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City of Albuquerque (NM)

New Mexico Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2020
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTargeted
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2020
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

IEBC Accepted
1
ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Targeted
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
Other (See Submission Notes)
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
No
Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes
  • Only one 3ft fire access pathway required
  • Clearance to A/C unit is NOT required

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
20
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

1/17/25

  Structural analysis must be performed by a professional engineer licensed in New Mexico to determine if the roof structure is capable of supporting the added loads of a solar PV electric system when any of the following occur.

 (a) The total added dead load of the array is greater than five pounds per square foot on the roof.

 (b) The total added point load of the array is greater than 45 pounds on the roof.

 (c) The total added dead load exceeds 200 pounds on a single truss, rafter or roof joist.

 (d) The mounting of the system is of a unique roof mounted design.

 (e) The roof structure contains over-spanned trusses, rafters or roof joists.



All Structural criteria to be based on 2021 IRC

Pitched roof - Do not send for structural stamps


Flat roof - Send for structural stamps (Flat Roofs are considered 0 degrees pitch to 10 degrees pitch, regardless of roof type)

Ballast attachment type - Send for structural stamps 

For all projects: If the point load exceeds 45 lbs per connection, PE stamped plans and calcs are required. The structural engineer letter shall reference max point load LBS

Minimum Ground On Roof
#6

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
Over 10 kW
Allowed POI
PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Whole Home Backup
Supply Tap Neutral Ground Bond Required
0
Temperature Rating
75
De Rating Ampacity
0.91
BOS Restrictions

Hot/split bus is prohibited in NM, will need an MPU if existing MSP is a hot bus

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

On pages that show the Tesla PW battery and inverter (Site plan, line diagram(s), and title block on all pages). AHJ requires that we show the Tesla inverter and Battery model numbers. This includes the leaders that point to equipment and info box in regards to the site plan.


Tesla PW3 11.5W inverter # = 1707000-XX-Y

Tesla PW + # = 1850000-XX-Y

Tesla PW2 13.5kW inverter # = 1092170-XX-Y


If not on the designated areas of plan-set, AHJ will reject plans every time. Reach out to staff if there are any questions.

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • IMPORTANT: If you are designing on a flat roof (10 degrees or less), the attachments must ALWAYS be RM5. Chem Curb is not allowed in AHJ's where the Utility is PNM.

  • Provide Max point load for pitched roof area. Loads shall not exceed 45 lbs. per connection. Total loads shall not exceed 200 lbs. on single member (14.5.2.8 F (4)(b,c) NMAC). If Max point load exceeds, structural New Mexico engineer letter is required. 
Site
  • All equipment with arrow callouts (not legend). Please note that Billing meter and Production Meter must be within 5 feet or a Variance is required
  • Meter and MSP callout if separate as leaders
  • AC disconnect called out as only AC disconnect, DO NOT CALL OUT AS UTILITY DISCONNECT
  • Remove if present the PV SYSTEM Box that shows the KWDC in red and the KWAC in black. They are not needed.
Site Notes

INFO BOX



PNM requires us to show an info box on the site plan and on the line diagrams.3LD always, SLD when published.


info box information should show:

Module(s): Quantity , Manufacturer, Model number

Inverter(s): Quantity, Manufacturer, Model Number


EXAMPLE


INFO BOX

MODULE(S): 19 , HANWHA QCELL , Q PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ 410

INVERTER(S): 1 , SOLAREDGE, SE7600H-USRGM [SI1]


once you have modules and inverters written out place a box around it.


Check INFO BOX file in files section for variations with existing systems and Battery projects.

Roof Plan
  • One 3 ft setback only is necessary
  • Attention: all projects with pitched roofs greater than 10 degrees must be showing Rafter Spacing and Attachment points on all roofs with solar. Plans will be rejected if this is not followed. open Attachment point file for reference.
  • Roofing notes, add array area, and amount of stories and roof type. MUST MATCH UBUILDER
  • If flat roof, change point load to what is from ubuilder
Attachment Detail

* For flush-mounted systems, do not show Partial Roof Framing Sample. Provide the actual rafter layout with attachments as they are shown on the roof plan. See 'Module Layout Example' in file section below. * Provide location of point connections for standard installation or block layout for _**_ballast systems_**_. * If flat roof, delete staggered and stacked detail * If flat roof, block layout

Attachment Detail Notes
  • For flush-mounted systems, do not show Partial Roof Framing Sample. Provide the actual rafter layout with attachments as they are shown on the roof plan.
  • See 'Module Layout Example' in file section below.
  • Provide location of point connections for standard installation or block layout for ballast systems.
  • If flat roof, delete staggered and stacked detail
  • If flat roof, block layout
Electrical Diagram
  • Per PNM Utility: Order of equipment = INV > top of PM > AC Disco (do not call utility disco) > POI
  • 240V Callout On Inverter
  • Provide back feed breaker sizing for current from inverter x 125%
  • #8's if breaker tie in, #6's from disco to tap if tapping
  • Drawing of interior LST if tapping inside home
  • Tap inside main panel, not meter or JBOX
  • NOTE: Production Meter must be within 5 feet

Only a three line is necessary, do not populate a one line diagram

Label Page

2017 Yellow

Label Page Notes

Skip placard page (No leaders necessary)

Custom Placards Required
0
Placards Notes

PNM Required Placard

"UTILITY SAFETY DISCONNECT. USE TO ISOLATE FROM CUSTOMER GENERATION"

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Situational
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the City of Albuquerque (NM) building department before you rely on this, and treat it as a research head start, not a ruling. Getting quotes? Run them through the quote checker first.