Bernalillo building permits

Requirements

• New construction, additions, or alterations to a residential structure exceeding 120 square feet within Town limits
• Town Planning and Zoning zoning/floodplain pre-review and sign-off required before submittal to CID
• Contractors: submit the CID Multi-Purpose Building Application with a site plan and building plans to pzdept@tobnm.gov; Homeowners: submit the CID Homeowner Permit Application with a site plan and building plans (a homeowner permit requires a separately signed and notarized Homeowner's Responsibilities Form and applies only to an owner-occupied primary residence)
• Two complete sets of plans, minimum 1/4" = 1'-0" scale, on at least 8½"x11" paper, showing site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, floor/roof framing plans, and construction details
• Zoning approval and a floodplain determination from the Town must be obtained before applying to CID
• Separate electrical and plumbing permits are required for those trades and are not covered by this application

Required documents

• RequiredCID Multi-Purpose Building Application (Contractor)State of New Mexico Application for State Building Permit, used by licensed contractors; linked directly from the Town's Forms, Applications & Fees page. Includes the CID 'Building Permit Guide for Residential Construction.'
• OptionalCID Homeowner Permit ApplicationState of New Mexico Homeowner Building Permit Application, used when the owner-occupant is the applicant rather than a licensed contractor; linked directly from the Town's Forms, Applications & Fees page.
• RequiredSite PlanMust show property line dimensions, all structures, distances between structures, and distances from all setbacks, per the Town's example site plan.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New construction, additions, or alterations to a commercial structure within Town limits
• Town Planning and Zoning zoning/floodplain pre-review and sign-off required before submittal to CID
• Submit the CID Multi-Purpose Building Application with two complete sets of plans (minimum 1/4" = 1', at least 11"x17" paper) to pzdept@tobnm.gov
• Applicant must be validly licensed with the appropriate New Mexico contractor license classification for the work requested
• A single professional seal (architect or engineer) is required for projects up to $600,000 valuation and 50 occupant load; both an architect's and an engineer's seal are required above those thresholds, per the CID Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction
• Commercial demolition/renovation involving asbestos-containing materials requires advance notice to the Air Pollution Control Bureau (1-800-224-7009) at least ten days before work

Required documents

• RequiredCID Multi-Purpose Building Application (Contractor)State of New Mexico Application for State Building Permit; includes the CID 'Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction' (rev. 5/23/2023) with the full plan-submittal checklist.
• RequiredSite Plan, Foundation Plan, Floor Plan, Framing Plans, Exterior Elevations, Building/Wall Sections, Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical System Drawings, Structural CalculationsFull commercial plan set per the CID Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction checklist.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Re-roofing work on a structure greater than 120 square feet within Town limits requires a CID Building Permit prior to construction, per the Town's Planning and Zoning page
• Town Planning and Zoning zoning/floodplain pre-review and sign-off required before submittal to CID
• Submit the CID Multi-Purpose Building Application (or Homeowner Permit Application) with the 'Reroof' box checked, to pzdept@tobnm.gov

Required documents

• RequiredCID Multi-Purpose Building Application or Homeowner Permit ApplicationSame state application used for new construction; 'Reroof' is one of the checkbox categories under 'Building Permit' on the form.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Demolition work requires a CID Building Permit prior to commencing, per the Town's Planning and Zoning page
• Town Planning and Zoning zoning/floodplain pre-review and sign-off required before submittal to CID
• Two site plans identifying the structure(s) to be demolished must be submitted
• If asbestos-containing materials may be involved, the Air Pollution Control Bureau (1-800-224-7009) must be called at least ten days in advance, per the CID Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction

Required documents

• RequiredCID Multi-Purpose Building ApplicationSame state application used for new construction; 'Alteration/Repairs/Demolition' is one of the checkbox categories under 'Building Permit' on the form.
• RequiredSite Plans identifying structure(s) to be demolishedTwo copies required per the CID Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Manufactured home placement (HUD-certified, any age) or mobile home placement (not HUD-certified, cannot be more than 30 years old) within Town limits
• Or placement of a shed, carport, or other structure 120 square feet or less not otherwise requiring a CID building permit
• Site plan showing north arrow, adjacent streets, proposed structure location and dimensions, and front/side/rear setback distances
• Copy of rental agreement or written landowner authorization
• Copy of title (mobile homes) or proof of HUD compliance (manufactured homes)
• State of NM water/septic permits, or a copy of the Town of Bernalillo Application for Water and Sewer Services
• Town of Bernalillo Floodplain Development Permit if the property is located in a floodzone
• For manufactured homes: Manufactured Housing Division (MHD) Installer License and Installation Permit (MHIP) number, due within 7 days of placement but prior to installation
• Permit is valid for 30 days from issuance; a mobile/manufactured home skirting inspection is scheduled 30 days from the date of occupancy

