Albuquerque Encroachment Permit Steps - Street Work

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, work that occupies or alters the public right-of-way—sidewalks, curbs, gutters, parking lanes or travel lanes—typically requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit before starting construction or street work. This guide explains who issues permits, the typical application steps, inspection and compliance expectations, enforcement, and practical action steps to apply, pay, appeal or report violations in Albuquerque. Sources are official municipal pages and the Albuquerque code; where a specific numeric fee or fine is not shown on the cited page, this guide states that fact and points to the controlling office. Current as of February 2026.

Permits, scope and who issues them

The City of Albuquerque Public Works department issues encroachment and right-of-way permits for street work and related construction in the public right-of-way. Permits and application instructions are available on the city permits pages: Public Works - Permits^[1]. The municipal code contains ordinances governing obstructions, street openings and use of the public right-of-way: Albuquerque Code of Ordinances^[2].

Typical steps to obtain an encroachment permit

1. Confirm permit type required for your work (temporary lane closure, permanent encroachment, utility cut, sidewalk work).
2. Prepare application materials: site plan, schedule, traffic control plan, contractor insurance and bond documentation.
3. Submit application to Public Works or the designated permitting portal; include proof of insurance and any required bonds.
4. Wait for review and conditions; address plan review comments and resubmit if requested.
5. Pay permit fees as required and schedule inspections before, during and after work.
6. Perform work in compliance with permit conditions and traffic control plans; keep permit documents on site for inspectors.

Applications & Forms

Public Works posts the encroachment/right-of-way permit application and instructions on the city site; specific form names or numbers are provided there and available for download or submission on the permits page cited above.^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of right-of-way and encroachment rules is handled by the City of Albuquerque departments responsible for Public Works, Code Enforcement and, where applicable, Transportation or Planning. The municipal code and department pages describe prohibited obstructions and permit requirements; specific monetary fines or daily rates are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the enforcing office cited below.^[2]

• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or Public Works for current penalty tables.^[2]
• Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences and per-day calculations are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to remove or remediate encroachments, bond claims, or civil actions may be used by the city as enforcement.
• Enforcer and inspections: Public Works conducts inspections and issues permits; Code Enforcement or legal counsel may pursue violations or court action.
• How to report violations or request inspection: contact Public Works via the city permits/contact pages referenced in Resources.

Applications & Forms

• Encroachment/Right-of-Way Permit application — available on the Public Works permits page; the page lists required attachments and submission instructions.^[1]
• Fees — fees are published on the permitting page when available; if a fee table is not present, the page may state how to obtain a quote or fee estimate.
• Deadlines — submit as early as possible; expedited review options, if any, are described on the city permits page.

Action steps

• Identify the exact permit type and gather plans and insurance before submission.
• Contact Public Works for pre-application guidance and to confirm required documents. Public Works - Permits^[1]
• Submit application, pay fees, and schedule required inspections.
• If denied, follow the notice for appeal or reconsideration listed on the decision notice or contact the issuing department for appeal steps.

FAQ

Do I always need an encroachment permit for work on a city street?

No work that occupies or alters the public right-of-way should begin without confirming permit requirements with Public Works; minor activities may be exempt but you must verify with the city.

Where do I submit the encroachment permit application?

Submit applications through the Public Works permitting portal or as instructed on the city permits page; download forms and follow attachment instructions on that page.^[1]

What if I need an emergency cut or repair?

Contact Public Works immediately to report emergency work and follow their emergency permit or notification procedures; emergency work may require later permit regularization.

How-To

1. Confirm the permit type and required documents on the Public Works permits page.
2. Prepare and upload site plans, traffic control plans and insurance certificates as required.
3. Pay applicable fees and obtain an approved permit document before starting work.
4. Schedule inspections and comply with all permit conditions during and after construction.

Key Takeaways

• Most street work in Albuquerque requires a Public Works encroachment or right-of-way permit.
• Use the Public Works permits page to find forms, instructions and contact details.^[1]

Help and Support / Resources

• Public Works - Permits (Permitting, applications, contacts)
• Planning & Development Services - Permits and Licenses
• Albuquerque Code of Ordinances (municipal regulations)

1. [1] City of Albuquerque Public Works - Permits
2. [2] Albuquerque Code of Ordinances (Municode)