Electrical Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque requires an electrical permit for: Installation of an appliance, device, equipment, or wiring requires an electrical permit; Additions, alterations, or replacements of existing appliances, devices, wiring, or equipment require a permit; May be issued to a homeowner who passes a written electrical exam with a score of 75% or greater (4 hours allowed; up to two attempts, 30 days apart; one passing exam per homeowner per year), otherwise a New Mexico-licensed electrical contractor is required. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division at (505) 924-3320 before starting work.

In Albuquerque, the published Administrative charge (applies to all applications and additions to permit; exception: re-inspection fee) is: $47.00 each. Additional published fees: Meter loop — $40.00 each (temporary meters $40.00 each; ganged meters $60.00 per gang); Outlets (communication/signal, fixtures, switches, receptacles) — First 20: $1.50 each; all over 20: $0.90 each; Motor operated equipment — Less than 1 HP: $8.00 each; 1 HP and over: $20.00 base plus $40.00 per horsepower (max fee per unit $8.00 stated in code table); Residential fixed appliances (30 amps or over) — $40.00 each; Panels — $8.00 each; Swimming pool (private) — $8.00 each; Re-inspection Fee — $47.00 each; Plan Review Fee (electrical) — 25% of the total electrical permit fee. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Albuquerque's published plan-review target for an electrical permit is 1–1 business days.

You'll need: Electrical Permit Application. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Albuquerque requires 5 inspection(s) for an electrical permit, in order: Underground, Slab, Rough-In, Pre-Final, Final. Schedule each through City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division ((505) 924-3320).

Apply through City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division at Plaza Del Sol Building, 600 2nd St. NW, Suite 190, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Phone: (505) 924-3320. Office hours: Building Permits & Plan Review: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday. Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical Inspections & Trade Permits: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday. The Building Safety permit counter is closed every Friday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.. Official information: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/building-safety-division.

Albuquerque, New Mexico has adopted: 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code — adopted statewide by the NM Construction Industries Commission (NMAC Title 14), effective in Albuquerque December 14, 2023; 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code — adopted statewide by the NM Construction Industries Commission (NMAC Title 14), effective in Albuquerque December 14, 2023; 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code — effective in Albuquerque December 14, 2023; 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code — effective in Albuquerque September 28, 2023; 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code, including Appendixes A, B, C, and D; 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code, including Appendixes A, B, C, D, E, F, I, K, and L; 2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code; 2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code (includes EV-charging-readiness requirements adopted by the Construction Industries Commission, required on new construction starting July 30, 2024); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Energy Conservation Code (includes EV-charging-infrastructure parking requirements, required on new construction starting July 30, 2024); 2021 New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code; 2021 New Mexico Historic Earthen Buildings Code; New Mexico Boiler Code; 2023 Uniform Administrative Code of the City of Albuquerque (ROA 1994, Chapter 14, Article 1) — the City's local administrative amendment governing permitting, fees, and inspections; effective February 2, 2024; a 2024 edition (Exhibit A) is the current administrative chapter on file with Building Safety; City of Albuquerque Ordinance O-2022-024 (Council Bill O-22-23) — adopted the Uniform Administrative Code and technical codes, repealing the prior Chapter 14, Article 1, ROA 1994. Local amendments apply — see the Albuquerque overview page for the full list.

Yes. An electrical permit may be issued to a homeowner who passes a written electrical exam with a score of 75% or greater. Homeowners get 4 hours to complete the exam, up to two attempts 30 days apart, and only one passing exam per year. Otherwise, a New Mexico-licensed electrical contractor must obtain the permit.