Accessory Dwelling Unit (Guesthouse) Permit in Santa Fe, New Mexico
VerifiedSanta Fe's building-permit process refers to accessory dwelling units as 'guesthouses.' New guesthouses follow the same New Residential Dwellings submittal checklist and building permit application as new single-family homes, and are explicitly covered by the City's Residential Green Building Code, which lists 'guest houses' alongside new single-family attached/detached units as subject to HERS/WERS requirements.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Submitted under the same 'New Residential Dwellings (Including Guesthouses)' checklist used for new single-family homes
- Subject to the City of Santa Fe Residential Green Building Code: requires a HERS Index of 60 or less and a WERS score of 70 or less, certified by City-approved raters, with preliminary reports at application and final reports before Certificate of Occupancy
- Must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by the State of New Mexico)
- Historic Preservation District and/or Escarpment Overlay District pre-approval required if applicable
Required documents
- Required
City of Santa Fe Building Permit Application
Same unified application form used for new residential construction, checked for 'New Construction'
- Required
New Residential Dwellings (Including Guesthouses) Checklist
City of Santa Fe's submittal checklist that explicitly covers guesthouse (ADU) construction under the same standard as new single-family homes
- Required
HERS/WERS Green Code Reports
Same energy/water performance documentation required for all new residential units per the Residential Green Building Code
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new residential construction) | Assessed on construction valuation using the primary Building Permit fee table | City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees, effective 01/01/2021 — the fee schedule does not publish a separate guesthouse/ADU-specific fee line; guesthouses are billed as new residential construction under the same valuation-based table |
| Administrative Fee | $40.00 | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 |
| Residential Plan Review Fee | 50% of the Building Permit Fee | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 |
Review timeline
~10–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Santa Fe building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing and Foundation
Per IRC Section 109.1.1, as referenced by NMAC 14.5.3.9.B(1)
- 2
Frame and Masonry
Per IRC Section 109.1.4, as referenced by NMAC 14.5.3.9.B(3)
- 3
Final Inspection
Per IRC Section 109.1.6, as referenced by NMAC 14.5.3.9.B(11); required before Certificate of Occupancy, along with final HERS/WERS reports
Tips
- Santa Fe's permitting materials use the term 'guesthouse' rather than 'ADU' — search the City's checklists page for 'New Residential Dwellings (Including Guesthouses)' rather than 'ADU.'
- A guesthouse triggers the same HERS/WERS Green Building Code requirements as a new single-family home — plan for rater costs and lead time.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Santa Fe call an ADU a 'guesthouse' or an 'ADU' on its permit forms?
- Santa Fe's Building Division uses 'guesthouse' in its submittal checklist ('New Residential Dwellings (Including Guesthouses)') and its Green Building Code ('new single-family, attached and detached, including guest houses'). Applicants searching for 'ADU' on the City's permitting pages should instead look for 'guesthouse.'
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Santa Fe Planning, Land Use and Housing Department — Building Division (Permitting) — official building department
- City of Santa Fe — Construction Permit Submittal Checklists
- City of Santa Fe — Green Building Code
- City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees (PDF, effective 01/01/2021)
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 Santa Fe building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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