Do I Need a Permit to Replace Windows in New Mexico?
Find out when you need a permit to replace windows. Like-for-like vs. resized openings, energy code requirements, and inspection tips.
Usually no — but yes if you change the size of the opening.
When You Don't Need a Permit
Like-for-like window replacements — where the new window fits the exact same rough opening — typically do not require a building permit. This covers most standard window replacements where you are upgrading the glass, frame material, or energy efficiency without altering the wall structure.
When You Do Need a Permit
A permit is required when you change the size of a window opening (larger or smaller), add a new window where one didn't exist, convert a window to a door or vice versa, or install egress windows for basement bedrooms. These changes involve structural modifications (headers, jack studs) that must be inspected.
Energy Code Requirements
Replacement windows generally must meet the locally adopted energy code — most jurisdictions follow the IECC. Check the NFRC label on any window before purchasing and confirm your local edition's window U-factor requirement. This applies even when no permit is required — it's a code requirement.
Egress Windows
If you're adding a bedroom in a basement, most jurisdictions require an egress window with a minimum 5.7 sq ft net clear opening and a sill no higher than 44 inches above the floor (the IRC standard). Window wells deeper than 44 inches need a permanently attached ladder or steps. This always requires a permit.
Swapping windows in the same opening? No permit needed. Changing the opening size or adding egress windows? Get a permit.
Permit fees by city in New Mexico
Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.
| City | Permit fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alamogordo | $85Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Albuquerque | $23.50 minimum for valuation $1–$2,000; then $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 per additional $100 (to $2,000); $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000 (to $25,000); $391.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000 (to $50,000); $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000 (to $100,000); $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000 thereafter — modifier of 0.50 applied to the resulting valuation for one- and two-family dwellingsVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Artesia | $50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Aztec | Project valuation × 0.005 (0.5%)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration) → |
| Bernalillo | $25.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (CID) | Residential Building Permit (CID) → |
| Bloomfield | Project valuation × 0.005Verifiedvia New Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Accessory Building) | New Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Accessory Building) → |
| Carlsbad | $12.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Clovis | $28.00 + $5.60 per $1,000 of valuationVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Deming | $10.00 minimum up to $5,000 valuation, plus $2.00 per additional $1,000 (or portion) above $5,000Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Edgewood | Valuation-based; contact a CID office for a project-specific quoteVerifiedvia State Building Permit (NM Construction Industries Division) | State Building Permit (NM Construction Industries Division) → |
| Española | $75Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Farmington | See city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) fee | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Gallup | Valuation-based per Resolution No. R2004-40: $15.00 minimum for $1-$500 valuation, scaling to $3,539.50 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.00 per additional $1,000; plus a Plan Check Fee (75% new commercial / 55% commercial additions-remodels under $50,000 / 45% residential) and a Zoning Check Fee ($25 commercial / $15 residential)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Hobbs | $20.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Las Cruces | $0.20 per square foot of gross floor area measured to the outside walls; minimum permit fee $50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Los Alamos County | $23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Dwelling) | Residential Building Permit (New Dwelling) → |
| Rio Rancho | 65% of the Building Permit Fee (non-refundable)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Roswell | $24.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit | Residential Building Permit → |
| Santa Fe | $40.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Sunland Park | Calculated per the Most Current Version of the Uniform Building Code (ICC Building Valuation Data / BVD formula)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition) → |
| Town of Taos | $250.00 per residential dwelling (attached or semi-attached units, up to 5 dwellings)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (Zoning Review Application) | Residential Building Permit (Zoning Review Application) → |
| Unincorporated Bernalillo County | $30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 of valuationVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit | Residential Building Permit → |
| Unincorporated Doña Ana County | $0.20 per total square foot of floor area (measured to the outside walls; to the outside edge of the floor/roof-line for a carport, covered porch, or similar structure)Verifiedvia Single Family Dwelling Permit | Single Family Dwelling Permit → |
| Unincorporated San Juan County | $45Verifiedvia New Residential Building Permit | New Residential Building Permit → |
| Village of Corrales | $23.50Verifiedvia Construction Permit (New Residential Construction) | Construction Permit (New Residential Construction) → |
| Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque | $30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 of valuationVerifiedvia Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, or Alteration) | Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, or Alteration) → |