This is PermitBase’s published record for Unincorporated San Juan County as of 2026-07-05. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Unincorporated San Juan County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated San Juan County, New Mexico — as published 2026-07-05.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Codes adopted
GOVERNANCE MODEL: San Juan County Building Division self-administers building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC permitting DIRECTLY for the unincorporated county (plus Aztec, Bloomfield, and Kirtland by service agreement) — it is NOT a New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) field-office pass-through jurisdiction for any trade. The County's own Building Department page states 'Construction Codes are adopted and amended by the State of New Mexico Construction Industries Division' (i.e., the SUBSTANTIVE code editions track the statewide CID-adopted codes), but the County itself issues, plan-reviews, fee-schedules, and inspects all four disciplines using its own application forms, its own fee schedule, and its own inspection staff reachable at (505) 334-4313 — there is no CID referral anywhere on the County's Building Department page, in contrast to jurisdictions in this corpus (e.g. Los Alamos County) that explicitly hand off electrical/plumbing/mechanical to CID. Source: sjcounty.net Building Department page (retrieved via full-browser-header fetch, July 2026).2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 International Building Code (IBC) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code / 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list; New Residential Permit Application Checklist (rev. 07/19/2023) requires a '2021 IECC Residential Energy Code Compliance Form' with every residential submittalICC/ANSI A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Code — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2021 International Fire Code — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70 — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2020 New Mexico Electrical Code — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2012 Uniform Solar Energy Code (IAPMO) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2012 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (IAPMO) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2017 NFPA 58 (LP-Gas Code) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes list2018 NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) — San Juan County Building Department, Construction Codes listNew Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act, NMAC 14.6.6 — governs contractor licensing classifications/qualifications statewide; cited on the County's Commercial Buildings Permit Application as the basis for its 'all commercial projects require a licensed contractor' requirement. Source: San Juan County Commercial Buildings Permit Application (rev. 07/31/2023).
Permit types & fees
New Residential Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new residential construction, additions, and accessory buildings in unincorporated San Juan County. Issued and self-administered directly by the San Juan County Building Division using its own New Residential Permit Application Checklist (rev. 07/19/2023). Covers one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and residential accessory structures (detached storage sheds/garages are separately classified as 'Residential Accessory Structures' under the same checklist).
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- New residential construction, residential addition, or new residential accessory building
- Plans must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code / 2021 IRC and the county's Design Criteria (30 psf ground snow load, 115 mph Category II wind, 30-inch frost depth, ASCE 7-16 seismic)
- Setbacks: 10 feet side and rear, 25 feet front, per the county's published Design Criteria for residential permits
- 2021 IECC Residential Energy Code Compliance Form required with every submittal; in-floor radiant heat piping requires R-5 (1-inch) approved under-slab insulation
- Planning/Zoning approval required only for properties within the City of Aztec, City of Bloomfield, or Town of Kirtland — rural (true unincorporated) areas of San Juan County have no zoning requirements
- Floodplain approval required where applicable
- Confirmation of private sewage disposal (septic) capability from the New Mexico Environment Department, or connection to a sewer system, where applicable
- Homeowners may obtain a Homeowner's Permit to build or alter their own principal residence without a contractor's license
Required documents
- RequiredNew Residential Permit Application ChecklistCounty form (rev. 07/19/2023) — landowner/contractor info, project type (new construction / addition / accessory building), project valuation, signature acknowledgment
- RequiredSite PlanAssigned address, lot/tract dimensions, north arrow and scale, all easements labeled with widths, all structures labeled with distances to property lines and between existing/proposed structures
- RequiredFooting and Foundation PlanInterior footings shown, rebar size and spacing indicated
- RequiredFloor PlanUse of each room/space, windows, doors, interior partitions
- RequiredTypical Load-Bearing Wall Detail or Post-and-Beam Sizing/SpacingStructural wall or post/beam detail
- RequiredRoof and Floor Framing PlanMaterial, size, spacing, span, and engineered truss drawings
- RequiredElevationsFront, side, and rear elevations
- Required2021 IECC Residential Energy Code Compliance FormRequired energy-code compliance documentation for the chosen path
- RequiredRoofing System / Manufacturer SpecificationsManufacturer specification sheet for the proposed roofing system
- OptionalStructural Engineering / Metal Building Manufacturer CertificationRequired if foundation exceeds 40 feet (metal buildings only), or where professional seals are otherwise triggered under 2021 IRC Section 106 (steel stud/structural steel construction, prefabricated structures, wood foundations, retaining walls over 4 ft, second-story additions, alternate construction methods)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation $1.00–$500) | $45 | San Juan County Building Permit Fee Schedule (valuation-scale table published by the Building Division) |
| Building Permit Fee (valuation $501–$2,000) | $45 for the first $500 plus $1.00 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof | San Juan County Building Permit Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee (valuation $2,001–$25,000) | $60 for the first $2,000 plus $10.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | San Juan County Building Permit Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee (valuation $25,001–$50,000) | $290 for the first $25,000 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | San Juan County Building Permit Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee (valuation $50,001–$100,000) | $490 for the first $50,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | San Juan County Building Permit Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee (valuation $100,001 and up) | $790 for the first $100,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | San Juan County Building Permit Fee Schedule |
| Building Plan Review Fee | Project valuation × .0012 | San Juan County Building Department page — 'Building Plan Review Fee: valuation of project x .0012'; charged in addition to the Building Permit Fee for projects requiring an Architect/Engineer seal under NMAC 14.5.2.9/14.5.2.10 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical service installation, alteration, and repair in unincorporated San Juan County. Self-administered directly by the San Juan County Building Division using its own Electrical Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) — not routed through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- New, addition, or remodel electrical work for residential, commercial, mobile home, or RV/MH park service
- Valid New Mexico electrical contractor license (license number and expiration date required on the application)
- One Line Diagram required on any electrical service 200 amps and above
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCounty form (rev. 04/11/2023) — landowner/contractor info, scope of work, service type (permanent/temporary/mobile home), amperage/voltage, fee calculation
- OptionalElectrical Service Engineering Drawings / CalculationsRequired for services 200 amps and above per the county's separate 'Electrical Service Engineering Drawings Required/Calcs' document
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Fee (services under 100 amps) | $60 | San Juan County Electrical Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) |
| 100–200 Amp Service | $85 | Electrical Permit Application fee table (tiers: 100A $85, 201-400A $275, 401-600A $375, 601-800A $475, 801-1000A $575, 1001-2000A $800, over 2000A $1,275) |
| MH and RV Parks (multiple meters) | $60 for first meter, $10 each additional meter | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Multi-Bank Meters (apartment complex) | $60 for first meter, $10 each additional meter | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Temporary Power Pole | $25 each | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Feeder and Branch Circuits — Residential | Heated sq ft x $0.03/sq ft | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Feeder and Branch Circuits — Commercial | Heated sq ft x $0.06/sq ft | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Communication Systems | $25 each | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Solar PV Systems | $25/kW or fraction thereof for the first 160 kW, then $5/kW thereafter | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Swimming Pool / Wind Generator | $35 each | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Miscellaneous | $25/kW or fraction thereof | Electrical Permit Application fee table |
| Administrative Fee | $40 (billed as $25 per inspection on the form, with a $40 minimum notation) | Electrical Permit Application fee table — form shows '#INSPECTIONS $25 PER INSPECTION ... $40.00' as the administrative line |
| Reinspection Fee | $75.00 | Electrical Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023), printed fee assessment notice |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing fixture, water distribution, sewer/drain, gas piping, and water heater work in unincorporated San Juan County. Self-administered directly by the San Juan County Building Division using its own Plumbing Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) — not routed through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- New, addition, or remodel plumbing work for residential or commercial scopes
- Valid New Mexico plumbing contractor license (license number and expiration date required on the application)
- Pressure test required for DWV (drain-waste-vent) and water distribution work; gas piping requires an LP gas or natural gas designation
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationCounty form (rev. 04/11/2023) — landowner/contractor info, scope of work, fee calculation by fixture/system type
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DWV and Water Distribution — Residential | Heated sq ft x $0.03/sq ft | San Juan County Plumbing Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) |
