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You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-02.

Santa Fe building permits

Verified

Santa Fe, New Mexico — as published 2026-07-02.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Codes adopted

2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (2021 IBC as amended by the State of New Mexico)2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by the State of New Mexico), plus the City of Santa Fe Residential Green Building Code2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code (2021 International Existing Building Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code (2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as amended by the State of New Mexico), plus City of Santa Fe UPC amendments2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code (2021 Uniform Mechanical Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (2020 National Electrical Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code (2012 National Electrical Safety Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2021 New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code2021 New Mexico Historic Earthen Buildings Code2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code (2021 International Energy Conservation Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (2012 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code (2012 Uniform Solar Energy Code as amended by the State of New Mexico)2021 International Fire Code, plus City of Santa Fe IFC amendmentsNew Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) Title 14, Chapter 5: 14.5.1 General Provisions, 14.5.2 Permits, 14.5.3 Inspections2017 ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

Permit types & fees

Residential Building Permit (New Construction)

Verified

Required for new single-family dwellings, attached/detached units, and guesthouses in Santa Fe. Reviewed against the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by the state) and the City of Santa Fe Residential Green Building Code, which mandates HERS and WERS energy/water performance ratings for all new residential construction.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Application and plans submitted via the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal or in person at the Building Permit Division (by appointment)
  • Must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by the State of New Mexico)
  • City of Santa Fe Residential Green Building Code applies: requires a Home Energy Rating Certificate (HERC) showing a HERS Index of 60 or less, a 2018 IECC Building UA Compliance Report showing 'as designed' performance better than 2018 IECC levels, an Air Leakage Report demonstrating ASHRAE 62.2-2010 ventilation compliance, and a WERS Preliminary Rating Report showing a score of 70 or less — all attached to the plan set and emailed to the City's Green Code submittal address
  • Professional heating/cooling sizing calculations required (ACCA Manual S and J long-form, or equivalent such as Energy-10 for passive solar homes; Manual D required if ductwork is present) — emailed to the City but not necessarily attached to the plan set
  • Pre-requisite approvals required if applicable: Historic Preservation District approval (if in one of the City's five historic districts) and/or Escarpment Overlay District approval (if in the foothills overlay)
  • At project completion and before Certificate of Occupancy, the HERS rater must submit final (not preliminary) documents plus a Source Energy and Emissions Report, and the WERS rater must submit the final WERS rating, both by email to the City

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationThe City's single unified Building Permit Application form (COSFBP_APP), used for new construction, additions, alterations, and other scopes; check the applicable proposed-work box (e.g., 'New Construction')
  • RequiredHome Energy Rating Certificate (HERC) and Green Code Energy ReportsHERS Index ≤60 certificate, 2018 IECC Building UA Compliance Report, and Air Leakage/ASHRAE 62.2-2010 ventilation report from a City-approved HERS rater
  • RequiredWERS Preliminary Rating ReportTwo-page 'Not Final' Water Efficiency Rating Score report showing a score of 70 or less, from a City-approved WERS rater
  • RequiredConstruction Drawings and Site PlanFull plan set showing site layout, structural, and architectural details compliant with the 2021 NM Residential Building Code

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Administrative Fee$40.00City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees (effective 01/01/2021), Building Permit Activities — Primary Building Permit Administrative Fees section, charged 'Each' in addition to the valuation-based permit fee
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $1 to $500$25.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $501 to $2,000$25.35 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, up to and including $2,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $2,001 to $25,000$69.25 for the first $2,001 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $25,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $25,001 to $50,000$391.75 for the first $25,001 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $50,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $50,001 to $100,000$643.75 for the first $50,001 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $100,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $100,001 to $275,000$993.75 for the first $100,001 plus $5.93 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $275,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $275,001 to $500,000$1,830.00 for the first $275,001 plus $7.30 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $500,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000$3,518.37 for the first $500,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $1,000,000Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $1,000,001 and up$5,893.37 for the first $1,000,001 plus $4.40 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Residential Plan Review Fee50% of the Building Permit FeeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Green Building Code — Early Consultation$100.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Building Permit Activities section
Green Building Code — Building Permit Review (Residential)$60.00 per hourFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Without a PermitDouble the original permit feeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit

