City of Rio Rancho
Development Services
3200 Civic Center Cir, 1st Floor
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
(505) 891-5005 Fax: (505) 896-8994
Residential
Construction
Application Packet
Updated May 2007
Page 1 of 12
Table of Contents

Introduction
o
Construction Uses

Notice to Homeowners

Notice to Builders and Developers

Notice to all Liquid Waste Installers
o

Submittal and Approval Process Overview
o

Fees
Submittal and Approval Process Flowchart
Building Inspection Process Overview
o
Inspection Schedule

Homeowner Building Permit Procedures

Disclosure/Disclaimer Regarding Certain Properties

Zoning

o
Single Family Residential Zoning Requirements
o
Accessory Buildings
o
Building Height
o
Setbacks
Drainage and Grading Requirements
o
Grading Plans
o
Design Requirements and Policies for Land Development in Rio Rancho (Revised 3-18-93)

Impact Fees

Appendix A

o
1.1 Drainage and Grading Requirements
o
1.2 Impact Fee Schedule
o
1.3 Summary of Height and Area Requirements
o
1.4 Important Phone Numbers
Forms
o
Domestic Water Well Application Packet
o
Application for a Well Permit
o
Building Permit Application
o
Heat Loss Calculation
o
Residential Plan Review Application
o
Homeowner's Building Permit Responsibility Application
Page 2 of 12
Introduction
This packet is designed to assist both the contractor and the homeowner in the application process required for a residential
building permit. The City of Rio Rancho Building Inspection Division operates under the 2003 International Building Code
(I.B.C.), the 2003 International Residential Code (I.R.C.), 2005 National Electric Code (N.E.C.), 2003 Uniform Plumbing
Code (U.P.C.), 2003 Uniform Mechanical Code (U.M.C.), and the State of New Mexico Building Code.
Construction Uses:
• Additions
• Detached Garages
• Attached Garages
• Garage Conversions
• Patio Covers
• Sunroom
• Storage Sheds (if larger than 120 square feet/10x12)
• New Single-Family Homes
• Retaining Walls
Notice to Homeowners

If you are doing the work yourself instead of hiring a contractor, you must complete the Homeowner’s Building Permit
Responsibility Application from the State of New Mexico Construction Industries Division (C.I.D.). In addition, the lower half
of the Building Permit Application must be witnessed and signed by a Notary Public. If you project entails electrical and/or
plumbing work, you have two (2) options:
o
Take the applicable exam given by the respective inspector and, after passing the exam, you may obtain the
appropriate permit.
o
Hire a New Mexico State licensed contractor, who also has a valid business license with the City of Rio Rancho, to
do the work. The contractor you hire will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate permit.

Mechanical work will require a New Mexico State licensed contractor.

Prior to the issuance of a permit, the Department of Public Infrastructure must approve the Water and Wastewater
Permit/Well and Septic Authorization Form.

If you are installing a new septic system, applications must have an approved liquid waste permit (septic permit) from the
State of New Mexico Environment Department.

