New Mexico / Bernalillo County
EV Charger Permit in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before installing a hardwired charger or a new 240-volt circuit or receptacle for an electric vehicle.
Issued byBernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Bernalillo County publishes no EV charger rule, so the electrical permit rule decides it. Its ordinance exempts only portable equipment energized by a cord with an attachment plug connected to an approved receptacle, and reinstalling plug receptacles but not the outlets for them. Plugging a portable charger into an existing receptacle needs no permit; a new circuit, a new 240-volt receptacle or a hardwired charger needs a county electrical permit.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before installing a hardwired charger or a new 240-volt circuit or receptacle for an electric vehicle.
What an EV charger permit costs in Bernalillo County
How to apply in Bernalillo County
In Bernalillo County, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added.
What most EV charger permit applications include:
- For Bernalillo County, a Level 2 charger needs its own dedicated 240 volt circuit and requires an electrical permit with inspection, since each outlet installed for EV charging must be fed by an individual branch circuit with no other outlets on it (NEC 625.40).
- For Bernalillo County, the application includes an electrical load calculation showing the existing service panel has enough spare capacity for the added EVSE demand, worked out using the standard dwelling load calculation method (NEC 220.83).
- For Bernalillo County, the breaker or other overcurrent device feeding the charger must be sized for continuous duty, rated at not less than 125 percent of the equipment's maximum load (NEC 625.41).
- Plan submittal typically includes a single line diagram showing conductor size, breaker size, conduit, and panel rating, plus the charger's manufacturer specifications, since the EVSE itself must be a listed product (NEC 625.5).
- For charging equipment rated over 60 amps or over 150 volts to ground, the application has to show a disconnecting means installed in a readily accessible location and capable of being locked open (NEC 625.43).
- For Bernalillo County, the charger must be shown connected and fastened in place according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, whether it is hardwired or a plug in unit on a dedicated receptacle (NEC 625.44).
General submittal guidance from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System and Article 220 Load Calculations, 2017 to 2023 editions. 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
EV Charger 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 | 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 | |
| Albuquerque | Permit required | Any size | Electrical permit under "TABLE 112-B ELECTRICAL PERMIT FEES": $47.00 administrative... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Bernalillo County, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.
- In Bernalillo County: if new EVSE conductors will be concealed in a wall or ceiling, or run underground, they must pass a rough wiring inspection before being covered, since that inspection confirms the dedicated branch circuit required for the charger (NEC 625.40).
- In Bernalillo County: at final inspection, the breaker or other overcurrent device serving the charger is checked to confirm it is properly rated for the continuous EV charging load (NEC 625.41).
- In Bernalillo County: any receptacle installed for EV charging, as opposed to a hardwired connection, has to be checked for ground fault circuit interrupter protection (NEC 625.54).
- In Bernalillo County: where the EVSE is rated over 60 amps or 150 volts to ground, the inspector confirms a lockable, readily accessible disconnecting means was installed (NEC 625.43).
- In Bernalillo County: the inspector verifies the charger, along with its fittings and associated equipment, carries a nationally recognized testing laboratory listing (NEC 625.5).
- In Bernalillo County: mounting height is checked against the manufacturer's instructions, with the coupling means generally required to sit at least 18 inches above an indoor floor or 24 inches above outdoor grade unless the equipment is listed otherwise (NEC 625.50).
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 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your EV Charger Permit checklist for Bernalillo County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Usually needed: Before installing a hardwired charger or a new 240-volt circuit or receptacle for an electric vehicle.
- Budget the fee. No EV charger line item. Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-B: administrative charge $23.50 each; "Outlet: 30 amp or over including panels" $4.00 each; "Residential Fixed Appliances (30 amps or over)" $4.00 each. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Bernalillo County, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added. 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, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.
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 an EV charger permit in Bernalillo County?
- Bernalillo County publishes no EV charger rule, so the electrical permit rule decides it. Its ordinance exempts only portable equipment energized by a cord with an attachment plug connected to an approved receptacle, and reinstalling plug receptacles but not the outlets for them. Plugging a portable charger into an existing receptacle needs no permit; a new circuit, a new 240-volt receptacle or a hardwired charger needs a county electrical permit. Always confirm with the Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section before starting.
- How much does an EV charger permit cost in Bernalillo County?
- No EV charger line item. Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-B: administrative charge $23.50 each; "Outlet: 30 amp or over including panels" $4.00 each; "Residential Fixed Appliances (30 amps or over)" $4.00 each. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does an EV charger permit take in Bernalillo County?
- The county says it will make every effort to process trade permit submittals received by 3:00 p.m. on the same day (Apply for Trade Permits page). Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for an EV charger 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 an EV charger 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... |
| Deck Permit | 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... |
| 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 |
| 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 |
EV Charger 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 EV charger 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 EV Charger Permit requirements across New Mexico localities