New Mexico / Bernalillo County
Plumbing Permit in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before installing, altering or relocating plumbing or gas piping, fixtures, sewer or water lines.
Issued byBernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
The county says it is unlawful for any person to perform any plumbing installation or alteration without first obtaining a county plumbing permit (Accela type PGRE). The ordinance exempts stopping minor leaks, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks and removing and reinstalling a toilet, provided no valves, pipes or fixtures are replaced or rearranged; replacing a defective concealed pipe is new work needing a permit. Homeowners who pass the county plumbing test may do their own domestic water, sanitary drain and vent piping, but not gas piping.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before installing, altering or relocating plumbing or gas piping, fixtures, sewer or water lines.
What a plumbing permit costs in Bernalillo County
How to apply in Bernalillo County
In Bernalillo County, you apply for a residential plumbing permit at your local building department by filing an application that describes the scope of work and site, along with construction documents, before any regulated plumbing installation, alteration, or repair begins. Minor repairs that do not touch piping or fixtures are generally exempt, and once issued the permit only stays valid if work is started within its time limit.
What most plumbing permit applications include:
- For Bernalillo County, a permit is required before any owner or authorized agent constructs, alters, repairs, removes, converts, or replaces a plumbing system regulated by the code (IRC R105.1).
- For Bernalillo County, the application must identify and describe the work, describe the site, state the intended use and occupancy, and be signed by the applicant or an authorized agent (IRC R105.3).
- Two or more sets of construction documents must accompany the application, drawn with enough clarity to show the location, nature, and extent of the proposed plumbing work and how it will conform to code (IRC R106.1, R106.1.1).
- Minor plumbing repairs, such as clearing a stoppage or removing and resetting a water closet without rearranging pipes or fixtures, are exempt from permit (IRC R105.2).
- Once issued, a permit is only valid for a limited window, commonly 180 days, and becomes invalid if the work is not started or is abandoned within that time, though extensions can be requested (IRC R105.3.2, R105.5).
General submittal guidance from 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 1 Scope and Administration, Sections R105 Permits and R106 Construction Documents. 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
Plumbing 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, altering or relocating plumbing or gas piping, fixtures, sewer or... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-D Plumbing Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each | |
| Albuquerque | 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... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Bernalillo County, plumbing inspections are timed to whatever is about to hide the pipe: underground and under-slab piping is checked before concrete covers it, rough-in piping is pressure or water tested before walls close up, and a final inspection checks every fixture and backflow protection once the work is complete.
- In Bernalillo County: piping and equipment placed under a slab or floor must be in place and inspected before any concrete is poured or floor sheathing is installed over it (IRC R109.1.1.1).
- In Bernalillo County: rough plumbing, along with the mechanical, gas, and electrical rough-in, must be inspected prior to covering or concealment and before fixtures or appliances are set (IRC R109.1.2).
- In Bernalillo County: rough drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping is tested with water, air, or (for plastic piping) a vacuum, and must show no evidence of leakage before it is closed in (IRC P2503.5.1).
- In Bernalillo County: the water-distribution piping is tested and must hold tight under the system's working pressure, or under a 50 psi air test for non-plastic piping, before it is concealed (IRC P2503.7).
- In Bernalillo County: the framing inspection cannot proceed until the plumbing rough inspection, along with the mechanical and electrical rough inspections, has been approved (IRC R109.1.4).
- In Bernalillo County: at the final drainage test, each fixture is filled and then drained, and its traps and fixture connections must prove watertight by visual inspection (IRC P2503.5.2).
- In Bernalillo County: final inspection is made after all work required by the permit is complete, and includes confirming backflow protection, such as vacuum breakers on hose bibbs, is installed (IRC R109.1.6, P2902.4.3).
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 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), Section R109 Inspections and Section P2503 Inspection and Tests. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Plumbing Permit checklist for Bernalillo County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Usually needed: Before installing, altering or relocating plumbing or gas piping, fixtures, sewer or water lines.
- Budget the fee. Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-D Plumbing Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each; plumbing fixture $5.00 each; water distribution system $7.00 each; house or building sewer $14.00 each; gas outlet $3.00 each; lawn sprinkler system on any one meter $9.00. The Homeowner Projects page separately quotes "a plumbing permit for house sewer yard line is $37.50". Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Bernalillo County, you apply for a residential plumbing permit at your local building department by filing an application that describes the scope of work and site, along with construction documents, before any regulated plumbing installation, alteration, or repair begins. Minor repairs that do not touch piping or fixtures are generally exempt, and once issued the permit only stays valid if work is started within its time limit. 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, plumbing inspections are timed to whatever is about to hide the pipe: underground and under-slab piping is checked before concrete covers it, rough-in piping is pressure or water tested before walls close up, and a final inspection checks every fixture and backflow protection once the work is complete.
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 plumbing permit in Bernalillo County?
- The county says it is unlawful for any person to perform any plumbing installation or alteration without first obtaining a county plumbing permit (Accela type PGRE). The ordinance exempts stopping minor leaks, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks and removing and reinstalling a toilet, provided no valves, pipes or fixtures are replaced or rearranged; replacing a defective concealed pipe is new work needing a permit. Homeowners who pass the county plumbing test may do their own domestic water, sanitary drain and vent piping, but not gas piping. Always confirm with the Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section before starting.
- How much does a plumbing permit cost in Bernalillo County?
- Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-D Plumbing Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each; plumbing fixture $5.00 each; water distribution system $7.00 each; house or building sewer $14.00 each; gas outlet $3.00 each; lawn sprinkler system on any one meter $9.00. The Homeowner Projects page separately quotes "a plumbing permit for house sewer yard line is $37.50". See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a plumbing 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 a plumbing 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 plumbing 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 |
| 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... |
| 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 |
Plumbing 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 plumbing 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 Plumbing Permit requirements across New Mexico localities