Verified

Required for additions, interior remodels, and exterior alterations to existing residential structures in Santa Fe (the City's Building Permit Application lists 'Additions,' 'Exterior Alterations/Repairs,' and 'Interior Remodel' as distinct proposed-work categories on the same unified application form). Additions/remodels affecting conditioned space must comply with a Green Code Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 checklist depending on scope.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Application submitted via the City's unified Building Permit Application (COSFBP_APP), checking 'Additions,' 'Exterior Alterations/Repairs,' or 'Interior Remodel' as applicable
  • Green Building Code applicability determined via the Green Code Applicability Chart: projects requiring Chapter 11 compliance must submit the Green Code Chapter 11 Checklist Worksheet; projects requiring Chapter 12 compliance must complete and submit the Chapter 12 Checklist with applicable items initialed
  • Must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by the State of New Mexico)
  • Historic Preservation District approval required first if the property is within one of the City's five historic districts and work affects the exterior
  • Escarpment Overlay District approval required first if the property is within the foothills overlay district

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form used for all building-permit scopes; check 'Additions' / 'Exterior Alterations/Repairs' / 'Interior Remodel'
  • RequiredGreen Code Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 ChecklistDetermined via the Green Code Applicability Chart based on project scope; Chapter 12 projects require the applicant to initial each applicable item
  • RequiredSite Plan and Construction DrawingsPlans depicting the scope of addition/remodel work, structural details where applicable

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Administrative Fee$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction)Varies by construction valuation — see the Residential Building Permit fee tiers ($25 minimum up to $5,893.37 + $4.40/$1,000 over $1,000,001)Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 applies the same valuation-based schedule to additions and remodels as to new construction
Residential Plan Review Fee50% of the Building Permit FeeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Plan Amendment Review Fee$60.00 per hour, minimum 2 hoursFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Revision (change information and reissue permit board)$120.00 per revisionFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Electrical Permit

Verified

Required for electrical installations, service changes, and alterations in Santa Fe. Governed by the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (2020 NEC as amended statewide) and the 2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code, enforced by the City's Building Division as the delegated Authority Having Jurisdiction under CID's statewide framework.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Work must comply with the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (2020 NEC as amended by the State of New Mexico) and, where applicable, the 2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code
  • Fees are fixed amounts based on the specific type of electrical work proposed (secondary/trade permit), per the City's published fee schedule, rather than valuation-based like primary building permits

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form, submitted via the CSS portal for electrical scopes of work

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Issuance of Electrical Permit (Commercial & Residential)$40.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Electrical Permit Fees section
Meter Loop New thru 100 AMP (Residential)$45.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
150-200 AMP/panel thru 200 AMP (Residential)$72.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Over 200 AMP/Panel thru 320 AMP (Residential)$99.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Over 320 AMP/Panel thru 400 AMP (Residential)$225.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Over 400 AMP/Panel (Residential)$360.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Temporary Power Pole (Commercial & Residential)$27.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Service Change Only/No Outlets$27.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Low Voltage$20.00 per unitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Plumbing Permit

Verified

Required for plumbing and gas piping installations, alterations, and fixture work in Santa Fe. Governed by the 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code (2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as amended by the State of New Mexico) plus City of Santa Fe UPC amendments.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Work must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code (2021 UPC as amended statewide) and City of Santa Fe UPC amendments
  • Fixed fees apply per fixture/system type rather than a valuation-based schedule

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form, submitted via the CSS portal for plumbing/gas scopes of work

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Issuance of Plumbing/Gas Permit (Commercial & Residential)$50.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Plumbing Permit Fees section
Water Heater$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Water Distribution System$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Sewer$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Each Swimming Pool (plumbing scope)$50.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Gas Piping System$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Gas Appliance$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Water Service Line$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Sewer Connection$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Mechanical / HVAC Permit

Verified

Required for heating, cooling, ventilation, and fuel-burning equipment installations in Santa Fe. Governed by the 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code (2021 Uniform Mechanical Code as amended by the State of New Mexico).

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Work must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code (2021 UMC as amended statewide)
  • Fixed fees apply per equipment/system type

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form, submitted via the CSS portal for mechanical scopes of work

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Issuance of Mechanical Permit (Commercial & Residential)$40.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Mechanical Permit Fees section
Central Furnace$10.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Wall Heater$10.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Duct Work System$10.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Mini Split Installation$10.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Evaporative Cooler$10.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 (listed under Plumbing Permit Fees section of the fee schedule)
Repairs or Additions, Heating Appliance, Refrigeration Unit, Cooling System$8.50Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Boiler Replacement or Repair$8.50Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Exhaust Fan$5.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Roofing Permit (Re-Roof)

Verified

Required for commercial and residential roof replacement in Santa Fe, submitted via a dedicated Construction Application & Checklist for Re-Roof Submittals. Commercial re-roof projects require professional (NM-licensed design professional) seals; residential projects follow the same online CSS submittal process.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Submit online via the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal (santafenm-energovpub.tylerhost.net) — re-roof permits must be submitted online
  • Document submittals (2 sets): Roof Plan showing type of roof system, roof slope, and roof drainage; manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions
  • All commercial re-roof projects require professional seals certifying: the structure can sustain the additional dead load of the new roof system, the roof deck is structurally sound, roof drains/drainage are sufficient, the existing roof system is securely attached to the deck, the existing roof assembly above the deck is dry/not deteriorated, and fire-retardant requirements are maintained
  • Escarpment Overlay District pre-approval required if applicable
  • Historic Preservation District pre-approval required if the property is within one of the City's five historic districts

