Bernalillo County, NM Building Permits: Review Times and Permit Guide
Bernalillo County, NM building permits: Plan review takes 10 to 30 days depending on project type and complexity. The Bernalillo County Building Department issues permits for unincorporated areas. Cities within the county handle their own permitting.
Home to 676,444 residents, Bernalillo County, NM covers 5 cities and communities including the county seat of Albuquerque. Building permit review at the county level typically takes 10 to 30 days for initial plan check. The county building department handles permits for projects in unincorporated Bernalillo County. Cities within the county issue their own permits.
Bernalillo County Building Department
Bernalillo County Building Department
- Website: www.bernco.gov/planning/building-services/building-permit-information
- Contact: 505-314-0350
- Online Portal: aca-prod.accela.com/bernco/Default.aspx
- Building Code: New Mexico Building Code (IBC 2021)
Cities in Bernalillo County, NM
Bernalillo County contains 5 major cities and communities. Each incorporated city operates its own building department. The county building department handles permits for unincorporated areas outside city limits.
Albuquerque, NM
City permit info
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
City permit info
Tijeras, NM
City permit info
Cedar Crest, NM
City permit info
Corrales, NM
City permit info
County vs. City Permits: When to Contact Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County, NM has both incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. Knowing which jurisdiction covers your project site is the first step in the permit process.
Contact Bernalillo County Building Department When:
- Your project is in unincorporated Bernalillo County (outside any city limits)
- You are unsure whether your address falls within a city or the county
- Your project spans both city and county jurisdictions
Contact the City Building Department When:
- Your project is within the city limits of Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Tijeras, or another incorporated city
- You have confirmed your address falls within city jurisdiction
If you are unsure about your property’s jurisdiction, the Bernalillo County building department can help you verify. A permit expediter like Permit Place can also determine the correct jurisdiction for your project.
Permit Types Available in Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County issues several categories of building permits for projects in unincorporated areas.
Building Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review required across all building disciplines
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: required for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes
- Additions and renovations: any work that changes the building footprint or structure
- Change of use: required when converting a building from one use category to another
Trade Permits
- Electrical: new wiring, panel upgrades, and electrical service changes
- Plumbing: new fixtures, piping, and water heater installations
- Mechanical (HVAC): heating, cooling, and ventilation system work
- Fire protection: sprinkler systems and fire alarm installations
Bernalillo County Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Bernalillo County are based on project valuation and type. Below are typical ranges for common project categories.
Commercial Projects
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Bernalillo County building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bernalillo County Building Permits
What is the building code for Bernalillo County?
Bernalillo County follows the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments, along with the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for single-family and duplex construction. The county also enforces the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). All commercial construction must comply with ADA accessibility requirements and New Mexico-specific fire safety standards.
How big can you build without a permit in New Mexico?
In Bernalillo County, structures under 200 square feet that are not attached to an existing building and do not have plumbing or electrical connections generally do not require a building permit. However, accessory structures in certain zoning districts may still require a zoning review. Always verify with the Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services department before starting construction, as setback requirements still apply regardless of structure size.
Do you need a permit for a pergola in New Mexico?
In most cases, a pergola in Bernalillo County does not require a building permit if it is freestanding, under 200 square feet, and has no electrical or plumbing connections. However, if the pergola is attached to your home, exceeds 200 square feet, or is in a historic overlay zone, you will need a permit. Patio covers with solid roofing typically require permits regardless of size because they affect drainage and structural load calculations.
How do I get a building permit in Bernalillo County?
To apply for a commercial building permit in Bernalillo County, submit your application through the Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services office. You will need construction documents sealed by a New Mexico-licensed architect or engineer, a site plan, energy code compliance documentation, and MEP plans. Commercial projects typically require 15-40 business days for plan review. A permit expediter like PermitPlace can prepare your application package and coordinate with reviewers to reduce comment rounds.
Who is the building inspector for Bernalillo County?
Building inspections in Bernalillo County are handled by the Planning and Development Services Division, located at 111 Union Square SE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87102. You can schedule inspections by calling (505) 314-0350. For commercial projects, inspections cover structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection systems. PermitPlace coordinates inspection scheduling as part of our permit management service.
How much does a building permit cost in Bernalillo County?
Bernalillo County building permit fees are based on project valuation. Commercial permits typically cost $0.15-$0.30 per square foot in plan review and permit fees, with a typical tenant improvement permit running $1,000-$4,000 in total fees. Impact fees for new commercial construction can add $2,000-$8,000+ depending on the project scope and location within the county.
Need Help with Bernalillo County Building Permits?
PermitPlace has managed retail tenant improvement permits in the Albuquerque metro area for brands including Hibbett Sports, completing two separate store build-outs in Bernalillo County.
How Much Could a Permit Delay Cost You in Bernalillo County?
Every week of permit delay costs a typical retail location $15,000 in lost revenue. PermitPlace averages 29-day timelines across 128 recent projects. See what faster permitting could save you.
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