Required documents

• RequiredPlacement Permit General PacketTown of Bernalillo's combined application for manufactured/mobile home and small-structure placement, including the site plan example.
• RequiredTitle or HUD Compliance ProofCopy of title for a mobile home, or proof of HUD compliance for a manufactured home.
• RequiredRental Agreement or Landowner AuthorizationRequired if the applicant is not the property owner.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Fence or wall construction within Town limits
• For 6 feet or less in height: Town-issued Fence & Wall Permit
• For over 6 feet in height: full CID Building Permit required instead (see Residential/Commercial Building Permit)
• Attached drawing identifying all property lines, adjacent streets, existing structures, and the location, materials, height, and dimensions of the proposed wall or fence
• Work must be completed within six months of permit issuance or the permit becomes null and void

Required documents

• RequiredFence & Wall Permit Application with Site PlanTown of Bernalillo's application form, including a zoning-district checkbox and Historic Overlay Zone determination.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Development (new construction, filling, grading, excavation, or substantial improvement — more than 50% of structure value) located in a designated floodzone within Town limits
• Compliance with Town of Bernalillo Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (Ordinance No. 247) and applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• If the property is in a designated FLOODWAY, certification is required prior to permit issuance that the proposed development will result in no increase in the base (100-year) flood elevation
• Elevation Certificate (prepared by a registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor) required for the 'as-built' lowest floor elevation of any new or substantially improved building
• Verification of other required permits (Army Corps of Engineers 401/404, EPA NPDES for land disturbance of 1 acre or more) where applicable

Required documents

• RequiredFloodplain Development Permit ApplicationTown of Bernalillo's application form for development in a floodplain.
• RequiredElevation CertificatePrepared by a registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor, documenting the as-built lowest floor elevation.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Installers must hold a valid CID license with the EE-98, EL-1, or ER-1 classification, as applicable — N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(1)
• Building Permit (CID) fee is 'ICC — Based on Valuation,' per the Town of Bernalillo Fee Schedule (updated 7/8/24); the CID calculates the valuation and fee directly under NMAC 14.5.5.10 — the Town does not set or collect this fee
• Town Zoning Review fee of $25.00 applies to residential development, per the Town of Bernalillo Fee Schedule
• Submittal documents required by CID include a site plan, PV panel layout, one-line diagram identifying all system components and conductor sizes, mounting-system listing documentation, utility interconnection details, and grounding system documentation — N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(2)
• A structural analysis by a New Mexico-licensed professional engineer is required if the added dead load exceeds statutory thresholds (5 lbs/sq ft, 45 lbs point load, or 200 lbs added dead load), per N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)
• Commencing work without a permit doubles the applicable permit fee, per the Town of Bernalillo Fee Schedule

Required documents

• RequiredCID Homeowner Permit Application w/ Site PlanTown of Bernalillo-published CID application form for owner-performed work
• RequiredCID Multi-Purpose Building Application w/ Site PlanTown of Bernalillo-published CID application form for contractor-performed work
• RequiredOne-Line Electrical Diagram and Solar Array Plan SetPer N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(2), identifying system components, conductor sizes, mounting listing, interconnection, and grounding

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A CID-issued electrical/building permit is required for a new dedicated circuit or hardwired connection for an EV charger; no separate 'EV charger' or 'EVSE' permit category exists at either the Town or CID level
• Governed by CID's currently adopted New Mexico Electrical Code (based on the NEC), including NEC Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) provisions where applicable
• Town Zoning Review ($25.00 residential) is a prerequisite pre-review/sign-off before the application proceeds to CID, per the Town's standard CID-routing process
• Submitted via the Town's CID application forms (Homeowner Permit Application or Multi-Purpose Building Application), then routed through CID's statewide Electronic Plan Review (EPR) system for the actual permit issuance
• Commencing work before securing a permit doubles the applicable permit fee, per the Town of Bernalillo Fee Schedule

Required documents

• RequiredCID Homeowner Permit Application w/ Site PlanTown of Bernalillo-published CID application form for owner-performed work; no separate EV-specific form is published
• RequiredCID Multi-Purpose Building Application w/ Site PlanTown of Bernalillo-published CID application form for contractor-performed work

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Required for all sign types, including Temporary Signs, located in an R-2 Zone (containing apartments), C-R, C-1, or M-1 Zone, per the Town of Bernalillo Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Sections 11, 12, 13, 14, and 21
• Signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way, including roads, sidewalks, parks, and ditches, per the Sign Permit Application
• A drawing of the proposed sign(s) is required, showing sign type, dimensions, colors, height, materials, illumination details, and location on the property and/or building face, and identifying property lines and adjacent roadways
• Signs that utilize electricity require a separate Electrical Permit obtained by a licensed electrician from the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
• A Building and Safety Inspection is conditionally required if the sign uses steel or reinforced footings other than concrete, per the application's Official Use Only section
• A property in the Historic Overlay Zone (Mainstreet Overlay District) must refer to that district's separate Design Standards, per the application's Historic Overlay Zone checkbox
• Off-Premise Signs additionally require a Conditional Use Permit and carry their own separate application and annual renewal fee