If you are performing construction on a site with an existing septic or well system, you must have an approved well permit
from the State of New Mexico Engineer’s Office.
Notice to Builders and Developers
On July 26, 2006 the Rio Rancho City Council approved the following changes to the existing Residential and Commercial
Collection Ordinance Chapter 50, Section 7, to reduce windblown and misplaced waste from construction sites in Rio
Rancho.
Commercial Collection:
Subsection B.1(d): The contractor shall collect all solid waste except special or hazardous wastes, inside an approved
receptacle with lid or approved covering. The solid waste shall not exceed the receptacle capacity and the container’s
lid or covering must be closed and secured when not in use. The owner shall not place any solid waste in any area
other than the solid waste container.
Construction Debris:
Subsection C. 2(a): All construction sites shall have a method of containment, with a covering or lid that will be secured
when not in use, for construction debris to prevent the debris from blowing or scattering upon the site or adjacent
property and streets. The method of containment shall meet with the approval of the Sanitation Officer.
The existing ordinance requires developers, builders and their agents to ensure that building sites have an approved
container with lid for collecting and storing all construction site wastes as they are generated for disposal. In order to
ensure builders and their agents are better able to comply with this ordinance, these changes expand the requirement
of a lid on all containers to include “approved coverings” such as tarps and other durable materials that will cover and
completely contain construction site waste while the container is not actively being used.
In order to avoid citations at your building site, please make sure that this information is passed on to all of your staff
and agents, including subcontractors and laborers, at your current and future sites.
--Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful
Page 3 of 12
Submittal and Approval Process Overview
Upon receipt of the Residential Construction Application Packet, two (2) sets of all plans are first distributed to Zoning
Division staff for review. Zoning submittals require a site plan clearly showing setbacks from foundation to property line
square footage of project, height of project, landscaping requirement (new homes only), and all weather driveway noted
(new homes only) on the site plan. The plans are reviewed to ensure compliance with setback requirements and City
ordinances. Once approved, plans are stamped and signed by Zoning Division staff. The plans are then forwarded to the
Building Inspection Division for approval based on compliance to I.B.C., I.R.C., and the State of New Mexico Building Code.
Building submittals require foundation plan, floor plan, framing plan, roofing plan, finished elevation drawings, electrical and
plumbing plan, engineered stamped truss details with a current year, energy code compliance worksheet (heat loss
calculations), copy of approved liquid waste permit (if not connecting to City sewer), copy of well permit (if not connecting to
City water), and a Water Availability form signed by the City of Rio Rancho Public Infrastructure Department. Approved
plans are stamped and signed by building inspection staff. Once all approvals have been secured, the applicant is notified.
One (1) set of approved plans is returned to the applicant; this set is required to be at the job site for the duration of
construction. If, at any point during the construction phase, changes occur, the applicant must re-submit amended site and
building plans for approval.
Submittal and Approval Process Flowchart
Building Inspection Process Overview
It is the responsibility of the applicant to call Building Inspection and schedule all required inspections. Furthermore, it is the
responsibility of the applicant to reschedule any inspections that were disapproved (failed) and pay any re-inspection fees if
assessed.
 International Building Code (2003 Edition)
 International Residential Code (2003 Edition)
 Uniform Plumbing Code (2003 Edition)
 Uniform Mechanical Code (2003 Edition)
 National Electrical Code (2005 Edition)
 Any NFPA codes referenced in either NFPA 1 and/or 101
Page 4 of 12
Inspection Schedule
Inspections requested prior to 5:00PM by phone or walk-in, or prior to 3:30PM by fax, are schedule for the next
business day. In addition to the inspections specified below, the building official may make or require other inspections
of any construction work to ascertain compliance.
1.
Foundation: To be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place.
For concrete foundation, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Minimum requirements for ditch
are 12” wide, 8” thick, and 18” below grade. All materials for the foundation shall be at the job, except where
concrete is ready mixed in accordance with the International Building Code (I.B.C.) 2003 Edition, the concrete
