Sign Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque requires a sign permit for: Installation of signs requires a building permit under UAC Table 112-E; Electrical signs require a separate electrical permit (Table 112-B) in addition to the sign permit; Signs must comply with the electrical code and bear the label of an approved testing agency if they contain electrical wiring. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division at (505) 924-3320 before starting work.

Flat fees apply based on sign size: $15.00 for 2–20 sq ft, $30.00 for over 20 to 100 sq ft, and $45.00 for over 100 sq ft, per UAC Table 112-E. Electrical signs additionally require an electrical permit under Table 112-B.

Plan review for a sign permit in Albuquerque typically runs 13–13 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division at (505) 924-3320.

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

Albuquerque requires 2 inspection(s) for a sign permit, in order: Footing Inspection, Final Inspection. 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.