This is PermitBase’s published record for Las Cruces as of 2026-07-02. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Las Cruces building permits
VerifiedLas Cruces, New Mexico — as published 2026-07-02.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Codes adopted
New Mexico is a statewide-minimum-code state under the Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA 1978 § 60-13-44(E)): 'All political subdivisions of the state are subject to the provisions of codes adopted and approved under the Construction Industries Licensing Act. Such codes constitute a minimum requirement for the codes of political subdivisions.' A county or municipality may become its own code-enforcement authority (operate independently of the state Construction Industries Division field offices) if it employs a certified building official and has adopted at least the current state minimum code standards (NMSA 1978 § 60-13-41(D)-(F)). The City of Las Cruces operates its own Building and Development Services / Community Development Department with its own building official and inspection staff (rather than routing permits through the state CID field office model used in unincorporated areas), enforcing the state-adopted codes as the applicable minimum within city limits.2021 New Mexico Commercial & Residential Building Code (based on the 2021 IBC / 2021 IRC), per NM Construction Industries Division (CID) current adoption2021 International Building Code (IBC), as adopted/amended by CID2021 International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted/amended by CID2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code (based on the International Energy Conservation Code, IECC) — addresses the New Mexico climate zone for energy conservation; applies to new and renovated residential and commercial buildings2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Code, incorporating the 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO) and 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO)2020 New Mexico Electrical Code / 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted by reference at 14.10.4 NMAC, effective March 28, 2023 (permits issued only under this rule after September 28, 2023) — this is the current, in-force edition; it supersedes any references to a 2023 NEC edition found on third-party aggregator sites2012 Solar Energy Code (IAPMO), as adopted by CID2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 (Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities), as adopted by CID2012 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, as adopted by CIDLas Cruces Land Development Code, Chapter 30 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and Chapter 38 (Zoning) — local building-permit administration, fee schedule, and zoning provisions
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings, townhouses, and duplexes in Las Cruces. Reviewed against the 2021 New Mexico Commercial & Residential Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC) and 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code. Applications submitted through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela).
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for all new single-family dwellings, townhouses, and duplexes
- Must have a valid address assigned by the City before applying
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela Citizen Access)
- Site plan required for all project types
- Construction plans with work description required
- Subdivision Acceptance Form required for new residential construction
- Wind Erosion Control Plan (WECP) required
- Storm Water Pollution Plan (SWPP) required for new residential construction
- A signed contract between permittee and property owner, with proof of ownership, required for all project types
- Reviewed by multiple agencies: Building, Fire, Utilities, Traffic, Environmental Compliance, Engineering, Zoning/Landscaping, Electrical, Plumbing/Mechanical
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
- RequiredSite PlanRequired for all project types
- RequiredConstruction Plans with Work DescriptionFull construction document set
- RequiredSubdivision Acceptance FormRequired for residential new construction only
- RequiredWind Erosion Control Plan (WECP)Required for all project types
- RequiredStorm Water Pollution Plan (SWPP)Required for residential new construction only
- RequiredSigned Contract Between Permittee and Property OwnerWith some form of identification of ownership; required for all project types
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Permit Fee — new single-family dwellings, townhouses, and duplexes | $0.20 per square foot of gross floor area measured to the outside walls; minimum permit fee $50 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees (effective February 1, 2023), Residential Building Permit Fee section. Fee is due at time of permit issuance and is tripled on permits for work started or completed without an approved permit. |
| Plan Check Fee | 25% of the building permit fee | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees. Due at time of application; non-refundable. |
| Technology Fee — Residential New, Alteration, and Addition | $20 per permit | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Administrative Fees section |
| Expedited Permitting | $1,000 in addition to the permit and plan check fee | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees; available on request |
Residential Addition / Alteration / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, alterations, and remodels to existing single-family dwellings, townhouses, and duplexes in Las Cruces. Uses the same $0.20/sq ft fee structure as new residential construction, applied to the work area.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Remodels and additions follow the same permitting process as new construction, based on the work area identified in the construction plans
- Site plan required for all project types
- Construction plans with work description required
- A signed contract between permittee and property owner, with proof of ownership, required
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
- RequiredSite PlanRequired for all project types
- RequiredConstruction Plans with Work DescriptionScope of addition/alteration work
- RequiredSigned Contract Between Permittee and Property OwnerWith some form of identification of ownership
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Permit Fee — remodels and additions | $0.20 per square foot of the work area identified in the construction plans; minimum permit fee $50 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Residential Building Permit Fee section: 'Remodels and additions follow the same process based on the work area identified in the construction plans.' |
| Plan Check Fee | 25% of the building permit fee | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
| Technology Fee — Residential Alteration and Addition | $20 per permit | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Administrative Fees section |
| Addendum Fee | $45.00 per reviewer | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees — for additional plan review required by changes, additions, or revisions to approved plans, as determined by the Building Official |
Residential Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installations, alterations, and repairs in Las Cruces residential properties. Governed by the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (2020 NEC), adopted by reference at 14.10.4 NMAC, effective March 28, 2023.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for installation, alteration, or repair of residential electrical systems
- Electrical sub-contractor permits and fees are required when associated with a general (building) permit, unless stated otherwise
- Work must comply with the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (2020 NEC), 14.10.4 NMAC
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrical Permit Fee | $150.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Electrical Permit Fees section |
| Residential Electrical — Demonstrated Affordable Housing | $65.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
| Residential Electrical — Service/Low Voltage/Mobile Home/Service Temporary/Alternate Energy System (excludes Photovoltaic) | $75.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
| Technology Fee — Trade Permit (Electrical) | $10 per permit | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Administrative Fees section |
Residential Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Las Cruces residential properties. Governed by the 2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Code, incorporating the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO).
