Swimming Pool Permit in Unincorporated Bernalillo County, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for in-ground and above-ground swimming pool installation exceeding 24 inches in depth in unincorporated Bernalillo County, per the county's Swimming Pool Packet (rev. Dec. 2024). Requires coordination across Building Services, Public Works, and Natural Resource Services.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Pools, spas, hot tubs, jacuzzis more than 24 inches deep above or below grade with water capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons require a permit (per the county's zoning permit matrix); larger pools also require a permit
- Plans must bear a New Mexico-licensed architect's or engineer's stamp, signature, and date
- Uncovered pools/spas/hot tubs/jacuzzis in unincorporated Bernalillo County must be surrounded by a wall or fence at least 6 feet in height (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Sec. 22.D.2.c); if an approved pool cover is installed, the barrier need only be 4 feet high on the side facing away from the pool
- A Bernalillo County Public Works site visit and sign-off (Development Review Section) is required before Building Final inspection
- A Hold Harmless Affidavit is required if Public Works determines no Grading and Drainage Plan is needed; if a Grading and Drainage Plan IS required, a registered Professional Engineer must prepare it before a permit can issue
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Application (Pool Packet)
County application form for swimming pool permits
- Required
Plot Plan
Owner name, site address, legal description, UPC, distances from property lines/existing structures, water supply/waste disposal location
- Required
Public Works Form (Building Permit for Swimming Pools)
Completed after a Public Works Development Review Section site visit (call 505-848-1500); documents whether a Grading and Drainage Plan is required
- Optional
Hold Harmless Affidavit
Required if Public Works determines no Grading and Drainage Plan is needed — a notarized variance request from the Bernalillo County Storm Drainage Ordinance No. 96-5 and AMAFCA Drainage Policy
- Required
Pool Barrier Responsibility Statement
Documents the pool barrier/fence design meeting the 6 ft (or 4 ft with approved cover) height requirement, shown on the site plan
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pool (Private) — Electrical | $30.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-B, Item 15 |
| Swimming Pool (Private) — Plumbing | $30.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 18 |
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | $30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 of valuation | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-A; the pool application references 2015 IBC Sec. 108.3 for valuation |
| Public Works Development Review | Contact Public Works Development Review Section, (505) 848-1500, for current fee | Fee not published in the Pool Packet or Resolution 25-2009 — omitted rather than estimated; confirmed by phone per the packet's own instructions |
Review timeline
~10–21 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Public Works Development Review Site Visit
Required before permit issuance — Development Review Inspector visits site to determine if a Grading and Drainage Plan is required
- 2
Excavation/Steel
Pool shell excavation, rebar, plumbing before gunite/shotcrete
- 3
Electrical/Bonding
Pool bonding grid, equipment connections, GFCI protection
- 4
Building Final
Pool complete, barrier/fence in place per the Pool Barrier Responsibility Statement — Public Works final inspection required before Building Final
Tips
- Uncovered pools/spas/hot tubs must have a 6 ft barrier (or 4 ft with an approved pool cover, per Zoning Ordinance Sec. 22.D.2.c) — this is a county-specific zoning requirement layered on top of the building code.
- Contact Bernalillo County Public Works Development Review Section at (505) 848-1500 FIRST to arrange the required site visit before submitting the rest of the pool permit package.
- All pool, spa, hot tub and jacuzzi designs must bear the seal of a New Mexico Registered Design Professional unless otherwise approved by the Building Official.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a swimming pool in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Yes, for pools/spas/hot tubs more than 24 inches deep. The process requires a Public Works Development Review site visit, plans stamped by a NM-licensed architect or engineer, and a 6 ft pool barrier (4 ft if an approved cover is used) per the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
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 Swimming Pool Packet (rev. Dec. 2024)
- Bernalillo County Administrative Resolution 25-2009 — Tables 3-B and 3-D (Pool Fees)
- Bernalillo County Detailed Property Zone Permit Information (rev. 3/2019)
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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