Rio Rancho building permits

Requirements

• Submit two (2) sets of 24"x36" plans (minimum 11"x17") to the Building Inspection Division, including Site Plan, Floor Plan, Framing Plan, Foundation Plan, Elevations, Grading and Drainage Plan (if necessary), Truss Engineering, and Heat Loss Calculations
• Complete Building Permit & Plan Review Application, submitted via Click2Gov or emailed to permits@rrnm.gov (paper documents not accepted)
• Application fee is 65% of the Building Permit Fee (non-refundable)
• Plans must comply with the 2021 IBC/IRC with New Mexico state amendments and Rio Rancho Chapter 151 Building Regulations
• Minimum setbacks per zoning: Residential/Garages (R-1) — Front 20' (20' for front garage), Rear 15', Side 5' each, Corner lot side 10'; Estate Residential (E-1) — Front 35', Rear 25', Side 10' each, Corner lot side 10'
• Contractors performing work within city limits must hold a New Mexico state contractor license and an active City of Rio Rancho business license
• New Mexico Environmental Department approval required prior to submittal for projects requiring septic systems

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit & Plan Review ApplicationPrimary application form; includes property information, legal description, cost of project, and setback dimensions
• RequiredNew Home Submittal Checklist / PacketRio Rancho's required submittal checklist for new residential construction, including Site Plan, Framing Plan, Roof Plan, Foundation Plan (with footing cross-section), Floor Plan, Finished Floor Elevation, Engineered Truss Detail, Heat Loss Calculations (Manual J and Manual S or D), Engineered Grading & Drainage Plan, ES (stucco) Report, Shear Wall Bracing, and Building Thermal Envelope Plan (REScheck, REM/Rate, or RESNET)
• RequiredApproved Water Meter ApplicationRequired approval from the City Utilities Department prior to permit issuance
• OptionalState of NM Homeowner Responsibility FormRequired notarized form if the homeowner (rather than a licensed contractor) is applying for the permit, per the Construction Industries Licensing Act homeowner exemption

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for additions, remodels, garage conversions, and most minor repair work
• Submit Building Permit & Plan Review Application via Click2Gov or emailed to permits@rrnm.gov
• Application fee is 65% of the Building Permit Fee (non-refundable)
• Plans must show scope of work, dimensions, and connection to the existing structure, complying with 2021 IBC/IRC with New Mexico state amendments
• Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) required for MEP work associated with the addition/remodel
• It is advisable to contact the permit office at (505) 891-5005 to confirm whether a permit is required before starting any home project

Required documents

• RequiredAddition/Remodel Permit ApplicationCity of Rio Rancho's application form for additions and remodels
• RequiredConstruction DrawingsPlans showing scope of work, dimensions, and structural connection to the existing structure
• OptionalState of NM Homeowner Responsibility FormRequired notarized form if the homeowner is applying for the permit rather than a licensed contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Installation, change, or repair of any electrical service, panel, or wiring system
• 401 Amp services and above require engineering
• Base permit fee of $33.00 plus itemized service/item fees
• Administrative fee of $23.00 applies to all permits
• A double fee is assessed for work started before securing a permit
• Permit includes three (3) inspections; additional inspections may require additional fees

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCity of Rio Rancho Electrical Permit form, itemizing service type, panel size, and fee

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Repair, replace, relocate, or add to any plumbing system or fixture group
• Base permit fee of $33.00 plus itemized fixture/item fees
• Administrative fee of $23.00 applies to all permits
• A double fee is assessed for work started before securing a permit
• Permit includes three (3) inspections; additional inspections may require additional fees

Required documents

• RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (Residential)City of Rio Rancho Residential Plumbing Permit form, itemizing fixture groups and fees

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Install or replace any heating, cooling, ventilation, or fuel-burning appliance
• Base permit fee of $33.00 plus itemized equipment fees
• Administrative fee of $23.00 applies to all permits
• A double fee is assessed for work started before securing a permit
• Permit includes two (2) inspections; additional inspections may require additional fees

Required documents

• RequiredMechanical Permit Application (Residential)City of Rio Rancho Residential Mechanical Permit form, itemizing equipment types and fees

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A building permit is required prior to starting any re-roofing work; a faxed application is not a permit
• A copy of the bid proposal must be attached for reroof/windows/doors/stucco work
• Site plan and setback measurements required
• NMAC Section 14.5.2.8 requires a permit whenever a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Shed, Wall, Fence & Reroof ApplicationCity of Rio Rancho's combined application form covering reroof, fence, shed, and retaining wall permits
• RequiredBid ProposalCopy of the contractor's bid proposal for the reroof, window, door, or stucco work

