Albuquerque Utility Excavation Permit Checklist

Utilities and Infrastructure New Mexico 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of New Mexico

Applying to excavate for utilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico requires coordination with city permitting and right-of-way managers. This checklist summarizes prerequisites, application steps, inspections, safety and notification duties, and enforcement pathways so contractors and property owners know what to prepare before digging in public streets or rights-of-way.

Before you apply

Confirm whether the work is in the public right-of-way or on private property, locate underground utilities through the statewide one-call system, prepare traffic control and restoration plans, and check bonding or insurance requirements with the City of Albuquerque Public Works and Development Services.

  • Determine permit type required (right-of-way/excavation, street cut, or utility service).
  • Schedule locate via One Call at least 48 hours before digging.
  • Prepare site plans, traffic control plans, and restoration specifications.
  • Confirm fees, bonds, and insurance limits with the issuing office.
Call 811 or the local one-call center before any excavation to avoid striking utilities.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Albuquerque enforces right-of-way and excavation rules through Public Works and Development Services. Specific fine amounts and schedules for excavation or unauthorized street cuts are not specified on the primary permit pages cited below[1][2]. Where monetary penalties or administrative fines apply, the enforcing department may also issue stop-work orders, require restoration at the permittee's expense, and refer repeat or egregious violations to Municipal Court or civil enforcement processes.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration orders, referral to court.
  • Enforcer: City of Albuquerque Public Works and Development Services; inspections and complaint intake handled by those departments[1][2].
  • To report dangerous or unpermitted excavation, contact Public Works or use the city service portal; emergency hazards may be reported to 311.
If cited, follow the written order and use official appeal routes promptly.

Applications & Forms

Official permit applications, right-of-way permit forms, and submission instructions are published by Public Works and Development Services; specific form numbers and fixed fees may not be listed on the general guidance pages and must be confirmed on the form or intake page cited below[1][2].

  • Right-of-way / Excavation permit application: name and form number not specified on the cited page; see the Public Works permit forms page for the current application.
  • Fees and bonds: specific fees or bond amounts are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed at time of application.
  • Submission: typically online or at the Public Works/Development Services permit counter; check the department page for current methods.
Keep digital copies of approved permits and approved traffic control plans on site during work.

FAQ

Who issues utility excavation permits in Albuquerque?
Public Works and Development Services coordinate issuance and inspections for right-of-way and excavation permits; contact those departments to confirm the specific permit type required.[1][2]
Do I have to call 811 before digging?
Yes. Use the statewide One Call center to locate utilities before excavation; this is a required safety step.[3]
What happens if I dig without a permit?
Consequences include stop-work orders, restoration at your expense, fines or referral to court; exact fine amounts are not specified on the cited permit pages.[1]
How long does permit approval take?
Review times vary by scope and completeness of application; specific turnaround times are not specified on the general guidance pages—contact the issuing office for estimates.[2]

How-To

  1. Determine if the work affects public right-of-way and select the correct permit type.
  2. Prepare and submit plans, traffic control, and restoration details to Public Works or Development Services.
  3. Contact One Call (811) at least 48 hours before excavation and obtain utility locates.[3]
  4. Pay required fees and provide bonds or insurance certificates as requested.
  5. Schedule inspections and follow any stop-work or correction orders until final acceptance of restoration.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm permit type and required documentation before starting work.
  • Call 811 and allow locates before digging.
  • Keep approved permits and traffic control plans on site for inspections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Albuquerque Public Works - Permits
  2. [2] City of Albuquerque Development Services - Permits & Inspections
  3. [3] New Mexico One Call (811)

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