Inspections
When are inspections required?
Inspections are required during the construction process, and after permits are issued. Inspections are required to ensure compliance with approved plans and ordinances. All work must be inspected during different stages of the construction process. The permit owner may schedule inspections by calling (505) 924-3320 option 1.
Inspection requests received before 4:30pm are generally scheduled for the next business day(excluding holidays and weekends). There are no set times for inspections, as the schedule is created with GPS routing for efficiency.
Virtual Inspection Strategy Program
The purpose of the Virtual Inspection Strategy Program (VISP) is to provide an alternative to on-site, residential occupied inspections during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.
Residential Inspections
This division's administrative staff schedules Field Inspections, for inspectors to address construction status and issues. The Chief Building Inspector directs and dispatches State & ICC-certified inspectors to appropriate job sites, to ensure code compliance.
- Residential Inspections include:
- code Compliance at each Construction Stage
- Permit Application Review
- Plans on Site
- Building Codes & Standards Questions
- Certificate of Occupancy Issuance - (for new home construction only)
- Construction Industry Division (CID)
- Addresses complaints
- Condemns commercial buildings not in line with codes & standards
More information on residential inspections can be found by contacting the Building Inspection section at (505) 924-3320 or homeowners can review the
Homeowner’s Building Permit Guide 2021
Commercial Inspections
The Building Safety Division of the Planning Department handles most of the building permit process for commercial projects.
Learn more about
Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical Inspections
Inspections are needed to ensure all electrical, plumbing and mechanical projects are completed in accordance with the code requirements set forth by the City of Albuquerque. Below are some examples of the projects that will require a permit and inspections:
- Electrical Permit –
- Installation of an appliance, device, equipment or wiring, upgrade of service amperage
- Additions, alternations, or replacements in existing appliances, devices, wiring or equipment
- Plumbing/Mechanical Permit –
- Heating or cooling system installation
- Installation of exhaust hood
- Installation or alteration of bathroom or kitchen piping
- Installation of equipment or ductwork (work can only be completed by a licensed contractor)
- Installation or alteration of house sewer or water service outside of structure
- Installation of a water heater (work can only be completed by a licensed contractor)
- Pools
- Replacement or repair of gas lines
Our staff can also help with information on:
- Code Compliance with:
- Uniform Plumbing Code
- Mechanical Code
- New Mexico Plumbing Code
- New Mexico Mechanical Code
- New Mexico Electrical Code
- Mechanical and Plumbing Inspection Record Requests (Documentation of Inspections and permits)
- Bi-Annual/Annual Inspections of High/Low Pressure Boilers
- Bi-Annual/Annual Inspections of Elevator/Escalators and Dumbwaiters
Emergency inspections can be requested for same day schedule, at the discretion of the Chief Building Official.
Contact the Building Safety Division at (505) 924-3320, option 1, to get information on scheduling inspections or click the button below to be taken to our online system, where you can schedule an inspection: