Residential Plumbing Permit in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for plumbing fixture installation, water heater replacement, gas piping, and related plumbing work in Rio Rancho residential properties. Fees are itemized by fixture group and item type.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
- Required
Plumbing Permit Application (Residential)
City of Rio Rancho Residential Plumbing Permit form, itemizing fixture groups and fees
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Fixtures (group of 8 or less) | $60.00 | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho (rrnm.gov/DocumentCenter/View/76099); electric under-sink instant hot water heaters may be included but must be counted separately |
| Each additional group of 4 fixtures | $21.00 | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Natural Gas (NG) / LP Gas (LPG) System, 4 outlets or less | $40.00 (plus $40.00 for each additional group of 4 outlets) | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Hot Tub / Swimming Pool / Spa / Irrigation Sprinkler System | $40.00 each | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Water Heater (tanked or tankless) | $33.00 each | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Fire Protection Sprinkler System / Backflow Device / Water System Re-pipe / Water Conditioner | $33.00 each | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Base Permit Fee | $33.00 | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Administrative Fee | $23.00 on all permits | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
| Overtime Inspection | $47.00/hr (2 hour minimum) | Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form, City of Rio Rancho |
Review timeline
~1–5 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Rio Rancho building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In Inspection
After all piping has been installed and before any piping has been covered or concealed or any appliances attached
- 2
Top Out Inspection
After all piping above the floor to the extensions through the roof and/or walls have been completed and before any piping is covered or concealed
- 3
Final Inspection
When all plumbing is complete, fixtures are installed and ready for service
Tips
- Water heater replacement (tanked or tankless) requires a plumbing permit at $33.00 per unit plus the $33.00 base fee and $23.00 administrative fee.
- A plumbing permit includes three inspections (Rough-In, Top Out, Final); additional inspections may incur additional fees.
- Fees will be doubled for work started without first securing a permit.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Rio Rancho?
- Yes. Water heater replacement requires a plumbing permit in Rio Rancho. The fee is $33.00 base permit fee + $33.00 per water heater + $23.00 administrative fee. Source: City of Rio Rancho Plumbing Permit (Residential) application form.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Rio Rancho Development Services — Building Inspection Division — official building department
- Plumbing Permit Application, Residential (PDF)
- Plumbing Inspections | City of Rio Rancho
- Building Inspection Division Forms | City of Rio Rancho
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 Rio Rancho building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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