need not be on the job. Where the foundation is to be constructed of approved treated wood, additional
inspections may be required by the building official.
Do not schedule concrete until after this inspection has been completed and approved.
2.
Frame: To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place, and all pipes, chimneys, and
vents are complete, and rough electrical, plumbing, and heating wires, pipes and ducts, are approved.
3.
Insulation
4.
Stucco
5.
Final Inspection: To be made after plumbing, mechanical, and electrical finals. To be made after the grading is
completed, and the building completed and ready for occupancy. When the final inspection is completed and
approved, the Inspector will take the notice sheet from the job site and submit the notice to the Building Inspection
office for the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Within 24 hours from the final inspection, the CO will
be ready to be picked up at the Building Inspection Division.
Homeowner Building Permit Procedures
The Construction Industries Commission has discussed new guidelines and procedures, and eventually new rules and
regulations, for the issuance of Homeowner’s Building Permits. The purpose of theses guidelines and procedures is to
better ensure the homeowner builder understands the responsibilities and liabilities associated with acquiring a
Homeowner’s Building Permit. Eventually, changes to the rules and regulations will require the homeowner to demonstrate
necessary knowledge and skills before they are allowed to act as their own general contractor under a Homeowner’s
Building Permit.
Pursuant to the Commission’s guidance, the Construction Industries Division and all local, county, and municipal building
departments should begin this process by requiring the Homeowner Building Permit Responsibility Application for the
Homeowner’s Building Permit. The purpose of the checklist is to ensure that the applicant is fully advised and understands
the risks and liabilities associated with building under a Homeowner’s Building Permit. The completed and signed checklist
will be kept on record with the Building Permit Application as proof of assumption of the risk and liabilities associated with
the construction of one’s own home.
Disclosure/Disclaimer Regarding Certain Properties
If the proposed building area is within certain areas of the City of Rio Rancho, the owner will be required to acknowledge a
“Disclosure Requirement” prior to a building permit being issued. The following subdivisions are subject to this agreement:
• Unit 3
• Unit 4
• Unit 7
• Unit 8
• Unit 9
• Unit 10
• Unit 11
• Unit 12
• Unit 13
• Unit 16
• Unit 17
• Unit 20
• Unit 21
• Unit 22
• Unit 25
The Disclosure Requirement will be provided to the owner/applicant at the time the permit is ready to be issued. A copy of
this requirement will be provided on request to the City of Rio Rancho Development Services Department or the City of Rio
Rancho Department of Public Infrastructure.
Page 5 of 12
Zoning The following are located under Contents…Title XV: Land Usage on the amlegal website
R-1: Single Family Residential
SU: Special Use
R-2: Single Family Residential
E-1: Estate Residential
OS: Open Space/Recreation
R-3: Single Family Residential
O-1: Office Zone
MU-A: Mixed-Use Activity Center
M-H: Mobile Home Residential
O-2: Office Zone
CBD: Central Business District
C-1: Retail Commercial
T-Z: Transitional Zone
C-2: Wholesale and Warehouseing Commercial
CMU: Commercial/Mixed Use
M-1: Light Industrial
R-4: Single Family Residential
H-1: Historical Site
R-5: Single Family Residential
A-R: Agricultural Residential
R-6: Single Family Residential
PR: Parks/Recreation
Single Family Residential Zoning Requirements
1.
One single-family dwelling unit per lot; provided such dwelling unit meets the following design standards:
a.
All dwelling units shall be permanently affixed to a permanent foundation. No dwelling unit shall be
temporary in nature. Permanent foundations for dwelling units that are not site built shall comply with New
Mexico Manufactured Housing Division Rules and Regulations (NMAC 14.12.2) for permanent
foundations.
b.
Each dwelling unit must have either an attached or detached private garage structurally affixed to a
permanent foundation which interior dimension shall measure not less than 20 feet by 22 feet. The garage
shall have an external appearance and finish-treatment similar to and consistent with the dwelling unit and
shall be completed and issued a certificate of occupancy no later than 12 months after occupation of the
dwelling unit.
c.
Each dwelling unit shall have a roof meeting the following minimum criteria: (i) a pitched roof with a
minimum slope of 2-1/2 inches in every 12 inches and no less than 6-inch overhangs or (ii) a flat roof with
parapets at least 6 inches in height above the finished roof.
d.
These overhang, roof pitch and private garage requirements shall not apply to any dwelling unit, building
