Roof Replacement Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Permit required
Yes, a permit is required
Before any re-roof.
Issued byCity of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Every re-roof requires a permit and inspection, with no size or cost exemption. A residential re-roof without truss repairs is an Express Permit issued the same day it is applied for, and the final inspection may be done from drone photos.
Who is pulling this permit?
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When a permit is usually needed
Before any re-roof.
What a roof replacement permit costs in Albuquerque
How to apply in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- For Albuquerque, a recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- For Albuquerque, the materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division sets the exact checklist for Albuquerque.
Where to apply in Albuquerque:
City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division
- Plaza del Sol Building, 600 Second NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Phone: (505) 924-3320
- Email: planningdepartment@cabq.gov
Roof Replacement Permit in Albuquerque compared with nearby New Mexico localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each New Mexico schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Permit required | Any size | ...PERMIT FEES", "Residential (R-3 Occupancies Only)": Administrative Fee $30.00 +... | |
| Bernalillo County | Permit required | Any size | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Albuquerque, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- In Albuquerque: where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- In Albuquerque: an overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- In Albuquerque: flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- In Albuquerque: a final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In Albuquerque: in some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- In Albuquerque: reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Albuquerque permit portal or by phone at (505) 924-3320.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Albuquerque
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Usually needed: Before any re-roof.
- Budget the fee. "TABLE 112-G RE-ROOF PERMIT FEES", "Residential (R-3 Occupancies Only)": Administrative Fee $30.00 + Inspection Fee $40.00 = Total $70.00. City of Albuquerque 2024 Uniform Administrative Code (UAC), Section 112 and Tables 112-A through 112-G, cover date effective January 1, 2025. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Albuquerque, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Albuquerque permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division. Phone: (505) 924-3320. Address: Plaza del Sol Building, 600 Second NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
- Plan for inspections. In Albuquerque, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Permitting activity in Albuquerque
In 2025, Albuquerque authorized permits for 1,417 new residential housing units (525 single-family, 892 in multi-family buildings), valued at $219M, up from 1,099 the year before. That works out to about 2.5 permits per 1,000 residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025 annual data · population 562,540.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Albuquerque?
- Every re-roof requires a permit and inspection, with no size or cost exemption. A residential re-roof without truss repairs is an Express Permit issued the same day it is applied for, and the final inspection may be done from drone photos. Always confirm with the City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Albuquerque?
- "TABLE 112-G RE-ROOF PERMIT FEES", "Residential (R-3 Occupancies Only)": Administrative Fee $30.00 + Inspection Fee $40.00 = Total $70.00. City of Albuquerque 2024 Uniform Administrative Code (UAC), Section 112 and Tables 112-A through 112-G, cover date effective January 1, 2025. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a roof replacement permit take in Albuquerque?
- In Albuquerque, a roof replacement permit typically takes same day (Express Permit) for a residential re-roof without truss repairs. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Albuquerque?
- You can apply through the Albuquerque permit portal or contact the City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Albuquerque?
- Under New Mexico law (NMSA 1978, 60-13-3(D)(10), (11); 14.5.2.8(B) NMAC; 14.5.2.18 NMAC): Yes, with tight limits. CILA exempts from the contractor definition an individual who, alone or with wage-paid help, builds or makes installations, alterations or repairs to a single-family dwelling he owns and occupies or will occupy (60-13-3(D)(10)), and a person building or improving a single-family residence for personal use (60-13-3(D)(11)). The work must still meet all state codes, and CID's homeowner permit (14.5.2.18 NMAC) applies only to the owner's primary residence and its garages, carports and sheds, never to rental, other owned or commercial property. The homeowner must perform the major portion of the work by dollar amount and file a signed, notarized responsibility sheet. A homeowner electrical permit requires passing a CID homeowner electrical exam (75% to pass), a plumbing permit requires a competency showing that may include a written exam, and no homeowner permit is issued for HVAC, natural gas or LP gas work. The project may not be put on the market while under construction (doing so voids the permit and can bring unlicensed contracting charges), and only one single-family homeowner permit may be issued to the same owner in any 12-month period. Confirm how Albuquerque applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Albuquerque
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Finish work and same-configuration fixture swaps are exempt; altered piping, new wiring or structural changes need permits | Building permit (if structural or layout work) by valuation under "TABLE 112-A BUILDING... |
| Deck Permit | It depends | Platforms not over a story or basement below and not part of an accessible route | ...permit fee from "TABLE 112-A BUILDING PERMIT FEES" by total valuation ("$1.00 to... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Like-for-like repair or replacement of receptacles, switch parts and fixed listed appliances is exempt; new or altered wiring, devices and equipment needs a permit | ...charge applicable to all applications and additions to permits" $47.00... |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Any size | Electrical permit under "TABLE 112-B ELECTRICAL PERMIT FEES": $47.00 administrative... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Construction Cost Guide Per Lineal Foot" (for example "Wood Fence (Cedar)" $23.30... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...charge applicable to all applications and additions to permit" $47.00... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Covered versus uncovered: a patio cover or porch needs a building permit; an uncovered at-grade slab falls under the exemption for platforms and walks | ...permit fee from "TABLE 112-A BUILDING PERMIT FEES" by total valuation ("$1.00 to... |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Stopping leaks, clearing stoppages and replacing fixtures with the same type of configuration are exempt; new or altered piping needs a permit | ...charge applicable to all applications and additions to permit" $47.00... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | Prefabricated pools installed entirely above ground, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, accessory to a building under the International Residential Code | ...FEES" with the (.50) residential modifier, plus "Swimming pool (Private)" $60.00... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | Building area of a one-story detached accessory building used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use | ...permit fee from "TABLE 112-A BUILDING PERMIT FEES" by total valuation ("$1.00 to... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...the (.50) residential modifier, plus an electrical permit under Table 112-B ($47.00... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | Plumbing/mechanical permit with the $47.00 administrative charge (Tables 112-C and 112-D) |
Roof Replacement Permit in other New Mexico localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Albuquerque documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this roof replacement permit page for Albuquerque was verified. 2 official sources: cabq.gov, cabq.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Building Safety Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across New Mexico localities