The City of Albuquerque’s Planning Department has expanded its Express Permitting Program to include more types of residential projects. This move is intended to help homeowners and builders obtain permits instantly, allowing them to begin upgrades without delay.
Mayor Tim Keller commented on the update, stating, “The new Express Permitting System is another clear example of how we are making it easier to get construction projects off the ground. We’re leveraging modern technology to continually improve our processes to get permits issued immediately.”
Currently, the Express Permitting Program covers residential re-roofing without truss repairs, roof-mounted solar installations under 50 kW, residential water heater replacements, and small repairs or minor alterations such as window or door replacements.
Planning Department Director Alan Varela highlighted the department’s progress: “These real-world changes are helping make us the most effective permitting agency in the region. Everyone knows that system conversions done right require a lot of work and time, and now we can see that great results for our customers are coming in strong. This is just the beginning, so stay tuned.”
The Express Permitting System was first introduced on October 1, 2025, starting with residential reroofing projects that do not need extensive plan review. The system allows applicants to receive same-day approval and instant permit issuance after payment. Field inspections are still required to ensure safety and code compliance; currently, 98% of these inspections are completed within one business day.
Residents can apply for express permits and schedule inspections through the city’s ABQ-PLAN software platform. More information is available at cabq.gov/planning/abq-plan.