or structure constructed or installed prior to December 23, 1999. Notwithstanding the above, conversions
of pre-existing or post December 23, 1999, private garages are prohibited unless another private garage is
constructed to replace the converted private garage.
e.
Each single-family dwelling unit shall have exterior siding and roofing which, in color, materials and
appearance, is comparable to the predominant materials in use on surrounding dwelling units, or if there is
no predominance, is similar to the exterior siding and roofing material commonly in use on residential
dwelling units in the community as a whole.
f.
All dwelling units must face the address street or create a presence on the address street. Street
presence can be created by including elements such as windows, site walls, gates, portals, courtyards and
landscaping in the architectural design or site plan.
g.
All front steps necessary for access due to a difference in grade between the front door and/or the floor of
the dwelling unit and finished grade shall be permanently installed and shall be constructed of stone,
concrete or masonry materials.
h.
An all-weather driveway shall be constructed from the property line to the private garage or carport, or to
any other area designated for off-street parking.
i.
All utility installations shall be placed underground. All liquid propane installations shall be either behind
the primary structure from the address street or placed underground.
j.
Sites shall be prepared in such a manner that positive drainage of surface water is maintained and
directed away from the dwelling unit as per state regulations.
k.
Landscaping. All single-family residential development shall include the installation and maintenance of
landscaping in the front yard, and when an unscreened side yard abuts a street right-of-way, in that side
yard as well. A minimum of two trees, each of a minimum 1½ inches in caliper, (deciduous trees) or 8-foot
high conifers (evergreen trees) and three 5-gallon shrubs or, the equivalent thereof in accordance with a
written plan submitted to and approved by the Director of City Development, or that person's official
designee, shall be installed within a reasonable time after occupation of the dwelling unit not to exceed
120 days.
l.
With the exception of division (b) above, all requirements of this division shall be completed within a
reasonable time after occupation of the dwelling unit not to exceed 120 days.
Page 6 of 12
Accessory Buildings
1.
Accessory buildings or structures, but not to include structures for livestock or fowl; provided such accessory
buildings or structures meet the following design standards:
a.
Accessory buildings and structures shall not in the aggregate encompass a greater total square foot area
than the primary structure.
b.
The exterior of any accessory building and structure encompassing more than 250 square feet shall be
constructed of materials similar in color and appearance to those used in the primary structure or has a
facade similar to that of the primary structure. Accessory structures greater than 500 square feet shall be
constructed of the same materials or have the same facade as the primary structure.
c.
By definition, an accessory building may not be constructed without the existence of the primary structure;
the dwelling unit
Building Height
1.
2.
For buildings approved and permitted prior to February 1, 2002, Building Height means the vertical distance from
the curb grade to:
a.
The highest point of a flat roof
b.
The deck line of a mansard roof
c.
The average height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs
For buildings approved and permitted on or after February 1, 2002, Building Height means the following:
a.
For buildings constructed on prepared pads or on pads in over-lot-graded subdivisions, lots of one level,
building height is the distance measured from the city-approved pad elevation along the building facade
to the highest point on the building (not including chimneys and other appurtenances). Lots with
stepped pads are measured from the lowest city-approved pad elevation to the highest point on the
building (not including chimneys and other appurtenances).
b.
For buildings constructed on undeveloped or sloping lots, building height is the distance measured from
the lowest natural grade adjacent to the structure (including garages and the like) to the highest point on
the building (not including chimneys and other appurtenances).
Setbacks
Setbacks refer to the shortest distance between a structure and the present or future street line or property line.
Placement of the following structures is allowed in this area: structures of less than 120 square feet. The placement of
paved concrete, blacktop, brick and wood decking, pads, poured slabs, driveways, walkways, and ornamental
landscaping accoutrements. These structures are permitted but may not exceed 12 inches in height. It is the
responsibility of the property owner to secure permission, in writing, from any and all franchised utilities upon whose
