processes and issues building permit and trades permits.
10. Final inspection by CID; Certificate of Occupancy issued.

Typical processing time: Town review: 2-3 business days. CID processing: 3-5 business days for residential.

Source: Town of Bernalillo Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Structures over 120 sq ft require CID building permit. Structures 120 sq ft or under require Placement Permit from Town. Solar panels, stucco, re-roofs, demolition, and floodplain development permits also required.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application (contractor or homeowner version)
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (per CID requirements)
• Floodplain Development Permit if applicable
• For homeowner permits: notarized acknowledgement form (per CID)

Permit validity

Per NM CID rules — permit void if work not commenced within 180 days; inactive if work suspended 180+ days; expires at 13 months.

Building code

NM state building codes as enforced by CID; Town Zoning Ordinance governs land use and setbacks.

Owner-builder

Same as statewide CID homeowner permit rules. Applies to owner-occupied single-family residence only. Notarized form required. HVAC and natural gas excluded from homeowner permit.

Contractor requirements

Valid NM state contractor license required (CID-issued). Applicable classification depends on scope (GB-2 residential, GB-98 general, or specialty trades).

Fees

Plan check fee

20% of CID building permit fee (per state rule).

Permit fee formula

Town review fee is a flat fee communicated after staff review. CID permit fee is valuation-based per 14.5.5.11 NMAC ($3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000).

Reinspection fee

Per CID rules — $80 first reinspection, $120 subsequent.

Payment note

Town review fee payable to Town cashier by credit/debit card (505-771-7120 or 505-771-7122) or check. CID fees paid at time of permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024-07-08).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or under (Placement Permit required from Town instead)
• Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
• Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of unbalanced fill, total height under 6 feet (not impounding liquids or supporting surcharge)
• Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 505-222-9813 (Albuquerque area) or 877-CID-0979 (statewide) (phone)
• NM CID Online Inspection Request (online)
• CID.Inspection@state.nm.us (email)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday CID field office hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, slab/under-floor, framing, insulation (if applicable), final. CID inspectors cover all building and trades inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: NM state building codes as enforced by CID; Town Zoning Ordinance governs land use and setbacks.
• Verify contractor license: NM RLD Contractor License Search
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Town P+Z Forms and Applications
• Town Zoning Ordinance
• NM CID
• License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Bernalillo Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Bernalillo, NM?

Structures over 120 sq ft require CID building permit. Structures 120 sq ft or under require Placement Permit from Town. Solar panels, stucco, re-roofs, demolition, and floodplain development permits also required.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Bernalillo, NM?

Fees are calculated as: Town review fee is a flat fee communicated after staff review. CID permit fee is valuation-based per 14.5.5.11 NMAC ($3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000).. Plan check fee: 20% of CID building permit fee (per state rule)..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Bernalillo, NM?

1. Download the appropriate application (Building Permit Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application) from the Town website. 2. Complete the application and prepare a site plan showing structure location, property lines, and setbacks. 3. Email completed application and site plan to pzdept@tobnm.gov 4. Town P+Z conducts zoning and floodplain review. Processing typically takes 2-3 days. 5. Town staff emails the applicant with the review fee amount. 6. Pay fee by credit/debit card via Town cashier at 505-771-7120 or 505-771-7122, or by mailed check to PO Box 638, Bernalillo, NM 87004. 7. Upon payment, Town P+Z emails the signed application and receipt copy. 8. Submit the signed application, site plan, and required construction documents to NM CID for the building permit. 9. CID processes and issues building permit and trades permits. 10. Final inspection by CID; Certificate of Occupancy issued.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Bernalillo, NM?

Typical processing time is Town review: 2-3 business days. CID processing: 3-5 business days for residential..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Bernalillo, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or under (Placement Permit required from Town instead); Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of unbalanced fill, total height under 6 feet (not impounding liquids or supporting surcharge); Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Bernalillo, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 505-222-9813 (Albuquerque area) or 877-CID-0979 (statewide), NM CID Online Inspection Request, CID.Inspection@state.nm.us.

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