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Effective March 20, 2017, a copy of the PNM Notice of Complete and Notice of Technical Screening Review is required as part of the submittal, showing the type and size of the system to be installed, before a solar permit is applied for
• Electrical permit required for the photovoltaic system connection
• Building permit required for roof-mounted or ground-mounted structural attachment
• Comply with Rio Rancho Chapter 154 zoning and setback requirements for ground-mounted systems

Required documents

• RequiredPNM Notice of Complete and Notice of Technical Screening ReviewRequired utility interconnection documentation showing system type and size, submitted before applying for the solar permit
• RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCovers the photovoltaic electrical connection; includes the Residential/Commercial Photovoltaic fee line
• RequiredElectrical Single-Line DiagramSystem wiring from panels to inverter to main panel

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Defined in Rio Rancho Municipal Code § 154.03 as a separate, complete housekeeping unit, attached or detached, not exceeding 900 square feet or 50% of the primary structure (whichever is greater), on a lot 7,000 square feet or greater, with a separate entrance, kitchen, sleeping area, and full bathroom facilities (not a mobile home)
• Per § 154.70(A), accessory dwelling units are allowed in residential zones subject to design standards: shall not exceed the height of the primary structure or 24 feet, whichever is greater; exterior of any accessory dwelling unit over 250 sq ft must use materials/facade similar to the primary structure (over 600 sq ft must match materials/facade)
• An additional parking space that does not block a two-car garage is required for an accessory dwelling unit
• A second kitchen is permitted in the primary residence or the ADU, but not both
• Building permit required through the standard Building Permit & Plan Review Application process, with plans reviewed against the 2021 IBC/IRC with New Mexico amendments

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit & Plan Review ApplicationSame application form used for new residential construction; used for ADU building permit submittal
• RequiredSite Plan showing ADU location, setbacks, and parkingMust demonstrate compliance with § 154.70(A) design standards and required additional parking space

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Site plan showing setback measurements from property lines required
• Adjoining property owner permission (Letter of Consent) required for certain fence placements
• Height of structure must be documented
• Retaining walls require engineered stamped plans
• Fence height: 4 feet maximum in the front setback area; 6 feet maximum in the remaining yard area; corner lots require engineered approval for the clear sight triangle
• Sheds of 120 square feet or less are not required to be set back from the property line, provided the structure is behind the required front setback line and, on a corner lot, not located in a side yard visible from the street (Rio Rancho Municipal Code § 154.70(A)(5))

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Shed, Wall, Fence & Reroof ApplicationCity of Rio Rancho's combined application form for fence, shed (under 120 sq ft), retaining wall, and reroof permits
• OptionalLetter of ConsentNotarized written permission from the adjoining property owner, required for certain fence configurations
• RequiredEngineered Plan (Retaining Wall)Stamped engineering plan required for retaining wall permits

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Site plan required
• Completed Building Permit & Plan Review Application
• Completed Building Permit Application
• Plumbing/mechanical permits required
• Electrical permit required
• Floor plan must include plumbing/mechanical and electrical
• Gallons (pool capacity) must be documented on the application

Required documents

• RequiredSwimming Pool Permit PacketCity of Rio Rancho's required document packet for swimming pool permits, including the Building Permit & Plan Review Application
• RequiredFloor Plan showing plumbing/mechanical/electricalMust depict all pool-related plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for the new/upgraded circuit and EVSE connection, submitted on the City's standard Electrical Permit Application
• Installation must comply with NEC Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as adopted by the City
• A $23.00 Administrative Fee applies on all electrical permits regardless of category, per the Electrical Permit Application form
• If a service upgrade is needed to support the charger, that scope is billed under the form's amperage-tiered Residential Service categories (e.g. $60-$398 depending on service size)

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCity of Rio Rancho standard electrical permit application; no dedicated EV/EVSE line item exists on the form

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permanent signs: submit the Permanent Sign Permit Application (DS-PZ-013) via Click2Gov, listing sign type, sign area, sign height, vertical clearance, sign depth, length of building frontage, and whether illuminated, for up to three signs per submittal
• Temporary Attention-Getting Devices (banners, flex poles, sails, pennants, inflatables placed on private property) require a permit as of the 2024 Sign Code Update, limited to 1 building-mounted sign and 1 freestanding sign per 25 feet of lot frontage, with a display period tied to an event or a maximum of 15 days
• Temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way require choosing either a Weekend Right-of-Way Display Period or a 60-Day Right-of-Way Display Period, limited to 8 sq ft max area and 3 ft max height per sign, and are prohibited in medians, sight triangles, or attached to posts/traffic signals
• Multi-tenant/master-planned developments use a Unified Sign Plan procedure (effective 2024, combining the former separate Common and Master Sign Plans), which must go before the Planning and Zoning Board
• Window signage may cover up to 50% of each contiguous window surface area; transparent or solid-color window film without messaging or graphics does not count toward that area
• Full sign regulations are organized by numbered section under R.O. 2003 Chapter 156; an educational (no-citation) period ran through July 1, 2024 following the reorganization

