Albuquerque, NM Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

The City of Albuquerque Building Safety Division issues residential pool permits and details the submittal requirements in its Home Owner's Building Permit Guide. The guide instructs applicants that the following should be provided when applying for a pool permit: a site plan showing the location of the work; 'all dimensions from proposed pool to adjacent property lines and dwelling (5' minimum)'; dimensions to verify square footage and water capacity in gallons; barrier and gate details; drain and suction outlets complying with ANSI/APSP-7; and a 'current professional seal of architect or engineer for gunite pools or current ICC-ES report for fiberglass.' Required submittals also include skimmer/floor-drain, automatic-cover, and boiler specifications. Permits are issued at the Permit Desk on the first floor at 600 2nd Street NW. Albuquerque enforces the 2015 International Residential Code, the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2012 International Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; under those codes a prefabricated above-ground pool is exempt from permitting only if it is less than 54 inches deep, holds 5,000 gallons or less, and is installed entirely above ground. After a permit issues, the guide states that 'inspections are required to ensure compliance with approved plans and ordinances,' the permit number is required for every inspection request, and the permit card and approved plans must be kept on site.