What is the process for getting a building permit in New Mexico?

Permits for building projects in New Mexico are issued by the city or town where your project is located. This is normally done by the Building Safety office within your city government. You will need to file your building permit application, along with any required documentation and drawn plans, and pay the permit fee. Permits for small projects may be issued on the same day though the processing time for larger projects usually takes longer. Once your application is reviewed and approved, your building permit will be issued. You must get your building permit in New Mexico before starting construction.

CLICK THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT Some cities have a general building permit application, whereas others have separate permit applications for project type or for the different phases of construction. Not all cities have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.

Albuquerque	Las Cruces	Rio Rancho
Santa Fe

What if I do not live in a town or city?

For property located in unincorporated areas, it is the county in New Mexico that will normally issue you a building permit. The process is generally the same as for a municipal license, except that some projects may be exempt from permit requirements under county regulations even if a permit is normally required in municipal areas. Keep in mind that many counties in New Mexico have their own zoning regulations that your project will need to comply with in order to be approved.

Are there different types of building permits in New Mexico?

Yes. While there is a basic building permit that you will need for most projects, there are other permits you may need to get if your project involves specialty work. This includes electrical permits, mechanical permits, plumbing permits, and demolition permits. Some smaller projects in New Mexico may not require a building permit, but you will still need to get a permit for the job. Clovis, for instance, does not require building permits for roofing work or fence building, but if you do either one of these projects you will still need to get a roofing permit or fence permit. These specialty permits are normally processed quicker than general building permits and allow you to undertake your project more easily.

Are there other things that need to be done before I file my permit application?

You should also keep in mind that before applying for your building permit, you may need to get approvals from other city or state agencies in New Mexico. The main approval you may need to get if you are changing the use of the property is a zoning certificate. If the property needs to be re-zoned, this must be done before you apply for your permit. Also, some cities in New Mexico like Santa Fe have strict guidelines for construction projects in historic districts. As a result, you may need to get prior approval for your project from the local historical commission such as the Historic Preservation Division in Santa Fe before your application will be considered by the Building Safety Office.  

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