Required documents

• RequiredPermanent Sign Permit Application (DS-PZ-013, Rev 2023-12)City of Rio Rancho Development Services application for permanent signs; submitted via Click2Gov
• RequiredTemporary Sign Permit Application (DS-PZ-04, Rev 2023-12)Covers Attention-Getting Devices (private property) and Right-of-Way Display permits; used only for temporary signage, not permanent signs
• OptionalUnified Sign Plan SubmittalRequired for multi-tenant or master-planned developments; reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Fire alarm plans must satisfy the 33-item Fire Alarm Checklist (Rio Rancho Fire Rescue Fire Marshal's Office Plans Review Division, Revised 01/15/2024), including NICET III/FPE-certified designer certificate number and signature, project/company information, scope of work, occupancy classification, and total square footage covered by the system
• Plans must indicate whether the project is sprinklered or non-sprinklered, include a device legend, fire alarm input/output matrix, and a fire alarm riser diagram, and be drawn to scale with a true north indicator (NFPA 72 §7.4.4/7.4.5/7.4.9)
• Plans must show manufacturer cut sheets, mode of signal transmission (POTS, IP, Cellular, or Radio Frequency), 24-hour battery back-up with calculations, voltage drop calculations, alarm-initiating device and notification-appliance locations (including candela ratings and minimum audibility level), and FACP/transponder/annunciator locations (IFC 907.1.2)
• All fire alarm systems must be monitored by a UL-listed central monitoring station, whose credentials must be provided (NFPA 72 §10.5.4/26.3, IFC 907.6)
• A document/records cabinet must be installed at the system control unit (or elsewhere on premises) for every new or modified system (NFPA 72 §7.7.2)
• A separate Electrical Permit is required for the low-voltage alarm circuit connection, submitted on the City's standard Electrical Permit Application
• Once installed and placed in service, the alarm user must separately register and pay for an annual Alarm User Permit at riorancho.alarmreg.com; new systems (installed after July 1, 2004) have 30 days to obtain the permit or a $50 late fee applies, per Rio Rancho Municipal Code Chapter 97

Required documents

• RequiredFire Alarm ChecklistRio Rancho Fire Rescue Fire Marshal's Office Plans Review Division 33-item plan-review checklist (Revised 01/15/2024), citing NFPA 72 and IFC 907 requirements
• RequiredFire Alarm System PlansScaled drawings with riser diagram, device legend, input/output matrix, battery and voltage-drop calculations, and cut sheets
• RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCovers the low-voltage alarm circuit connection; itemized under the form's Low Voltage systems fee line
• RequiredAlarm User Permit RegistrationAnnual registration at riorancho.alarmreg.com required to operate the system once installed, separate from the installation permit, per Rio Rancho Municipal Code Chapter 97

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Sprinkler plans must satisfy the 40-item Automatic Sprinkler System Checklist (Rio Rancho Fire Rescue Fire Marshal's Office Plans Review Division, Revised 01/15/2024, citing NFPA 13 §23.1.3 throughout), including NICET III/FPE-certified designer certificate/credentials and signature, owner/occupant/contractor name and address, construction type, occupancy group, square footage, and the specific edition year of NFPA 13 the system is designed to
• Plans must show a graphic scale and point of compass, occupancy class of each room/area, city water main size and test results with system elevation relative to the test hydrant, fire department connection size/location/piping arrangement, and backflow preventer manufacturer/size/type
• Plans must show all control valves, check valves, drain pipes, and test connections; a full-height cross section or schematic diagram; sprinkler make/type/model/K-factor and identification number; and hydraulic reference points and calculations matching the hydraulic calculation sheets, with total water demand and pressure noted at a common reference point
• Where sprinkler equipment is an addition to an existing system, enough of the existing system must be shown on the plans to make all conditions clear
• Fire protection sprinkler trade work is permitted via the City's Commercial Plumbing Permit fee schedule, itemized under "Sprinkler System, Fire Protection"
• A Building Permit (valuation-based, application fee 65% of the Building Permit Fee) is also required for the overall construction project the sprinkler system serves

Required documents

• RequiredAutomatic Sprinkler System ChecklistRio Rancho Fire Rescue Fire Marshal's Office Plans Review Division 40-item plan-review checklist (Revised 01/15/2024), citing NFPA 13 §23.1.3 requirements
• RequiredHydraulically-Calculated Sprinkler System PlansFull-height cross-section, riser/valve/fire department connection details, and hydraulic calculation sheets matching plan reference points
• RequiredCommercial Plumbing Permit ApplicationCity of Rio Rancho commercial trade permit form; includes the "Sprinkler System, Fire Protection" fee line item
• RequiredCommercial Building Permit & Plan Review ApplicationRequired for the overall construction project the sprinkler system serves

