Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in Hobbs, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and duplex residential construction in Hobbs. Reviewed against the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC, based on the 2021 IRC) as adopted by City of Hobbs Municode 15.04.010. Fees are valuation-based per Municode 15.28.010.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Permit required under NMAC 14.5.2.8 (subject to the Construction Industries Licensing Act, NMSA 1978 Sections 60-13-3 and 60-13-45) before any building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished
- Applicant may obtain the application at City Hall (Building Safety & Permitting Department) or find it online; completed sets may be emailed as PDF to hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org
- Two complete sets of working plans required, minimum 1/4 inch = 1 foot scale, preferred in digital PDF format
- Signed contract between project owner and contractor required for valuation purposes
- Planning approval required before applying for a building permit if the project is within City limits or the 5-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ); ETJ projects also require Lea County approval notification
- A homeowner may self-perform general construction under a Homeowner's Permit but must read, sign, and notarize the Homeowner's Responsibilities Form (NMAC 14.5.2.18); a homeowner's permit cannot be used if a GB-2 or GB-98 licensed contractor is acting as general contractor
- Professional (Architect or NM Structural Engineer) seal required per 2021 IRC Section 106.1 for prefabricated/premanufactured/component structures, retaining walls over 4 feet, second-story additions to an existing first story, and alternate materials/methods/designs
Required documents
- Required
City of Hobbs Building Permit Application
Lists property owner name/address, contractor company name/address/license number, architect/engineer name/address/license number, project address, legal description, description of work, construction materials, and total square footage
- Required
Site Plan
Proposed new structures and existing structures on site, including adjacent structures within 10 feet of property lines, north arrow, property lines with dimensions, streets/easements/setbacks, water/sewer/electrical connection points, drainage and grading information
- Required
Foundation Plan
Size, location, and depth below grade of footings, piers, and stem walls; geotechnical report with soil-bearing capacity if necessary
- Required
Floor Plan
All floors including basement, room labels, overall dimensions, doors/windows with schedules, smoke detection system locations
- Required
Floor & Roof Framing Plans
Size, spacing, and spans of joists, girders, rafters, beams, headers; wood truss engineering specifications sealed and submitted with the drawings
- Required
Construction Details
Wall sections, insulation per Model Energy Code, footing/foundation depth and dimensions, anchor bolt sizing, stair/handrail/guardrail details, fireplace details
- Optional
Homeowner's Responsibilities Form
Required, signed and notarized, only if applying under a Homeowner's Permit rather than through a licensed contractor
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $2,000 | $20.00 | City of Hobbs Code of Ordinances Section 15.28.010, Building Permit Fee Schedule (Ord. No. 992, § 3, 6-16-2008) |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001 to $5,000 | $40.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $5,001 to $8,000 | $60.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $8,001 to $10,000 | $90.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $10,001 to $20,000 | $120.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $20,001 to $30,000 | $150.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $30,001 to $50,000 | $200.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001 to $70,000 | $250.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $70,001 to $100,000 | $320.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001 to $150,000 | $350.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $150,001 to $200,000 | $380.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $200,001 to $250,000 | $480.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $250,001 to $300,000 | $580.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $300,001 to $350,000 | $700.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $350,001 to $400,000 | $800.00 | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $400,001 and up | $800.00 plus $1.00 per $1,000.00 thereafter | Municode 15.28.010 |
| Refund Policy | 80% of total permit fees paid | Municode 15.28.010 |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Hobbs building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing and Foundation
After excavation for footings complete and required reinforcing steel in place; forms in place prior to inspection for concrete foundations
- 2
Concrete Slab or Under-Floor
After all in-slab or under-floor service equipment, conduit, and piping are in place, but before concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed
- 3
Frame and Masonry
After roof, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and rough electrical, plumbing, and heating are approved; includes the 2021 Duct Sealing Visual Inspection Checklist
- 4
Exterior Wall Openings / Window Flashing
Verification of flashing at window and door openings
- 5
Weather-Resistive Barrier
After installation of the weather-resistive barrier and before it is covered
- 6
Energy Efficiency
Installation of wall and ceiling insulation, including the 2021 Thermal Bypass Checklist
- 7
Gypsum Board
- 8
Final Inspection
After finish grading and building completion; final electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections must be completed prior to final general construction inspection. Certificate of Occupancy issued after approval.
Tips
- Permit sets can be submitted by email in PDF format to hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org; inspections can also be requested by email or by texting the inspector.
- Approved plans from the City of Hobbs, along with the permit/weather card, must be kept on site for the duration of the project.
- If your project site is within the 5-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) around Hobbs city limits, Lea County will also be notified and must provide county approval.
- A homeowner's permit cannot be used if a GB-2 or GB-98 licensed contractor is acting as general contractor on the project.
- Refunds are 80% of total permit fees paid if a permit is cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a residential building permit cost in Hobbs?
- Fees are valuation-based per City of Hobbs Municode Section 15.28.010: for example, $20 for a project valued $1-$2,000, scaling up to $800 plus $1.00 per additional $1,000 for projects over $400,000. Valuation includes materials, labor, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing costs.
- Can I build my own house in Hobbs as a homeowner?
- Yes, under a Homeowner's Permit, but you must sign and notarize the Homeowner's Responsibilities Form (NMAC 14.5.2.18), and you cannot self-perform electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work unless you pass the required CID exam for that trade. Call (505) 476-4869 for the CID homeowner permit process.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Hobbs Building Inspection Department (Planning & Engineering / Community Development) — official building department
- City of Hobbs Residential Construction Guide (Revised 08-12-2024)
- City of Hobbs Code of Ordinances, Section 15.28.010 - Building permit fees in general
- City of Hobbs Code of Ordinances, Section 15.04.030 - Applicable permit requirements
- Building Permit Application (Fillable, City of Hobbs)
- City of Hobbs Building Services
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 Hobbs building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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