easements the property owner wishes to place any of the above structures.
Setbacks vary; it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain appropriate setbacks. All setbacks are measured from the
property line.
Notice to all Liquid Waste Installers
Effective February 1, 2002, the Environment Department will charge fees for the following:
1.
A permit for the installation, modification, or repair of all on-site liquid waste disposal systems.
2.
For each re-inspection of work that has received a notice of non-approval issued during an on-site inspection.
3.
For the issuance of a variance from the Liquid Waste Disposal Regulation
4.
The fee will apply to all areas of the state except for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
Fees
 Construction of a conventional system is $100.00.
 Modification of a conventional system is $50.00.
 Construction or modification of a commercial unit is $150.00.
 Construction of an advanced treatment or alternative system is $150.00.
 Modification of an advanced treatment or alternative system is $75.00.
 For each re-inspection of an installation that has been issued a notice of non-approval is $50.00.
 For issuance of variance is $50.00 in addition to permit fee.
Page 7 of 12
 All fees are due prior to issuance of a permit, any re-inspection, or issuance of variance.
 Payment methods include personal check, business check, certified check, or money order made payable to the
Environment Department Liquid Waste Fund.
 All fees are non-refundable.
Drainage and Grading Requirements
Grading permits are required prior to any construction or development related to grading. This includes clearing and
grubbing.
For residential, commercial, and/or other structural construction, the permit will be issued and administered concurrently with
the building permit.
When grading is the only construction (i.e. no structures), an independent grading permit is required. Grading a site prior to
obtaining a permit is illegal and is subject to enforcement action.
In addition, certain sites are subject to Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit Requirements.
Grading Plans
An engineered grading and drainage plan, prepared by a New Mexico licensed engineer, is required when any one of
the following conditions applies:
1.
Grading will disturb and area greater than one (1) acre
2.
Grading will involve the excavation, removal, or placement of over 50 cubic yards of material.
3.
Grading will modify the public drainage system, defined as “The path the storm run-off or other flow will follow from
the furthest upstream parcels of land to city limits.”
4.
A building pad or first floor elevation (including basements) will be less than one (1) foot above the adjacent street
or road.
Design Requirements and Policies for Land Development in Rio Rancho (Revised 3-18-93)
All Grading and Drainage design for land development in Rio Rancho shall conform to the applicable requirements of
the following City Erosion Control; Storm Drainage Ordinances:
 Chapter 8, Article 4, “Flood and Erosion Control”
 Chapter 8, Article 7, “Storm Drainage Requirements”
 Chapter 9, Article 2, “Subdivisions”
…and to the applicable provisions of the “Drainage Policy” of the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control
Authority (SSCAFCA) and to the applicable requirements and policies listed hereinafter.
1.
Minimum criteria for hydrology and hydraulic calculations and design shall be as described in Volume 2,
Development Process Manual, City of Albuquerque, latest revision, or the AHYMO version of the ARS HYMO
Computer Program. Calculations shall accompany design submittals.
2.
Calculations shall be furnished for historic flows and developed flows for the 10 year and 100 year 6 hour storms.
Calculations shall be furnished for sizing all conveyances and storage ponds on site as well as downstream
infrastructure, if pertinent. Calculations should also address depth of flows in streets as required in Ordinance 8-77.
3.
Soil classifications may be obtained from USDA Soil Conservation Service maps or investigations performed by
Geotechnical engineers, if necessary.
4.
Unless restricted by specific infrastructure limitations, maximum discharge permitted from a developed property in
the event of a 100 year 6hour storm shall be the amount of the historic or pre-developed runoff in all watersheds of
the city. Due to infrastructure limitations, developed properties in the watershed area intercepted by the 7-Bar
Channel adjacent to NM 528 south of High Resort Boulevard, shall have discharge limited to 0.5cfs per acre.
Discharge limitations shall apply to all development projects except for single family residential projects fewer than
five (5) lots or five (5) acres total.
5.
Detention Ponds or Retention Ponds shall not be constructed in public street right-of-way. Discharge from the
detention ponds shall be conveyed to public infrastructure such as streets and channels by approved means such
as pipe or channels. It is recommended that pipe sizes less than 6” diameter not be used due to maintenance