Required documents

  • RequiredConstruction Application & Checklist — Commercial and Residential Re-Roof SubmittalsCity of Santa Fe Land Use Department's dedicated re-roof application form (MASTERBP_REROOF_APPLICATION), capturing roofing square footage, roof pitch, number of existing layers, and roof classification (A, B, or C)
  • RequiredRoof PlanType of roof system, roof slope, and roof drainage (2 copies)
  • RequiredManufacturer's Specifications and Installation InstructionsFor the roofing system/materials being installed (2 copies)

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — valuation-basedAssessed on construction valuation using the same primary building permit fee table as new constructionCity of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees, effective 01/01/2021; the re-roof application form has dedicated fields for Plan Check Fee, Water Budget Fee, and Permit Fee, all computed per the published Schedule of Fees
Administrative Fee$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Solar PV Permit

Verified

Required for roof-mounted or ground-/awning-mounted photovoltaic system installation in Santa Fe. The City publishes two distinct checklists (roof-mounted; ground- or awning-mounted) governed by the 2021 New Mexico Residential/Commercial Building Code, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code, and 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Pre-requisite approvals required if applicable: Historic Preservation District approval (contact HPD) and/or Escarpment Overlay District approval (contact Technical Review Division)
  • Roof-mounted: site plan (min. scale 1"=20') showing PV array configuration, north arrow, official property address, zone district, street names, and existing/proposed improvements
  • Roof-mounted: framing plan showing the PV installation layout on existing roof-framing members, existing roof information (type and number of coverings), and proposed weatherproofing method for roof penetrations
  • Manufacturer's cut-sheets and installation instructions required for all PV modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system(s)
  • Engineering calculations certified by a New Mexico-licensed engineer or architect are required when: the array exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft of roof construction load, the existing roof construction pre-dates 1986, attachments exceed 45 lbs dead load per attachment, mounting systems are of unique design, or rafters/trusses/joists are over-spanned
  • Electrical one-line AND three-line diagrams required (both)
  • PV systems exceeding 15 kilowatts must have electrical plans prepared and stamped by a New Mexico-licensed electrical engineer
  • City aims to complete review within 3 business days of receiving two complete sets of proposed construction plans, pre-requisite compliance documents, and required information

Required documents

  • RequiredBuilding Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems (Roof Mounted Systems, with or without Ballast)City of Santa Fe's dedicated roof-mount solar PV submittal checklist
  • RequiredBuilding Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems (Ground Mounted/Awning Mounted Systems)City of Santa Fe's dedicated ground-/awning-mount solar PV submittal checklist
  • OptionalSolar Escarpment Acknowledgement LetterRequired if the property is within the Escarpment Overlay District
  • RequiredManufacturer's Cut-Sheets and Installation InstructionsFor all PV modules, inverters, combiner box, disconnects, and mounting systems

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — valuation-basedAssessed on construction valuation using the primary building permit fee tableCity of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees, effective 01/01/2021; solar PV permits are processed as standard building permits with the same valuation-based Building Permit Activities fee table
Solar System (Commercial or Residential) — Extension$100.00 per extensionFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Building Permit Activities section
Solar Space Heating System (mechanical scope)$20.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Mechanical Permit Fees section
Domestic Hot Water Solar Heating System (plumbing scope)$10.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Plumbing Permit Fees section
Hot Water Solar Potable System (plumbing scope)$10.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Plumbing Permit Fees section

EV Charger / EVSE Permit (Electrical Permit)

Verified

The City of Santa Fe has no dedicated EV charger/EVSE permit checklist or fee line — confirmed by reviewing the City's full Construction Permit Submittal Checklists page, which lists dedicated Solar (roof-mounted and ground-/awning-mounted) checklists but nothing for EV chargers. An EV charging station (Level 2 or DC fast charger) installation is processed and billed as a standard Electrical Permit, governed by the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (as amended statewide) and, where applicable, the 2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code, under the same fixed-fee-by-work-type schedule documented in this file's electrical-permit entry.