Required documents

• RequiredSign Permit ApplicationTown of Bernalillo's application form (Updated 9-21-21), including a sign type/quantity/value table, zoning determination, and an Official Use Only fee and inspection section.
• RequiredSign DrawingDrawing showing sign type, dimensions, colors, height, materials, illumination details, and location relative to property lines and adjacent roadways.
• OptionalCID Electrical PermitObtained separately by a licensed electrician through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division for any sign that utilizes electricity; not part of the Town's Sign Permit application itself.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• The CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application includes a 'Fire Sprinklers Apply Y/N' checkbox; when marked, the fire protection system plans are routed to the New Mexico State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) Code Enforcement Bureau for independent review, per the CID Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction
• All fire protection system installers/submitters must hold a valid NM Certificate of Fitness under NMAC 10.25.2, per SFMO's own Plan Submittal Information (Rev.2, 12/22)
• Plans must be designed by a minimum NICET Level III-certified designer for water-based fire protection systems and fire alarm system design (a NM licensed PE stamp is not required), per SFMO's Plan Submittal Information
• Fire alarm plans must be designed in accordance with NFPA 72, 2019 Edition or newer, and include a riser diagram, sequence of operations, device legend, and battery/voltage-drop calculations, per SFMO's Fire Alarm - Requirements section
• Fire sprinkler plans must meet SFMO's Fire Sprinkler - Requirements section (a NICET Level III or higher designer for water-based systems)
• Minor alterations (10 or fewer devices/appliances, or a sprinkler system with 19 heads or less) may qualify for a simplified Scope of Work Letter reviewed by a State Fire Inspector instead of a full plan submittal
• Installation, modification, or alteration of a fire protection system shall not begin until the plans have been stamped APPROVED (or APPROVED WITH EXCEPTIONS) by the NM SFMO
• A Final Acceptance Test, scheduled with SFMO Inspections after a successful pre-test, is required before the system may be placed in service
• Separately, the Town of Bernalillo's own Fire Marshal's Office (829 Camino del Pueblo; firemarshal@tobnm.gov; (505) 541-0010) holds inspection authority over existing commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings under the Town's adopted fire code, and requires an annual Fire Inspection Certificate as part of the Town's separate Business Registration process

Required documents

• RequiredFire Protection System Plans (Fire Sprinkler and/or Fire Alarm)Submitted digitally to sfmo.plans@dhsem.nm.gov per SFMO's own naming and email-subject conventions, or as part of hard-copy CID plan submittal for the underlying Commercial Building Permit.
• RequiredNM Certificate of FitnessRequired of the installing/submitting company under NMAC 10.25.2; a copy must be present on the job site during installation, inspection, or maintenance.
• OptionalScope of Work LetterA simplified alternative to full plan submittal for qualifying minor alterations (10 or fewer devices/appliances, or 19 or fewer sprinkler heads), reviewed by a State Fire Inspector, Deputy Fire Marshal, or the State Fire Marshal.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• No building or structure shall be used or occupied and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure, or portion thereof, shall be made until the Building Official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy or the Town has issued a Certificate of Compliance, as applicable — Town of Bernalillo Ordinance No. 318, Section 12.A
• It is unlawful to commence the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance, removal, or demolition of a building or structure without first obtaining a Building Permit, if one is required by CID — Ordinance No. 318, Section 10.A; a change of occupancy classification that requires such work must be routed through the same CID Building Permit process (Alteration/Repairs/Demolition) as new construction, including the Town's mandatory zoning/floodplain pre-review sign-off
• For site-built or modular buildings, structures, or housing units, a Certificate of Occupancy is signed by the Building Official upon completion and verification of all inspections and requirements, per Ordinance No. 318, Section 12.B; the CID Building Permit Guide for Commercial Construction independently confirms no change in existing occupancy classification is permitted until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy, per 14.5.3.13 NMAC
• For manufactured or mobile homes, a Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Town instead, upon completion and verification of all inspections and requirements and prior to expiration of the time period required for skirting — Ordinance No. 318, Section 12.C
• Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance is not construed as approval of any violation of a Building Code or Town ordinance, and the Building Official (or the Town, for a Certificate of Compliance) may suspend or revoke it in writing if the building, structure, or housing unit is later found in violation — Ordinance No. 318, Section 12.D
• No distinct standalone fee is published by the Town or CID for a 'change of use' or Certificate of Occupancy application itself — per Ordinance No. 318, Section 9.A, fees for inspection/permitting services performed on the Town's behalf by an entity such as CID follow that entity's own fee schedule, which is the same ICC valuation-based Building Permit fee documented in this file's Residential/Commercial Building Permit entries

Required documents

• OptionalCID Multi-Purpose Building Application (Alteration/Repairs/Demolition)The same State of New Mexico application used for new construction; required only if the occupancy-classification change involves construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion work that CID would otherwise require a permit for.
• RequiredCertificate of OccupancySigned by the Building Official for site-built or modular buildings, structures, or housing units upon completion and verification of all inspections and requirements, per Ordinance No. 318, Section 12.B. A copy is provided to the owner/occupant.
• OptionalCertificate of ComplianceIssued by the Town instead of a Certificate of Occupancy for manufactured or mobile homes, per Ordinance No. 318, Section 12.C.

Fee schedule