Bernalillo County, NM Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Electrical code adopted
- National Electrical Code (NFPA)
- State code adopted
- NM Electrical Safety Code, eff. 1/1/2008
- Permit required by
- Sec. 105.1, Uniform Administrative Code
- Homeowner exam pass score
- 75 percent
- Max penalty
- $300 fine / 90 days jail
Summary
Bernalillo County adopts the National Electrical Code and New Mexico Electrical Safety Code for unincorporated areas, and Sec. 105.1 requires a permit from Planning and Development Services before any electrical wiring or equipment installation begins.
(10) The National Electrical Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); (11) The New Mexico Electrical Safety Code, as adopted by the Construction Industries Division of the State of New Mexico with an effective date of January 1, 2008;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County adopts the National Electrical Code (NFPA) and the New Mexico Electrical Safety Code, effective January 1, 2008, as the operative wiring standards for unincorporated county land under Sec. 10-34. Sec. 105.1 requires a separate electrical permit before any wiring, service, or equipment installation covered by the Technical Codes begins, issued through the Planning and Development Services building program. Licensed contractors normally pull the permit, though homeowners building for their own use can qualify by passing a written exam with a 75 percent score. Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and Tijeras run separate construction codes and are not covered here.
Violations & Fines
Work without a permit or against approved plans violates Sec. 10-32; the general penalty under Sec. 1-6 is a fine up to $300, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, plus permit suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowner pull their own electrical permit in Bernalillo County?
Does this county electrical code apply inside Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
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