Plumbing / Mechanical Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for heating/cooling installation, exhaust hood installation, bathroom/kitchen piping work, ductwork/equipment installation, house sewer or water service work, and water heater installation in Albuquerque. Governed by the 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code and 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code as locally administered under the Uniform Administrative Code. Apply through ABQ-PLAN.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Heating or cooling installation requires a plumbing/mechanical permit
- Installation of an exhaust hood requires a permit
- Installation or alteration of bathroom or kitchen piping requires a permit
- Installation of equipment or ductwork must be completed by a licensed contractor and requires a permit
- Installation or alteration of house sewer or water service outside the structure requires a permit
- Installation of a water heater must be completed by a licensed contractor and requires a permit (residential water heater replacement is eligible for Express Permitting — same-day issuance)
- May be issued to a homeowner who passes a written plumbing exam with a score of 75% or greater, otherwise a New Mexico-licensed plumbing/mechanical contractor is required
Required documents
- Required
Plumbing/Mechanical Permit Application
Submitted online through ABQ-PLAN
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative charge (applies to all applications and additions to permit; exception: re-inspection fee) | $47.00 each | UAC Table 112-C item 1 (mechanical) and Table 112-D item 1 (plumbing) |
| Plumbing fixture (includes drain and vent) | $10.00 each | UAC Table 112-D, item 6 |
| Water service (from property line to house/building) | $14.00 | UAC Table 112-D, item 8 |
| House or building sewer (from property line to house/building, including 2-way cleanout) | $28.00 each | UAC Table 112-D, item 10 |
| Each appliance (mechanical), includes plenums and venting (excludes boilers, refrigeration, A/C, absorption units) | $14.00 each | UAC Table 112-C, item 6 |
| Ventilation fan connected to a single duct | $14.00 each | UAC Table 112-C, item 15 |
| Installation of a hood served by mechanical exhaust, including ducts | $90.00 each | UAC Table 112-C, item 17 |
| Gas outlet | $6.00 each | UAC Table 112-C item 5 / Table 112-D item 5 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $47.00 each | UAC Tables 112-C and 112-D, Other Inspections and Fees, per Section 113.5.8 |
| Plan Review Fee (mechanical/plumbing) | 25% of the total permit fee | UAC Section 112.3 |
Review timeline
1–1 business days
Albuquerque’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Building or House Sewer
Sewer inspected before backfill, minimum depth 12 inches, properly graded, per Uniform Plumbing Code Table 717.1
- 2
Sanitary Rough-In
All drain/waste/vent piping below first floor tested (water fill or 5 psi air test, 15 minutes)
- 3
Rough Piping / Heating Top-Out
After piping and ductwork installed, before covering or concealment; includes gas line test
- 4
Plumbing / Mechanical Final
When all plumbing/mechanical equipment is complete, fixtures installed and ready for use
Tips
- Per the City's live Permit Timeline Dashboard, plumbing/mechanical permits average next-day issuance.
- Residential water heater replacement is one of the permit types currently eligible for the Express Permitting System (same-day issuance).
- Homeowners may take a written plumbing exam (75% passing score) to obtain their own permit; otherwise a licensed contractor is required, and equipment/ductwork/water heater installation specifically must be performed by a licensed contractor per the City's permit page.
- No temporary gas connection is allowed before October 1 or after April 30 per UAC Table 112-C/112-D notes.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Albuquerque?
- Yes. Water heater installation requires a plumbing/mechanical permit and must be completed by a licensed contractor. Residential water heater replacement is eligible for the City's Express Permitting System, which allows same-day permit issuance.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Permits | City of Albuquerque Building Safety Division
- 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A, adopted) — Tables 112-C, 112-D
- Express Permitting System | City of Albuquerque
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Albuquerque building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Albuquerque
Plumbing / Mechanical Permit in other cities
Compare plumbing / mechanical permit fees across New Mexico →
Project checklist — coming soon
Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Albuquerque — in one checklist. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it's ready.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.