What's Required in Albuquerque
- A building permit is required for any deck more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; lower platforms are exempt (UAC 109.2.1).
- Any roof, patio cover or porch over a deck requires a building permit regardless of height.
- Above-grade decks may not be closer than 3 feet to any lot line (IDO setback encroachment rule).
- Site plan must show all existing buildings with dimensions and distances to property lines and the required setbacks.
- Plans must include framing, footing width and depth, post and beam sizes and the ledger attachment to the house.
- Design criteria: 16 inch frost depth, 115 mph three-second-gust wind, 20 psf ground snow load.
- Permits are issued only to the owner-occupant (homeowner's permit) or a New Mexico GB-2 or GB-98 general contractor.
- Deck wiring needs a separate electrical permit pulled by a licensed contractor or an exam-qualified homeowner.
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Albuquerque?
Yes for anything more than 30 inches above the ground. The city's 2024 Uniform Administrative Code (109.2.1) exempts platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story or basement below and not part of an accessible route. A ground-hugging platform deck fits that; a deck off a raised floor, or one with stairs down to the yard because it sits higher than 30 inches, needs a building permit. The exemption does not cover a roof: the Building Safety FAQ lists installing a patio cover or porch among projects that require a permit, and the Covered Patios, Porches and Carports handout expects two sets of plans with a footing and post detail.
Zoning applies to exempt decks too. The Integrated Development Ordinance lets decks, patios and terraces project into a required setback, but above-grade decks may not come closer than 3 ft to any lot line. A shade structure over the deck may also encroach into a side or rear setback but not within 3 ft of a lot line, and no more than 50 percent of the rear yard may be covered by a roof.
How much does a deck permit cost in Albuquerque?
Deck permits are valuation-based. The applicant states the value of the work, labor and materials included, on the application, and the Building Official can set it if it looks low. UAC Table 112-A converts valuation to a fee, the result is multiplied by the city's 0.50 regional modifier for one- and two-family homes (minimum $23.50), and plan review adds 65 percent of the permit fee, paid at submittal. Two examples:
- $8,000 deck: Table 112-A gives $69.25 + 6 x $14.00 = $153.25; x 0.50 = $76.63 permit + $49.81 plan review = $126.44.
- $15,000 deck: $69.25 + 13 x $14.00 = $251.25; x 0.50 = $125.63 permit + $81.66 plan review = $207.29.
The FAQ notes that plan review is paid with zoning and hydrology fees; the Building Safety fee handout lists zoning at $25 for buildings under 4,000 square feet. A deck with a light or outlet adds an electrical permit: $47 administrative charge plus $1.50 per outlet. The old page's claims of an 18-inch frost depth were wrong: the city's design criteria on every residential handout are a 16 in frost line depth, 115 mph three-second-gust wind and a 20 psf ground snow load.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-level platform deck, 24 in high, freestanding | No building permit | UAC 109.2.1 exempts platforms not more than 30 in above adjacent grade; keep it 3 ft off any lot line. |
| Attached deck 36 in above grade with stairs | Building permit + plan review | Over 30 in. About $126 at an $8,000 valuation. |
| Second-story deck, $15,000 | Building permit + plan review | About $207; ledger attachment, posts, footings and guards shown on the plans. |
| Deck with a roof or patio cover | Building permit + plan review | Covered patios and porches need a permit at any height; footing and post detail required. |
| Replacing boards and rails, same framing | No building permit if under $1,000 | Repairs under $1,000 valuation are exempt; larger repair jobs are permitted by valuation. |
| Rebuilding the frame, joists or footings | Building permit + plan review | Renewal beyond a repair is regulated as new work and priced by valuation. |
| Deck lighting or an outlet | Electrical permit | $47 administrative charge plus $1.50 per outlet; homeowner needs the exam or a licensed electrician. |
Who can pull the permit and what does review take?
Building permits go to the owner-occupant under a homeowner's permit or to a New Mexico GB-2 or GB-98 general contractor. The homeowner route means a notarized affidavit, one homeowner's permit per owner in a 12-month period, and a home rented to others must use a licensed contractor. Submit through ABQ-PLAN with a site plan showing existing buildings, dimensions and distances to property lines, plus framing plans and a wall section. The FAQ says residential plan review typically takes approximately two and a half weeks; the application expires if no permit is issued within 180 days. Inspections are foundation or footing, frame and final, and a permit lapses if no inspection is requested within 180 days of issuance.
How to Get a Deck Permit in Albuquerque
Check height and setbacks
Measure the finished deck height above grade; over 30 inches means a permit. Keep the deck at least 3 feet from lot lines.
Prepare the plans
Draw a site plan with distances to property lines, a framing plan with joists, beams, posts and footings, and a section showing the ledger connection and guards.
Apply in ABQ-PLAN
Submit as the owner-occupant with the notarized affidavit or through a GB-2/GB-98 contractor, stating the job valuation, and pay plan review (65 percent of the permit fee).
Plan review and issuance
Expect about two and a half weeks. Respond to correction emails, then pay the Table 112-A permit fee times 0.50 to have the permit issued and printed.
Build and inspect
Post the permit on site and request footing, frame and final inspections; request the first inspection within 180 days so the permit does not expire.