Verified 2026-07-20 · Source

Requirements

  • Work must comply with the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (2020 NEC as amended by the State of New Mexico) and, where applicable, the 2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code
  • Apply using the City's unified Building Permit Application (submitted via the CSS portal) for the electrical scope of work — no separate EV-charger-specific application or checklist exists
  • If the EV charger installation requires a new or upgraded electrical panel/service, that scope is billed under the same Electrical Permit's amperage-tiered meter-loop/panel fee lines documented in this file's electrical-permit entry
  • Fees for standalone electrical work in Santa Fe are fixed amounts based on the specific type of work (not valuation-based) — confirm with the Building Division (505-955-6600) which specific fee line applies to a dedicated EV-charger branch circuit if no panel work is involved, since the published fee schedule's electrical section does not print a distinct 'new circuit'/'branch circuit' catch-all line beyond the categories already itemized (meter loop, panel upgrade tiers, temporary power pole, service change, low voltage)

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form, submitted via the CSS portal for the electrical scope of work covering an EV charger installation

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Issuance of Electrical Permit (Commercial & Residential)$40.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Electrical Permit Fees section — base issuance fee applicable to an EV charger electrical permit, since no dedicated EV-charger fee line exists
150-200 AMP/panel thru 200 AMP (Residential)$72.00 per permitApplicable if the EV charger installation requires a panel upgrade in this amperage range
Over 200 AMP/Panel thru 320 AMP (Residential)$99.00 per permitApplicable if the EV charger installation requires a panel upgrade in this amperage range
Service Change Only/No Outlets$27.00 per permitMay apply if the EV charger installation is billed as a service change rather than a new circuit; confirm the applicable line item with the Building Division

Accessory Dwelling Unit (Guesthouse) Permit

Verified

Santa 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

Requirements

  • 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

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form used for new residential construction, checked for 'New Construction'
  • RequiredNew Residential Dwellings (Including Guesthouses) ChecklistCity of Santa Fe's submittal checklist that explicitly covers guesthouse (ADU) construction under the same standard as new single-family homes
  • RequiredHERS/WERS Green Code ReportsSame energy/water performance documentation required for all new residential units per the Residential Green Building Code

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new residential construction)Assessed on construction valuation using the primary Building Permit fee tableCity 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$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Residential Plan Review Fee50% of the Building Permit FeeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Wall / Fence Permit

Verified

Required for construction of walls and fences in Santa Fe above grade, using a dedicated Permit Submittal Checklist. Residential walls/fences are limited to 6 feet high and commercial to 8 feet high under this checklist.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

Requirements

  • Residential fences/walls up to 6 ft high; commercial up to 8 ft high
  • Address assignment or verification required if the property address hasn't been assigned or needs verification
  • Historic Preservation Approval Letter required if the property is located in a historic overlay district
  • Escarpment Overlay District approval required if the property is in the escarpment/foothill overlay district
  • Flood Zone/Plain verification required if the property is located within a flood zone
  • Driveway Sight Visibility approval required if the fence/wall abuts a driveway on the subject or neighboring property, or if the property is on a street corner
  • Proof of Legal Lot of Record required (city-approved subdivision plat or survey; in its absence, a warranty deed and/or survey dated prior to 1962 describing the metes and bounds)
  • Scaled site plan (minimum 1"=20') showing north arrow, official property address, zoning district, street names, lot dimensions, existing/proposed improvements, parking layout, easements, existing impervious areas, existing and proposed walls/fences, and flood zones/drainage
  • Fence/wall sections (minimum 1/4"=1') showing elevation with height from finish grade to top of fence or wall
  • All commercial submittals must have plans stamped by a New Mexico-registered design professional; per IBC Section 1205, commercial sheds require lighting

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit Division — Permit Submittal Checklist, Fence & WallDedicated checklist for fence/wall permit submittals (BP_WALL_FENCE_CHECKLIST_COMBINED), available in English and Spanish
  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationCompleted in full, blue or black ink only
  • RequiredProof of Legal Lot of RecordCity-approved subdivision plat/survey, or warranty deed/survey dated prior to 1962, available from the Santa Fe County Clerk's office

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — valuation-basedAssessed on construction valuation using the primary Building Permit fee tableCity of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees, effective 01/01/2021
Administrative Fee$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Sign Permit (Free-Standing, Wall-Mounted, Temporary, and Price Reduction Signs)

Verified

Required for construction or placement of free-standing signs, wall-mounted signs, temporary event signs, and Historic District price-reduction signs in Santa Fe. Processed through the Building Permit Division using a dedicated Sign Permit Checklist, reviewed against minimum compliance requirements including the 2015 New Mexico Commercial Code.

