New Mexico / Bernalillo County
Deck Permit in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before building a deck more than 30 inches above grade, or one over a basement or story below.
Issued byBernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
The county building ordinance exempts platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade that are not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route. A deck above that height needs a residential building permit. The county's older zone chart adds further conditions, so an attached deck is best confirmed with the Building Section.
Typical threshold: height of a platform above grade; also not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before building a deck more than 30 inches above grade, or one over a basement or story below.
What a deck permit costs in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares in New Mexico
Closest deck permit thresholds outside New Mexico
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Bernalillo County's 30 inches above grade.
- Anchorage, Alaska, Height of the deck's walking surface above finished grade, attached or detached
- Arlington, Texas, height of an uncovered deck above grade at any point
- Aurora, Colorado, deck height above grade at which a permit is required regardless of whether the deck is attached to the house
- Clark County, Washington, Exempt only if the deck does not exceed 200 square feet, is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, does not serve a required exit door, and is not used for a hot tub or pool; all other decks require a permit.
How to apply in Bernalillo County
In Bernalillo County, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- For Bernalillo County, a permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- For Bernalillo County, a scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- For Bernalillo County, a deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- For Bernalillo County, a section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section sets the exact checklist for Bernalillo County.
Where to apply in Bernalillo County:
Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section
- 415 Silver Ave. SW, 2nd Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Phone: (505) 314-0350
- Email: permits@bernco.gov
Deck Permit in Bernalillo County compared with nearby New Mexico localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each New Mexico schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo County | It depends | height of a platform above grade; also not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... | |
| Albuquerque | 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... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Bernalillo County, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection in Bernalillo County: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection in Bernalillo County: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection in Bernalillo County: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Bernalillo County permit portal or by phone at (505) 314-0350.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for Bernalillo County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: height of a platform above grade; also not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route. Usually needed: Before building a deck more than 30 inches above grade, or one over a basement or story below.
- Budget the fee. Building permit fees are valuation-based under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" Building Permit Fee plus "$30.00 plus $2.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" Building Plan Review Fee. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Bernalillo County, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the Bernalillo County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section. Phone: (505) 314-0350. Address: 415 Silver Ave. SW, 2nd Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
- Plan for inspections. In Bernalillo County, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Permitting activity in Bernalillo County
In 2025, Bernalillo County authorized permits for 1,560 new residential housing units (668 single-family, 892 in multi-family buildings), valued at $314M, up from 1,316 the year before. That works out to about 2.3 permits per 1,000 residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025 annual data · population 667,601.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in Bernalillo County?
- The county building ordinance exempts platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade that are not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route. A deck above that height needs a residential building permit. The county's older zone chart adds further conditions, so an attached deck is best confirmed with the Building Section. Height of a platform above grade; also not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in Bernalillo County?
- Building permit fees are valuation-based under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" Building Permit Fee plus "$30.00 plus $2.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" Building Plan Review Fee. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a deck permit take in Bernalillo County?
- The general turn-around time for a residential building permit is five working days (Building Services FAQ). Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in Bernalillo County?
- You can apply through the Bernalillo County permit portal or contact the Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a deck permit themselves in Bernalillo County?
- 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 Bernalillo County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Bernalillo County
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 | Before moving or adding plumbing fixtures, adding circuits, or making structural changes | Building work is valuation-based under Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-A ("$30.00 plus $4.00... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Before adding or altering wiring, circuits, outlets, panels or services | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-B Electrical Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| EV Charger Permit | It depends | Before installing a hardwired charger or a new 240-volt circuit or receptacle for an... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-B: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence or freestanding masonry wall above grade, measured on the lowest side; open-style fences such as chain-link any height as determined by the building official | ...footage of the wall." Otherwise building permits are valuation-based: "$30.00 plus... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Before installing or replacing a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, boiler... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-C Mechanical Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| Patio Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Before installing, altering or relocating plumbing or gas piping, fixtures, sewer or... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-D Plumbing Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated pool accessory to a Group R-3 dwelling, installed entirely above ground, capacity not over 5,000 gallons | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | one-story detached accessory building used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...building permit (BRSP), valuation-based under Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-A ("$30.00... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | Plumbing (Table 3-D) and mechanical (Table 3-C) each carry a $23.50 administrative charge |
Deck 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 Bernalillo County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this deck permit page for Bernalillo County was verified. 2 official sources: bernco.gov, bernco.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Deck Permit requirements across New Mexico localities