| DWV and Water Distribution — Commercial | Heated sq ft x $0.06/sq ft | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Backflow Device | $5/ea up to 1 inch; $10/ea 1-3 inch; $15/ea 3 inch and up | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Water Service Line | $10/ea up to 1 inch; $15/ea 1.25 inch and up | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| RV/MH Parks — Multiple Water Distribution | $15 for water service plus $2 per additional outlet | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Sewer or Modular Building Drain | $10 each | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| RV/MH Parks — Multiple Sewer Branches | $10 for sewer line plus $2 per additional branch | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Gas Piping System (new or replacement) — with yard line | $40 each | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Gas Piping System (new or replacement) — no yard line | $30 each | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Gas Reconnect Test Only (administrative fee) | $35 | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Water Heater | $10 each | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Swimming Pool (plumbing) | Fee-classified under the gas/administrative line items on the form; contact (505) 334-4313 to confirm the specific plumbing fee for pool work | Plumbing Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) lists a Swimming Pool line under gas-related fees on the form; the exact standalone plumbing-only pool fee is not broken out separately from the gas reconnect test line on the form as scanned |
| Medical Gas System | Heated sq ft x $0.05/sq ft | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Administrative Fee | $40 | Plumbing Permit Application fee table |
| Reinspection Fee | $75.00 | Plumbing Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023), printed fee assessment notice |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for furnace/AC installation or replacement, gas piping, radiant in-floor heat, solar water heating, and ventilation work in unincorporated San Juan County. Self-administered directly by the San Juan County Building Division using its own Mechanical Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) — not routed through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- New, addition, or remodel mechanical/HVAC work for residential or commercial scopes; appliance changeout and pressure-test scopes also use this application
- Valid New Mexico mechanical contractor license (license number and expiration date required on the application)
- Radiant in-floor heat systems require approved R-5 (1-inch) insulation under-slab, per the Mechanical Permit Application's printed note
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationCounty form (rev. 04/11/2023) — landowner/contractor info, scope of work, fee calculation by equipment/system type
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heating and Cooling Distribution — Residential | Heated sq ft x $0.03/sq ft | San Juan County Mechanical Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023) |
| Heating and Cooling Distribution — Commercial | Heated sq ft x $0.06/sq ft | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Gas Piping System (new or replacement) — with yard line | $40 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Gas Piping System (new or replacement) — without yard line | $30 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Reconnect Gas Test (administrative fee charge only) | Administrative fee only, no separate line amount published | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Solar Water Heating System | $10 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Heating Unit(s) | System including related equipment/components: $25 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Cooling Unit(s) | First unit $10, additional units $5 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Combo Unit(s) | First unit $20, additional units $10 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Type I Hood | $20 each | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Administrative Fee | $40 | Mechanical Permit Application fee table |
| Reinspection Fee | $75.00 | Mechanical Permit Application (rev. 04/11/2023), printed fee assessment notice |
Roofing / Residing / Windows Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing, exterior residing, and window replacement in unincorporated San Juan County. Self-administered directly by the San Juan County Building Division using its own combined Roofing/Residing/Windows Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Re-roofing (roofing type specified on the application), residing of the structure, or window replacement
- Project valuation must be declared on the application
- All work must be inspected; a minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for an inspection
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing/Residing/Windows Permit ApplicationCounty form — landowner/contractor info, project type checkbox (roofing/residing/windows), project valuation, description of work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as new residential construction) | $45 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the county's general Building Permit Fee Schedule (e.g. $60 for the first $2,000 plus $10.00 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000) | The Roofing/Residing/Windows application requires a declared project valuation but does not publish a separate dedicated fee table of its own — it is priced under the same general Building Permit Fee… Show full citationHideThe Roofing/Residing/Windows application requires a declared project valuation but does not publish a separate dedicated fee table of its own — it is priced under the same general Building Permit Fee Schedule used for other valuation-based residential work, per the county's Building Department page ('Building Permit Fee: valuation of project x .005') and its general valuation-scale table |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-08.
Applications & forms
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 Unincorporated San Juan County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.