Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in Albuquerque, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes, duplexes, and other new residential structures in Albuquerque. Issued and inspected under the City's Uniform Administrative Code, which locally administers the statewide 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code. Applications are submitted online through the ABQ-PLAN portal.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- All new residential construction requires a building permit and plan review under the Uniform Administrative Code and the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code
- Apply online through the ABQ-PLAN portal (electronic plan review)
- Submit two sets of plans (or electronic equivalent) drawn to scale showing site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing plan, elevations, and wall section details sufficient to demonstrate code compliance (UAC Section 110.3)
- Building permit can only be issued to a homeowner building their own owner-occupied home or to a New Mexico-licensed contractor (minimum GB-2 classification)
- All metal/aluminum frame construction plans must be certified by a New Mexico-registered professional engineer
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Application
Submitted online through the ABQ-PLAN portal
- Required
Site Plan
Location and dimensions of proposed construction, existing buildings, distance from property lines, driveway width and curb cut, directional orientation
- Required
Foundation Plan
Foundation layout and dimensions, footings, piers, stem walls, reinforcement, perimeter insulation type and R-value
- Required
Floor Plan and Framing Plan
Complete floor plan for all levels with square footage, and framing plan specifying joists, girders, rafters, truss connectors, and insulation
- Required
Wall Section Details and Elevations
Exterior/interior bearing wall sections, load path connections, roof slope and materials, structural lumber grade/species
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 112-A, one- and two-family dwelling regional modifier 0.50 applied to valuation) | $23.50 minimum for valuation $1–$2,000; then $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 per additional $100 (to $2,000); $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000 (to $25,000); $391.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000 (to $50,000); $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000 (to $100,000); $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000 thereafter — modifier of 0.50 applied to the resulting valuation for one- and two-family dwellings | 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code, Table 112-A and Section 112.2.1 regional modifier table |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee, paid at time of plan submittal | UAC Section 112.3; separate from and in addition to the permit fee |
| Building valuation basis | Set per the ICC Building Valuation Data table scheduled under the Regulation Governing Building Valuation (ROA 1994 § 14-1-2): February 2018 ICC table applies through June 30, 2026; February 2021 ICC table July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 | City of Albuquerque Regulation Governing Building Valuation Pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Code, signed by the Chief Administrative Officer following an April 17, 2026 public rulemaking hearing |
| Re-inspection Fee | $47.00 each | UAC Table 112-A, Other Inspections and Fees item 2, per Section 113.5.8 |
| Investigation Fee (work commenced without a permit) | Equal to the amount of the permit fee otherwise required | UAC Section 112.4.2 |
Review timeline
13–13 business days
Albuquerque’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation Inspection
After excavation for footings is complete and required reinforcing steel is in place; forms in place for concrete foundations
- 2
Foundation Insulation Inspection
After insulation has been installed around the perimeter of slab-on-grade floors
- 3
Frame Inspection
After roof decking/underlayment, all framing, fire blocking, draft stopping, bracing, and framed openings are in place, and pipes, wiring, chimneys, ductwork, and vents are approved
- 4
Frame Insulation Inspection
After insulation and vapor barriers have been installed in frame walls, floors, and ceilings or roofs
- 5
Exterior Lath / Wallboard Inspection
After exterior lathing is in place but before plastering; wallboard inspection on firewalls, wet areas, and shear walls before joints/fasteners are taped and finished
- 6
Final Inspection
After the building is completed and ready for occupancy, called for by the permit holder before occupancy
Tips
- Apply through ABQ-PLAN for electronic plan review — no need to visit the Building Safety counter in person unless assistance is needed.
- The City's live Permit Timeline Dashboard (average issuance time, January 1, 2026 to present) reports Residential Building Permits at 13 business days.
- A building permit can only be issued to a homeowner building their own owner-occupied residence or to a New Mexico-licensed contractor with at least a GB-2 classification.
- Building valuation for fee calculation follows a City-scheduled ICC Building Valuation Data table (February 2018 edition through June 30, 2026); the Albuquerque regional modifier of 0.50 is then applied for one- and two-family dwellings.
- Plan review fee (65% of the permit fee) is due at submittal; the permit fee itself is due once plan review is complete and plans are approved.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a residential building permit take in Albuquerque?
- Per the City's Permit Timeline Dashboard (average issuance times, January 1, 2026 to present), residential building permits average 13 business days. Plan review for residential projects generally takes about two and a half weeks depending on complexity, per the Building Safety FAQs.
- How is the building permit fee calculated?
- The fee is based on the project's building valuation looked up on the currently scheduled ICC Building Valuation Data table, run through UAC Table 112-A's fee formula, with the Albuquerque regional modifier applied (0.50 for one- and two-family dwellings, 0.67 for apartments/public/commercial). A separate plan review fee equal to 65% of the permit fee is paid at submittal.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Building Safety Division | City of Albuquerque
- Permits | City of Albuquerque Building Safety Division
- 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A, adopted)
- Regulation Governing Building Valuation Pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Code (2026)
- New Residential Construction — Plans & Permit Information | City of Albuquerque
- Building Safety & Permits FAQs | 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.
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