Plumbing Permit in Unincorporated Bernalillo County, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs, including water heater replacement, in unincorporated Bernalillo County. Governed by the Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO) as adopted through Bernalillo County Building Ordinance 2024-8. Professional applications go through Accela Citizen Access; qualifying homeowners may take a county plumbing test to self-perform limited scopes of work.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Water heater installation or replacement
- New plumbing fixture installations, water/sewer line work, gas line installation
- Valid State of New Mexico plumbing contractor license and current Bernalillo County Business License for contractor-pulled permits
- Homeowners may self-perform ONLY domestic water distribution in the house and yard line, sanitary sewer drain lines in the house and sewer yard lines, and venting for sanitary drainage — after passing a county plumbing test. Homeowners may NOT self-perform gas piping, HVAC ductwork, radiant tubing, or installation of gas heating/cooling appliances under a plumbing homeowner permit.
Required documents
- Required
Accela Citizen Access Application
Professional plumbing/gas permit applications are submitted online via Accela Citizen Access — PDF forms are no longer available
- Optional
Homeowner Plumbing Test Certification
Required for homeowner self-performed plumbing work; test uses the IAPMO 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, 28 questions, $25 fee, 75% passing grade, administered by the Senior Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector; bring floor plan and sewer/water piping schematic
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Charge (all plumbing permit applications) | $23.50 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 1 (exception: re-inspection fee) |
| Plumbing Fixture | $5.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 6 |
| Water Distribution System (incl. pool filling system/backflow prevention) | $7.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 7 |
| Water Service (property line to house) | $7.00 | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 8 |
| House/Building Sewer (property line to house, incl. 2-way cleanout) | $14.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 10 |
| Gas Outlet | $3.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 5 |
| Homeowner Plumbing Test Fee | $25.00 | Bernalillo County Homeowner Projects & Permits page; test covers sewer/water piping for a new SFD or bathroom/kitchen addition |
| Gravity Sewer Test / Airvac Sewer Test (yard line) | $10.00 test fee each, plus $37.50 plumbing permit for house sewer yard line | Bernalillo County Homeowner Projects & Permits page |
| Re-inspection Fee | $47.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D (continuation page) |
Review timeline
~3–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Underground/Slab
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
- 2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed — pressure test required
- 3
Final
All fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting verified. Inspection Phone: (505) 314-0351.
Tips
- Homeowners may take a plumbing test to self-perform domestic water distribution, sanitary sewer drain lines, and venting for sanitary drainage — but the plumbing homeowner test does NOT authorize gas piping, HVAC ductwork, radiant floor heat tubing, or gas appliance installation.
- The plumbing test uses the IAPMO 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code; classes are not offered and the county does not supply codebooks or accept cash for the exam.
- Water heater replacements are a common plumbing-fixture-fee line item — professional contractors apply via Accela Citizen Access.
- No trade permits for new construction can be issued without an open building permit on the property.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a homeowner do their own plumbing work in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Yes, for limited scopes only: domestic water distribution, sanitary sewer drain lines, and venting for sanitary drainage in the homeowner's own house, after passing the county's plumbing test (28 questions, IAPMO 2015 UPC, $25 fee, 75% passing grade). Gas piping, HVAC ductwork, and gas appliance installation are NOT covered by the plumbing homeowner permit.
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Yes. Water heater work falls under the plumbing fixture fee schedule of Resolution 25-2009 (Table 3-D) — $5.00 per plumbing fixture plus the $23.50 administrative charge. Contact (505) 314-0351 to confirm the specific fee for your installation.
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 Building Services — Plumbing/Gas
- Bernalillo County Administrative Resolution 25-2009 — Table 3-D Plumbing Permit Fees
- Bernalillo County Homeowner Projects & Permits — Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical Work
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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