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for new plumbing, remodels, additions, and miscellaneous plumbing work (backflow, yard line, pressure test)
- Plumbing sub-contractor permits and fees are required when associated with a general building permit
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Plumbing Permit — Flat Fee New, Remodel, Addition | $150.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Plumbing Permit Fee section |
| Residential Plumbing — Demonstrated Affordable Housing | $50.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
| Residential Plumbing — Miscellaneous Work (backflow, yard line, pressure test, etc.) | $75.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
| Technology Fee — Trade Permit (Plumbing) | $10 per permit | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Administrative Fees section |
Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Las Cruces residential properties. Governed by the 2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Code, incorporating the 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO).
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for furnace, A/C, heat pump, and related mechanical equipment installation or replacement
- Mechanical sub-contractor permits and fees are required when associated with a general building permit
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Mechanical Flat Fee | $150.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Mechanical Permit Fee section |
| Residential Mechanical — Demonstrated Affordable Housing Fee | $50.00 | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
| Technology Fee — Trade Permit (Mechanical) | $10 per permit | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Administrative Fees section |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedRequired for roof replacement work in Las Cruces. Fee follows the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule as general construction.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for roof replacement/reroofing work
- Fee applies per the applicant's valuation, using the same Building Permit Fee schedule as general construction
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee | The Building Permit Fee schedule applies per the applicant's valuation (see the general Fee Table: $50 minimum up to $5,830 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000) | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Roofing Permit Fee section: 'The Building Permit Fee schedule applies per the applicant's valuation. Fee is due at time of permit issuance and is tripled on work started without an approved permit.' |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of residential solar photovoltaic systems in Las Cruces. A single flat fee covers plan review, building inspection, and electrical inspection.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Building/electrical permit required for residential solar photovoltaic system installation
- Governed by the 2012 Solar Energy Code (IAPMO) as adopted by the NM Construction Industries Division, plus the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code for electrical connections
- Apply online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Photovoltaic Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar Photovoltaic System Permit Fee | $250.00 (includes plan review, building inspection, and electrical inspection) | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees, Solar Photovoltaic System Permit Fee section. Commercial solar PV fees are calculated using the commercial building process instead. |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedConstruction of an accessory dwelling unit in Las Cruces is permitted through the standard residential building permit process (no separate ADU fee category is published by the City), subject to the statewide zoning floor established by New Mexico House Bill 425 (2023), codified as an amendment to NMSA 1978 § 3-21-1.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning authorities in New Mexico, including home-rule municipalities such as Las Cruces, must accommodate construction of one additional dwelling unit per lot within a single-family zoning district, regardless of lot size, per NMSA 1978 § 3-21-1 (as amended by 2023 House Bill 425)
- Statewide floor: the additional dwelling unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet
- Statewide floor: side and rear setbacks no more than 5 feet from the property line and 10 feet from any other structure on the property
- A zoning authority may not impose a single-family or owner-occupancy requirement specific to the additional dwelling unit as a condition of the permit
- Lack of adequate water, sewer, or other infrastructure capacity alone may not be used as a basis to delay or deny a building permit for the additional dwelling unit, per the statute
- The ADU structure itself is permitted as residential new construction — apply through the standard Residential Building Permit process (site plan, construction plans, ownership documentation) via the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela)
- Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) apply separately if the ADU includes those systems
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted online through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal (Accela); ADUs are processed as residential new construction
- RequiredSite PlanShowing the ADU's location, setbacks from property lines and other structures on the lot
- RequiredConstruction Plans with Work DescriptionFull construction document set for the ADU structure
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (ADU processed as residential new construction) | $0.20 per square foot of gross floor area; minimum permit fee $50 | The City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees does not publish a distinct ADU fee category — an ADU is billed under the same Residential Building Permit Fee section as new single-family construction, since it is a new dwelling structure on the lot. |
| Plan Check Fee | 25% of the building permit fee | City of Las Cruces 2023 Schedule of Fees |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
Fee schedules
Checklists & handouts
Online permit portal
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Las Cruces building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.