Verified 2026-07-22 · Source

Requirements

  • Completed City of Santa Fe Building Permit Application, submitted in person to the Building Permit Division, 200 Lincoln Avenue (blue or black ink only)
  • Site Plan (minimum scale 1"=20') showing the proposed sign location, existing sign location, clear visibility triangle where applicable, existing structures, and street location/name; free-standing signs must also show setback distance from the front property line and required landscaping at the sign base
  • Scaled sign elevations showing sign size, lettering styles, colors, construction details, materials, installation method, height, and foundation type/depth where applicable; existing signage must be documented with elevations and/or photographs showing square footage
  • Floor plan showing lineal store frontage measurement, where applicable under Article 14-8.10, SFCC 1987
  • Photograph of the area where the proposed sign will be placed
  • Legal Property Description Verification (approved subdivision plat or survey plat, and warranty deed dated prior to 1962) required for free-standing and temporary signs; not required for wall-mounted signs
  • Pre-requisite approvals if applicable: Address Issuance/Verification (GIS Division), Final Board or Committee Action (Current Planning Division), Floodplain Verification and Escarpment Overlay District Approval (Technical Review Division), Archeological Clearance Permit (Historic Preservation Division)
  • Signs 50 sq ft or larger in size require a New Mexico State Licensed Engineer's seal for attachment details
  • Signage proposed within City right-of-way requires a license agreement obtained through the Land Use Department before the sign permit
  • Temporary signs are limited to advertising a civic, political, or religious event/function/activity, for a period not exceeding 30 days or the event duration plus one week (whichever is shorter); one-time special-event signage is reviewed case-by-case
  • Price reduction signs in the Historic District are limited to one sign per business, two times per calendar year, one week maximum duration per permit, with a minimum of twelve weeks between permitted durations, and a maximum sign size of 12" x 24"

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application form used for all building-permit scopes, checked for the applicable sign type
  • RequiredSite PlanMinimum scale 1"=20', showing proposed/existing sign location, visibility triangle, structures, street names, and (for free-standing signs) setback and landscaping
  • RequiredSign ElevationsScaled elevation showing size, lettering, colors, materials, installation method, height, and foundation
  • OptionalFloor Plan (Lineal Store Frontage)Required where lineal store frontage determines allowable sign area under Article 14-8.10, SFCC 1987
  • RequiredLegal Property Description VerificationApproved subdivision plat or survey plat and pre-1962 warranty deed; required for free-standing and temporary signs, not required for wall-mounted signs
  • RequiredPhotograph of Placement AreaPhoto of the site location where the proposed sign will be installed
  • OptionalNM Licensed Engineer Seal (Attachment Details)Required only for signs 50 sq ft or larger in size

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Signage Permit$0.40 per sq ft plus $45.00 review feeCity of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees (effective 01/01/2021), Building Permit Activities section
Administrative Fee$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Primary Building Permit Administrative Fees section; applies to building-permit-processed sign submittals as with other building-permit variants (e.g., roofing, wall/fence) in this file
Price Reduction Sign (Historic District, one-time/OTC)$47.00Per the City's Sign Permit Checklist (revised 3/6/2020) — issued over-the-counter by the Building Permit Division with a sticker affixed to the approved sign

Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit

Verified

Required for installation of new or modified automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and commercial hood fire suppression systems in Santa Fe. Plans are reviewed and stamped by the City of Santa Fe Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office (SFFD FMO) under the 2021 International Fire Code (as amended statewide, per this file's codesAdopted list), either alongside the primary building permit or as a deferred submittal.

Verified 2026-07-22 · Source

Requirements

  • Fire protection system plans (sprinkler, alarm, and/or hood suppression) submitted to the SFFD Fire Marshal's Office for review and stamping, either with the primary building permit or as a deferred submittal using the Fire Marshal's Deferred Submittal requirements if plans are not ready at initial building permit submittal
  • Correct plan review fee from the SFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees Invoice (fee code #11001.430210) must accompany the submittal, forwarded to cashier@santafenm.gov
  • The installed system must be tested by the installing contractor BEFORE calling for a rough-in or final acceptance inspection; the installing contractor must be on site for the SFFD FMO acceptance/commissioning inspection
  • SFFD FMO-stamped and approved plans, plus required signage (FDC, Fire Riser Room, Fire Alarm Control Panel — labeled all-weather and reflective) must be present on site at acceptance
  • Fire sprinkler systems: above-ground test certificate, FDC caps labeled for the specific building (Santa Fe thread), PIV (Post Indicator Valve) handles locked off, and hydraulic calculation tags on risers required at acceptance
  • Fire alarm systems: alarm certificate of completion, verified reporting to Santa Fe Regional Dispatch, lock-out/tag-out on the fire alarm circuit, a document cabinet, and labeled initiating devices (batteries, smoke detectors, pull stations) required at acceptance
  • Hood fire suppression systems: system tied to the building fire alarm (if one is provided), appliances in place as designed, all power/gas shut off except exhaust on activation, and a Class K extinguisher located within 30 feet of cooking surfaces
  • Ongoing compliance for Certificate of Compliance/business-licensing purposes: sprinkler risers require a tag documenting quarterly inspections; alarm systems require documentation of annual inspection

