Live · 27 cities
New Mexico building permits
Adopted codes, fees, and permit requirements for every covered New Mexico city — browse by county, sourced from official records.
CountyCities
- Bernalillo County3 cities covered
- Sandoval County3 cities covered
- Santa Fe County2 cities covered
- Doña Ana County3 cities covered
- Chaves County1 city covered
- San Juan County4 cities covered
- Taos County1 city covered
- Otero County1 city covered
- Curry County1 city covered
- Lea County2 cities covered
- Eddy County2 cities covered
- Luna County1 city covered
- Rio Arriba County1 city covered
- McKinley County1 city covered
- Los Alamos County1 city covered
Do I need a permit? — New Mexico guides
- Window ReplacementUsually no — but yes if you change the size of the opening.
- FenceSometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.
- DeckYes — unless it's a small ground-level platform under 200 sq ft.
- Water HeaterYes — even for a like-for-like replacement.
- Basement FinishYes — any framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit.
- Solar PanelsYes — both a building and electrical permit are required.
- Roof ReplacementYes — all roof replacements and re-roofing projects require a permit.
- Hot TubYes — at minimum an electrical permit for the 240V circuit.
- ShedUnder 200 sq ft and under 10 feet tall? Usually no. Bigger? Yes.
- Furnace ReplacementYes — even a like-for-like furnace swap requires a mechanical permit.
- EV ChargerLevel 2 (240V) chargers yes. Level 1 (120V plug-in) no.
- Patio Cover / PergolaSolid roof covers yes. Open-lattice pergolas may be exempt.
- Home BusinessYes — most cities require a home occupation permit.
- ADU / In-Law SuiteOften yes — many states now require cities to allow at least internal ADUs.
- Concrete / DrivewayOnly if it connects to the street, modifies drainage, or is a structural element.
Permit types across New Mexico
View all →Compare a permit type’s fees across every New Mexico city we cover.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU / Casita) PermitAccessory Structure Permit (Shed / Detached Garage)Automatic Fire Sprinkler System PermitBuilding Permit (Residential & Commercial Construction)Carport PermitCertificate of Occupancy / Change of OccupancyChange of Occupancy / Certificate of OccupancyChange of Use / Certificate of Occupancy PermitCity of Aztec Land Use PermitCombined Trade Permit (Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical)Commercial Building PermitCommercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish PermitCurb Cut PermitDemolition PermitDevelopment Permit (Town Zoning & Floodplain Compliance Review)Driveway / Road Access PermitElectrical PermitElectrical Permit (NM Construction Industries Division — Electrical Bureau)Encroachment PermitEV Charger / EVSE PermitFence / Retaining Wall PermitFire Alarm System PermitFire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System PermitFloodplain Development PermitGarage / Estate / Yard Sale PermitGrading / Excavation PermitManufactured / Mobile Home PermitManufactured Home Placement PermitMechanical / HVAC PermitMechanical/Plumbing Permit (NM Construction Industries Division — Mechanical Plumbing Bureau)Mobile Home Movers / Set PermitPlacement Permit (Manufactured/Mobile Home & Small Structures)Placement Permit for Fence or Accessory StructurePlumbing PermitResidential Addition / Remodel PermitResidential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Roofing, Windows, and Residing PermitRoofing Permit (Reroof)Sign PermitSite & Land Use Development PermitSolar Photovoltaic (PV) PermitStreet Excavation PermitSwimming Pool / Spa PermitWater Heater PermitWater/Sewer Connection Permit