concerns. To restrict flows, apertures in caps placed at the inlet end are suggested.
6.
Detention ponds shall be sized to provide one (1) foot of Freeboard and to empty within 24 hours. Retention
ponds shall be sized to contain twice the volume of the 100 year 6 hour storm for the area drained plus one (1)
foot Freeboard. Percolation tests may be required to address design requirements. Ponds designed for water
depths of 18” or more shall be fenced to acceptable standards.
7.
Surface drainage shall not be permitted to flow onto adjacent private property. Where drainage easements exist,
underground pipelines may be permitted.
Page 8 of 12
8.
In residential subdivisions, on-site detention is not permitted on individual lots. Detention or retention shall be
provided in locations otherwise provided for by the developer. Minimum grades for drainage in lots shall be 1%
unless paved swales are provided. Maximum grades for slopes shall be restricted to 25%. Retaining walls in
excess of 5’ high (footer to ground surface) should be avoided. Individual certification to the design and
construction of retaining walls in excess of this parameter is required. All retaining walls should be designed to
relieve potential hydrostatic pressure by providing weep holes where necessary.
9.
All embankments in subdivisions shall be placed and compacted in lifts of maximum of 8” thick, wetted and
compacted for 90% of optimum density per ASTM D1557 and 95% under all structures including driveways and
parking lots. Slopes should be graded to a maximum of 4 to 1 when feasible. Access roads for maintenance shall
be provided for drainage channels and adequate right-of-way shall be provided for the channels, maintenance
roads and room for hiking-bikeway trails.
10. In projects affected by the 100 year flood plain, the proposed 100 year base flood line shall be delineated on the
Grading and Drainage Improvement plans. If there is a change to the Flood Insurance Maps as produced by the
Federal Emergency of Map Revision (FEMA), a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or a Letter of Map Revision
(LOMR) a physical map revision shall be filed with the agency and the City Engineer’s office. All new structures
and substantial improvements to structures shall have its lowest floor elevation a minimum of 1.0 foot above the
base flood elevation.
11. All submittal documents, maps, plans, calculations, designs, etc. shall be made in triplicate. Following approvals
or for consideration for joint concurrence when required, one set will be forwarded to Southern Sandoval County
Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA).
12. Drainage plans are required for building permits, minor subdivisions, and site development plans for individual
parcels for commercial, industrial, or multi-family projects and shall meet the following requirements:
a.
Furnish on 24” x 36” sheets with a minimum scale of 1” – 20”. Show scale and north arrow.
b.
Show existing contour lines for predevelopment conditions and also for proposed development
conditions. Vertical intervals shall not exceed 1’ for slopes under 1%, 2’ for slopes between 1% and 5%,
and 5’ for slopes in excess of 5%. Spot elevations shall be shown for pertinent items such as existing
structures, curb and gutter, etc. Contours and elevations shall extend a minimum of 25’ beyond project
property lines.
c.
Show location and elevation of Bench Mark to mean sea level designation.
d.
Location map (smaller scale okay on same sheet or separate sheet).
e.
Watershed area including offsite if relevant (scale flexible).
f.
Soil type if pertinent.
g.
Legal description (including recording book and page).
h.
Right of ways and easements.
i.
Description and location of relevant offsite drainage facilities.
j.
Professional Engineers stamp, signature and date.
Impact Fees
An “impact fee” is a charge assessed by the city on any new development projects, including residential, commercial, and
industrial buildings, which is designed to generate funding to pay for the increased services or public facilities necessitated
by such specific new development. Impact fees are paid only once -- at the time of the issuance of the building permit for
the construction project in question.
Page 9 of 12
Appendix A
Page 10 of 12
Important Phone Numbers
State of New Mexico Environment Department
(505) 222-9500
State of New Mexico Engineer’s Office
(505) 764-3888
City of Rio Rancho
Building Inspection Division
3200 Civic Center Cir, 1st Floor
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
(505) 891-5006
City of Rio Rancho
Department of Public Infrastructure
3200 Civic Center Cir, 1st Floor
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
(505) 891-5016
City of Rio Rancho
Department of Public Safety
500 Quantum Rd
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 891-5900
City of Rio Rancho
Development Services
3200 Civic Center Cir, 1st Floor
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 891-5005
Page 11 of 12
Forms
Page 12 of 12