Required documents

  • RequiredSFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees InvoiceItemized fee form (code #11001.430210) covering residential/commercial sprinkler, sprinkler modification, fire alarm, and hood suppression plan review fees; must be completed and forwarded to the SFFD cashier
  • RequiredFP-1 Site Plan Checklist (Building Permits)SFFD Fire Marshal's site-plan submittal requirements for building permits involving fire protection scope
  • RequiredFP-2 Floor Plan Checklist (Building Permits)SFFD Fire Marshal's floor-plan submittal requirements for building permits involving fire protection scope
  • OptionalDeferred Submittal RequirementsRequired only if fire protection system plans are submitted after the primary building permit application rather than concurrently
  • RequiredAcceptance/Commissioning of Life Safety Equipment RequirementsSFFD FMO's pre-inspection checklist covering fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and fire suppression hood system acceptance testing and documentation

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Residential Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Plans$50.00SFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees Invoice, fee code #11001.430210
Commercial Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Plans$150.00SFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees Invoice, fee code #11001.430210
Commercial Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Modification Plans$50.00SFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees Invoice, fee code #11001.430210
Commercial Fire Alarm System Plans$50.00SFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees Invoice, fee code #11001.430210
Commercial Hood Fire Suppression System Plans$50.00SFFD Fire Prevention and Protection Fees Invoice, fee code #11001.430210

Change of Use / Change of Occupancy Permit

Santa Fe publishes no standalone 'change of use' or 'change of occupancy' checklist among its Construction Permit Submittal Checklists (confirmed by reviewing the full checklist page: only Residential, Commercial, Solar, and Miscellaneous categories exist). Instead, a change in occupancy type, occupant load, or use is processed under NMAC 14.5.2 as an amended building-permit submittal — typically filed using the Commercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition Building Permit Checklist, which requires stating the occupancy classification of building spaces and is reviewed under the state-adopted Existing Building Code — culminating in a Certificate of Occupancy.

Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source

Requirements

  • Per NMAC 14.5.2: 'Changes in the work, occupancy type, occupant load or kind of structure authorized by a permit must be reflected in an amended set of submittal documents, which must be resubmitted for approval by the AHJ' (the City's Building Division, acting as the delegated Authority Having Jurisdiction)
  • Where the change of occupancy/use involves any construction or alteration, filed via the Commercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition Building Permit Checklist, reviewed under the state-adopted Existing Building Code (International Existing Building Code as amended by New Mexico; the checklist document itself references the 2015 edition, while this file's codesAdopted list documents the 2021 NM Existing Building Code as currently adopted — confirm the current edition in effect with a Building Plan Reviewer at (505) 955-6491)
  • Floor plans must state the occupancy classification of each building space and identify the complete exiting system, including occupant load, per the Commercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition checklist
  • IEBC-required accessibility (ADA) upgrades apply to the 'primary function area' affected by the change, capped at 20% of the alteration cost under the IEBC disproportionality rule; an ADA Disproportionality Worksheet is available from the City to calculate required improvements
  • A Fire Marshal's Office Certificate of Compliance (fire-safety inspection) is required as part of business licensing for qualifying occupancy types (assembly, restaurants, educational facilities, stores, and hotels/motels over 1,500 sq ft, plus home occupancies, food trucks, and temporary structures) before the new use's business registration is finalized
  • If only reissuing a Certificate of Occupancy with no accompanying new building permit, a standalone reissue fee applies instead of a full plan review

Required documents

  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit Application (Commercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition)Used when the change of use/occupancy involves construction or alteration work; requires stating the occupancy classification and occupant load of building spaces
  • OptionalADA Disproportionality WorksheetUsed to calculate required accessibility upgrades when they apply, capped at 20% of alteration cost under the IEBC
  • RequiredFire Marshal Certificate of Compliance / Fire Safety InspectionRequired for qualifying commercial occupancy types as part of business licensing for the new use
  • OptionalCertificate of Occupancy Reissue RequestUsed only when no new building permit accompanies the request for a reissued Certificate of Occupancy

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Certificates of Occupancy Reissue (not for building permit)$75.00City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees (effective 01/01/2021), Building Code Inspection & Enforcement Activities section
Home Occupation$175.00 per applicationFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Building Code Inspection & Enforcement Activities section — applies to the narrower Home Occupation Certificate of Occupancy pathway (documented separately in the City's Home Occupation Certificate of Occupancy application), not general commercial change of use
Certificate of Compliance / Fire Safety Inspection$25.00 to $300.00 depending on business type and size, plus $50.00 to $150.00 for specialized system reviews (sprinkler, alarm, hood suppression)City of Santa Fe Fire Department Certificate of Compliance page; exact figure depends on occupancy type and square footage — no single published flat fee
Commercial Plan Review75% of the Building Permit FeeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 — applies only if the change of use requires plan review as part of an accompanying alteration/remodel building permit

