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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bernalillo
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.
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
- Exempt Detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or under (Placement Permit required from Town instead)
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of unbalanced fill, total height under 6 feet (not impounding liquids or supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
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)
- Building code
- NM state building codes as enforced by CID; Town Zoning Ordinance governs land use and setbacks.
- 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.
- 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).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Town review: 2-3 business days. CID processing: 3-5 business days for residential.
- 01 Download the appropriate application (Building Permit Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application) from the Town website.
- 02 Complete the application and prepare a site plan showing structure location, property lines, and setbacks.
- 03 Email completed application and site plan to pzdept@tobnm.gov
- 04 Town P+Z conducts zoning and floodplain review. Processing typically takes 2-3 days.
- 05 Town staff emails the applicant with the review fee amount.
- 06 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.
- 07 Upon payment, Town P+Z emails the signed application and receipt copy.
- 08 Submit the signed application, site plan, and required construction documents to NM CID for the building permit.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2024-07-08
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of CID building permit fee (per state rule).
02
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).
03
Reinspection fee
Per CID rules — $80 first reinspection, $120 subsequent.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024-07-08) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Foundation, slab/under-floor, framing, insulation (if applicable), final. CID inspectors cover all building and trades inspections.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bernalillo permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bernalillo, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in Bernalillo, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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)..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bernalillo, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bernalillo, NM, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bernalillo, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bernalillo, NM typically run Town review: 2-3 business days. CID processing: 3-5 business days for residential.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bernalillo, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bernalillo, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bernalillo, NM via: 505-222-9813 (Albuquerque area) or 877-CID-0979 (statewide), NM CID Online Inspection Request, CID.Inspection@state.nm.us.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Bernalillo Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/sandoval/bernalillo
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Bernalillo Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.