Fence / Wall Permit in Unincorporated Bernalillo County, New Mexico
VerifiedFences and walls in unincorporated Bernalillo County require a permit above certain height thresholds, per the county's Detailed Property Zone Permit Information matrix (rev. 3/2019), applicable uniformly across the A-1, A-2, R-1, R-2, and M-H zones.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Solid fences over 6 feet require a building permit in all zoning districts
- Low freestanding walls/fences under 30 inches above grade that are NOT attached to a dwelling do not require a permit (per the county's zoning permit matrix, subject to the under-6-ft condition)
- Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height (bottom of footing to top of wall) require a permit and must be designed by a registered professional per the Residential Building Packet requirements
- All yard walls and retaining walls that are not part of the building must have their own separate permits
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Application
Standard Bernalillo County Building Permit Application for wall/fence permits over the height threshold
- Required
Site Plan
Wall/fence location relative to property lines and existing structures
- Optional
Engineered Wall Plans
Required for retaining walls over 4 feet (footing to top of wall) — stamped by a licensed New Mexico professional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | $30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 of valuation | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-A — walls/fences over the permit threshold are priced under the general building permit fee formula; no separate wall/fence fee line item exists in the fee resolution |
| Building Plan Review Fee | $30.00 plus $2.00 per $1,000.00 of valuation | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-A |
Review timeline
~3–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing
Footing excavation, rebar, forms before concrete pour
- 2
Final
Wall/fence complete, height and construction verified against approved plans
Tips
- The 6-foot threshold applies to solid fences; the county's zoning matrix separately notes walls/fences under 30 inches not attached to a dwelling as not requiring a permit — confirm your specific design against both thresholds with Building Services at (505) 314-0351.
- Pool barrier fencing has its own separate 6 ft (or 4 ft with cover) requirement under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Sec. 22.D.2.c, distinct from the general fence permit threshold.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a fence in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Yes, if the fence is solid and over 6 feet tall, per the county's Detailed Property Zone Permit Information matrix. Low walls under 30 inches not attached to a dwelling generally do not require a permit.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services — Building Services (Building Safety Division) — official building department
- Bernalillo County Detailed Property Zone Permit Information (rev. 3/2019)
- Bernalillo County Residential Building Packet (rev. 2/18/2025) — retaining wall requirement
- Bernalillo County Administrative Resolution 25-2009 — Table 3-A
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 Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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