Commercial Building Permit (New Construction)

Verified

Required for new commercial buildings (including multi-family residential) in Santa Fe, submitted via the City's dedicated New Commercial Construction Building Permit Checklist to the Building Permit Division at 200 Lincoln Avenue. Santa Fe runs its own certified local building department as a delegated Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) under NMAC 14.5.1.7.B — the state Construction Industries Division (CID) does NOT issue building permits inside city limits. Reviewed against the New Mexico Commercial Building Code (the checklist document, revised 3/6/2020, cites the 2015 NM Commercial Code; the City's Adopted Construction Codes page now lists the 2021 NM Commercial Building Code as current).

Verified 2026-08-01 · Source

Requirements

  • Pre-requisite approvals must accompany the building permit application: Water Budget Approval (REQUIRED — Technical Review Division) and Impact Fee Assessment (REQUIRED — Building Permit Division); plus, if applicable: Address Issuance/Verification (GIS Division), Final Board or Committee Action with recorded plats/development plans (Current Planning Division), Flood Plain Verification/Flood Hazard Report, Historic Preservation District Approval (Historic Preservation Division), Escarpment Overlay District Approval, Prairie Dog Clearance, Archeological Clearance Permit, Evaluation Form for Architectural Design, and Waste Water Utility Expansion Charge Approval
  • Six (6) complete sets of proposed construction plans per the checklist's Minimum Submittals section (the same checklist's 'Important Information About Submittal' section says four (4) sets — confirm the current count with the Building Permit Division), submitted in person to 200 Lincoln Avenue, First Floor, West Wing
  • Title page must state fundamental code design information: Type of Construction, Occupancy Group, occupant loads, number of stories, floor areas, fire sprinkler status, area separation walls/occupancy separations/horizontal exits, plus an Egress/Life Safety Plan with travel distances, rated wall locations, and exit locations
  • Architectural plans sealed by a New Mexico-registered architect; structural drawings sealed by a NM-registered structural or civil engineer (with geotechnical information: soils class, allowable bearing pressure); plumbing and mechanical plans sealed by a NM-registered mechanical engineer; electrical plans sealed by a NM-registered electrical engineer
  • Building elevations must complete the 'Architectural Design Points Sheet' (Form O) from the Architectural and Site Design ordinance (Article 14-8.7 SFCC); parking layout per Article 14-8.6 SFCC with required-parking calculation table
  • Landscape Plan required on all projects with more than 500 sq ft of new construction and/or disturbing more than 1,000 sq ft of land and/or project valuation greater than $100,000 (Articles 14-8.4 & 14-8.9 SFCC)
  • Terrain management: projects exceeding 'Minor Development' thresholds (3,500 sq ft new impervious surface / 5,000 sq ft disturbance / 10% slopes / drainage pattern maintained) are 'All Other Development' and require a SEPARATE grading permit (application type 'GRAD') with NM-licensed-engineer-stamped stormwater calculations before earthwork beyond clearing and grubbing (Article 14-3.10(E) SFCC)
  • General contractor must hold a valid Santa Fe City Business License and a valid New Mexico State Contractor's License before the permit will be issued
  • Permit is valid for one year from issuance provided construction commences within 180 days; written extension requests must be filed before expiration ($100 per 6-month extension)

Required documents

  • RequiredNew Commercial Construction Building Permit ChecklistCity of Santa Fe's dedicated commercial new-construction submittal checklist (revised 3/6/2020), listed under the Commercial category as 'New Commercial Buildings (Incl. Multi-Family Residential)'
  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationCompleted in full, blue or black ink only
  • RequiredLegal Lot of RecordCity-approved subdivision plat; in its absence, a warranty deed and/or survey dated pre-1962 describing metes and bounds
  • RequiredFull Sealed Plan SetTitle page, site plan (min. 1"=20'), landscape plan, grading and drainage plan (if applicable), architectural plans (min. 1/4"=1'), structural drawings with calculations, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical plans — each discipline sealed by the applicable NM-registered design professional
  • RequiredWater Budget ApprovalRequired pre-requisite from the Technical Review Division
  • RequiredImpact Fee AssessmentRequired pre-requisite from the Building Permit Division; impact fees are collected at permit issuance
  • OptionalHistoric Preservation District ApprovalRequired before submittal if the property is in one of the City's five historic districts — administrative (staff) approval or Historic Districts Review Board (HDRB) approval depending on project scope

