Wall / Fence Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for walls and fences over six (6) feet high in Albuquerque; walls and fences under six feet require a permit from the Zoning Counter instead of Building Safety. Fee is based on wall/fence type and height per lineal foot.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Walls and fences over six (6) feet high require a building permit from the Building Safety Division
- Walls and fences under six feet require a permit from the Zoning Counter, not Building Safety
- Retaining walls are subject to the same Building Safety permit requirement based on height and construction type
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Application (Wall/Fence)
Submitted online through ABQ-PLAN
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CMU Garden Wall, 6 ft | $41.70 per lineal foot | 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code, Table 112-F (Fence and Wall Construction Cost Guide Per Lineal Foot) |
| Adobe Garden Wall, 6 ft | $71.40 per lineal foot | UAC Table 112-F |
| Wood Stud/Stucco Wall, 6 ft | $69.30 per lineal foot | UAC Table 112-F |
| Wood Fence (Cedar), 6 ft | $23.30 per lineal foot | UAC Table 112-F |
| Chain Link Fence, 6 ft | $12.00 per lineal foot | UAC Table 112-F |
| CMU Retaining Wall (6-inch), 6 ft | $45.75 per lineal foot (add 15% for reinforcement greater than code minimum) | UAC Table 112-F |
| Concrete Retaining Wall (3-inch), 6 ft | $89.00 per lineal foot | UAC Table 112-F |
Review timeline
~13–13 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Albuquerque building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing Inspection
Required before concrete pour for footings supporting the wall or fence
- 2
Final Inspection
After construction complete
Tips
- Confirm your wall or fence height first: over 6 feet requires a Building Safety permit; 6 feet or under is handled by the Zoning Counter instead.
- Fee schedule (UAC Table 112-F) is priced per lineal foot and varies by material and height — CMU/adobe/stucco walls cost substantially more per foot than wood or chain-link fencing.
- Reinforcement greater than the code minimum adds 15% to the CMU/concrete retaining wall fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a fence in Albuquerque?
- Only if it's over 6 feet high — that requires a building permit from the Building Safety Division, priced per lineal foot based on material and height under UAC Table 112-F. Fences and walls 6 feet or under are permitted through the Zoning Counter instead.
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) — Table 112-F
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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