Water Heater Permit in Unincorporated Bernalillo County, New Mexico
VerifiedWater heater installation and replacement is regulated under Bernalillo County's Plumbing Permit process and fee-priced as a plumbing fixture item under Resolution 25-2009.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Water heater installation or replacement (any fuel type)
- Homeowners may self-perform water heater work as part of domestic water distribution ONLY if they have passed the county's homeowner plumbing test; gas-fired water heater venting/gas connection work is explicitly excluded from the homeowner plumbing-test scope and requires a licensed contractor
- Valid New Mexico plumbing contractor license and current Bernalillo County Business License for contractor-pulled permits
Required documents
- Required
Accela Citizen Access Application
Professional plumbing/gas permit applications (including water heater replacement) are submitted online via Accela Citizen Access
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Fixture Fee | $5.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 6 — water heaters are fee-classified as a plumbing fixture; no separate 'water heater' line item exists in the fee schedule |
| Administrative Charge | $23.50 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 1, applies to all plumbing permit applications |
| Gas Outlet (if gas water heater requires new gas connection) | $3.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D, Item 5 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $47.00 each | Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D |
Review timeline
~3–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Bernalillo County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In / Final
For like-for-like replacements the county typically combines rough and final into a single inspection call; verify with (505) 314-0351 for the specific inspection sequence required for your installation
Tips
- Gas water heater venting and gas piping connections are explicitly excluded from what a homeowner plumbing-test permit authorizes — this work requires a licensed contractor even if the homeowner is doing other plumbing work themselves.
- Confirm with Bernalillo County Building Services ((505) 314-0351) whether your specific replacement requires a full plumbing permit application via Accela or qualifies for a simplified process.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
- Yes. Water heaters are priced as a plumbing fixture ($5.00 each) plus the $23.50 administrative charge under Resolution 25-2009, Table 3-D. Professional installers apply via Accela Citizen Access; homeowners may self-perform only the water distribution portion after passing the county plumbing test — gas venting/connection work still requires a licensed contractor.
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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