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New Mexico building permits

Adopted codes, fees, and permit requirements for every covered New Mexico city — browse by county, sourced from official records.

Bernalillo County2 cities covered Sandoval County1 city covered Santa Fe County1 city covered Doña Ana County1 city covered Chaves County1 city covered San Juan County1 city covered Otero County1 city covered Curry County1 city covered Lea County1 city covered

New Mexico building permits issuedNew privately-owned residential construction activity by city — U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, data through 2026-05

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.