Fee schedule

Requirements

• No dedicated "change of use" checkbox or standalone application exists; submit the standard Commercial Building Permit & Plan Review Application, checking "Commercial Alteration/Repair" or "Interior Renovation" as the description of work and identifying the proposed use of the property and occupancy group/division
• Under the City's adopted 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), Chapter 10 (Change of Occupancy) governs the fire-safety, means-of-egress, and structural requirements triggered when a building's occupancy classification changes, whether to a different group or within the same group
• A new Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the building may be used/occupied under the new classification, following a passed final inspection; Certificates of Occupancy are made available within 24 hours of a passed final inspection per the Building Inspection Division's standard process
• Zoning compliance review is required in addition to the building-code change-of-occupancy review — contact the Planning & Zoning Division to confirm the proposed use is allowed in the property's zoning district
• The Commercial Building Permit & Plan Review Application itself asks the applicant to identify Occupancy Group (A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, U) and Division (1-5) directly on the form

Required documents

• RequiredCommercial Building Permit & Plan Review ApplicationSame form used for new commercial construction/alteration; includes Occupancy Group and Division fields used to document a change in classification
• OptionalZoning Certification FormOptional zoning-compliance verification available from the Planning and Zoning Division; not specific to change-of-use but commonly used to confirm a proposed use is allowed in the zoning district
• RequiredConstruction/Floor PlansPlans showing the proposed use, occupancy classification, and any life-safety upgrades required under IEBC Chapter 10 for the new occupancy

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Submit the Commercial Building Permit & Plan Review Application with construction plans electronically (via Click2Gov or emailed to permits@rrnm.gov) — the City requires construction plans to be submitted electronically, and plans must be COMPLETE before a review will proceed
• Application fee is 65% of the Building Permit Fee, non-refundable; fees are doubled for work started without securing a permit
• Plans are routed for parallel review to the DSD Building Division (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical), Fire Marshal, DSD Planning Division, DSD Zoning Division, and DSD Engineering Division; other reviews may include PRCS, SSCAFCA, and RRPS
• Plans require a Professional Engineer or Architect stamp, signature, and date; structural calculations must be stamped; a soil investigation report is required (1,500 psf maximum bearing assumed without a soils report); a Code Analysis and Life Safety Plan and COMcheck energy-compliance checks for building, electrical, and mechanical are required per the Commercial Plan Review Submittal Checklist
• Prerequisite items that may require extensive lead time and should be part of the plan set: Water and Wastewater Availability Statement, Drainage Report, and Traffic Study (dependent on scope and complexity of project)
• A building permit will NOT be issued until a contractor has been awarded to the project; the contractor must be licensed with the City of Rio Rancho and hold a State of New Mexico contractor's license
• Prior to permit issuance, the Department of Public Infrastructure must approve the Water and Wastewater Permit/Well and Septic Authorization Form; hook-up to City water is required if service is available within 300 feet and to City sewer if available within 200 feet
• Fire Safety plan submittals: a Fire 1 plan is submitted prior to the building set submittal, and a Fire 2 plan is submitted with the building submittal
• Impact fees (assessed on new development projects including commercial and industrial buildings) are paid once, at the time of building permit issuance
• New or remodeled food establishments must submit plans, proposed menu, site plan, and equipment specification sheets to the New Mexico Environment Department 30 days prior to the start of construction (NMED Food Service and Food Processing Regulations 7.6.2.8 A.(1))

Required documents

• RequiredCommercial Building Permit & Plan Review ApplicationPrimary application form; work-description checkboxes include New Construction, Addition, Commercial Alteration/Repair, Interior Renovation, Demolition, Fence, Shed, and Swimming Pool/In Ground, plus Type of Construction (I-V), Occupancy Group (A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, U), Division (1-5), valuation, gross floor area, and parking fields
• RequiredCommercial Plan Review Submittal ChecklistSigned certification checklist from the Commercial Development Application Packet covering general, prerequisite, site plan, building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan items
• RequiredStamped Construction Plan SetComplete electronic plan set at minimum 1 inch = 20 ft scale with north arrow: Site Development Plan, Grading and Drainage Plan, Erosion Control Plan, utility plans, architectural plans (foundation, floor and roof framing, elevations), mechanical, plumbing (including gas plan with PNM availability letter if applicable), electrical, and landscaping plans, stamped by a Professional Engineer or Architect
• RequiredStructural Calculations and Soil Investigation ReportStamped structural calculations with lateral force design criteria; soils report required unless designing to the 1,500 psf maximum default bearing capacity
• RequiredCOMcheck Energy Compliance ReportsModel energy calculations / COMcheck reports for building, electrical, and mechanical per the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
• OptionalDrainage Report, Traffic Study, and Water/Wastewater Availability StatementPrerequisite studies required dependent on project scope and complexity; flagged by the City as items that may require extensive lead time

Fee schedule