Albuquerque Certificate of Appropriateness: Application Steps

Land Use and Zoning New Mexico 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of New Mexico

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for many exterior changes to properties in historic districts or to designated landmarks. This guide explains who administers COAs, the typical application sequence, timelines, and what to expect at enforcement and appeal stages to help owners, contractors, and preservation professionals comply with local rules.

Review local historic district maps before planning work.

Overview

The City of Albuquerque administers historic preservation through its Planning Department and the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission. Property owners must determine whether their project is within a historic district or affects a designated landmark and whether a COA is required for exterior alterations, demolition, signage, or new construction visible from the public right-of-way. Certificates of Appropriateness information[1]

Steps to prepare a COA application

  • Identify property status: confirm landmark or historic district listing.
  • Collect documentation: site plans, elevations, material samples, and photographs.
  • Check deadlines: submission cutoffs for commission agendas and public notice requirements.
  • Prepare fee payment if required; verify current fee schedule with Planning.
  • Contact Historic Preservation staff for pre-application advice and neighborhood notification rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for work done without a required COA is handled by the City of Albuquerque Planning Department and may involve administrative orders, stop-work directives, civil penalties, and referral to municipal court. Specific penalty amounts for COA violations are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed in the municipal code or by Planning staff. Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission information[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations may be treated differently; details are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to restore altered features, and demolition holds.
  • Enforcer: Planning Department historic preservation staff and Commission actions; complaints are investigated by Planning.
  • Appeal routes: appeals typically go to a designated appeals body or municipal court; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
If work begins without a COA, the city may issue a stop-work order immediately.

Applications & Forms

The Planning Department publishes COA application instructions and submittal requirements; application forms, required attachments, and submittal methods are listed on the official COA page. Fees and exact submission steps are listed by Planning or the Permit Center; if a specific form number or fee is not shown on the linked pages, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Determine if your property is a landmark or within a historic district and whether the proposed work requires a COA.
  2. Contact Historic Preservation staff for a pre-application review and checklist.
  3. Assemble plans, photos, and material samples following the COA submittal checklist.
  4. Submit the application and pay any required fees through the Planning Department or Permit Center.
  5. Attend the Commission hearing if required and respond to any requests for additional information.
  6. If approved, obtain any building permits and follow approved conditions; if denied, follow the appeals process within the stated time limit.

FAQ

Do I always need a COA for exterior work?
No. Minor repairs that match existing materials may be exempt, but most changes visible from the public right-of-way require review.
How long does the COA process take?
Timelines vary by complexity and commission schedules; allow several weeks for staff review plus the time to appear on a commission agenda.
Can I appeal a COA decision?
Yes. Decisions typically have an appeal route; consult Planning for the specific appeal body and time limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm historic status early to avoid costly delays.
  • Plan for commission agenda timelines when scheduling work.
  • Use pre-application meetings with Planning to reduce rejection risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Albuquerque Certificates of Appropriateness information
  2. [2] City of Albuquerque Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission

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