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Administrative Fee$40.00City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees (effective 01/01/2021), Primary Building Permit Administrative Fees section
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $1 to $500$25.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021; same valuation-based table applies to commercial and residential primary permits
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $100,001 to $275,000$993.75 for the first $100,001 plus $5.93 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 (intermediate tiers: $501-$2,000; $2,001-$25,000; $25,001-$50,000; $50,001-$100,000 — see this file's residential-building-permit entry for the full identical table)
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $275,001 to $500,000$1,830.00 for the first $275,001 plus $7.30 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000$3,518.37 for the first $500,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — construction valuation $1,000,001 and up$5,893.37 for the first $1,000,001 plus $4.40 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Commercial Plan Review Fee75% of the Building Permit FeeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 — higher than the residential rate (50%); the plan check fee is collected at application, the remainder plus any impact fees at permit issuance per the checklist
Mandatory Pre-Submittal Building Permit Meeting — Large Projects$500.00 per meetingFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 — 1.5-hour meeting with multiple subject matter experts; an optional small-project pre-submittal meeting (1-2 experts, 1 hour) is $150.00
Expedited Plan Review (Third-Party Plan Review)Cost of pre-approved third-party plan review plus 20% service chargeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021; TPPR launched April 22, 2024 as a pilot with SAFEbuilt and per the City's Building Permits page is currently open to New Commercial Building projects
Building Permit Extension (6 months)$100.00 per extensionFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Without a PermitDouble the original permit feeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021

Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit (Commercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition)

Verified

Santa Fe's tenant-improvement vehicle is its dedicated Commercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition Building Permit Checklist (revised 5/28/2021) — genuinely distinct from the New Commercial Construction checklist. It is governed by the International Existing Building Code as adopted by New Mexico (the checklist document cites the 2015 NM Existing Building Code; the City's Adopted Construction Codes page now lists the 2021 edition), carries IEBC-specific accessibility-upgrade rules with a 20% disproportionality cap, and — because much of downtown commercial Santa Fe sits inside the City's five Historic Districts — frequently requires Historic Preservation Division approval before the building permit can even be submitted.

Verified 2026-08-01 · Source

Requirements

  • All commercial remodeling/alteration projects are subject to the IEBC as adopted by New Mexico: when existing buildings are altered, site and building accessibility improvements outside the intended project scope are often required, capped at 20% of the cost of alterations affecting the primary function area — the City's ADA Disproportionality Worksheet calculates the required improvements from project valuation
  • Pre-requisite approvals must accompany the application: Water Budget Approval (REQUIRED) and Impact Fee Assessment (REQUIRED); plus if applicable: Address Issuance/Verification, Final Board or Committee Action, Flood Plain Verification, Historic Preservation District Approval, Escarpment Overlay District Approval, Prairie Dog Clearance, Archeological Clearance Permit, Evaluation Form for Architectural Design, and Waste Water Utility Expansion Charge Approval
  • Six (6) complete sets of proposed construction plans submitted in person to the Building Permit Division, 200 Lincoln Avenue, First Floor, West Wing
  • Architectural plans sealed by a NM-registered architect; floor plans must identify the use of building spaces, the complete exiting system with occupant loads, occupancy classification of building spaces, fire-rated assemblies, a wall schedule distinguishing new bearing/non-bearing walls, and ADA accessibility improvements with the completed disproportionality worksheet
  • Structural drawings sealed by a NM-registered structural or civil engineer; plumbing and mechanical plans sealed by a NM-registered mechanical engineer; electrical plans sealed by a NM-registered electrical engineer
  • Building elevations, terrain management (grading/drainage), landscape plan, and solid waste (refuse enclosure) plan are required for EXTERIOR alterations and additions; interior-only tenant improvements skip these site-level components
  • In a Historic District, exterior work requires either Historic Preservation Division administrative (staff) approval or Historic Districts Review Board (HDRB) approval BEFORE building permit submittal — the HDRB is quasi-judicial and meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month; applications go by email to hpdsubmittal@santafenm.gov
  • General contractor must hold a valid Santa Fe City Business License and a valid New Mexico State Contractor's License before permit issuance; permit valid one year with construction commenced within 180 days

Required documents

  • RequiredCommercial Interior/Exterior Remodel/Addition Building Permit ChecklistCity of Santa Fe's dedicated commercial remodel/TI submittal checklist (revised 5/28/2021), listed under the Commercial category as 'Commercial Building Remodels/Additions'
  • RequiredCity of Santa Fe Building Permit ApplicationCompleted in full, blue or black ink only
  • OptionalADA Disproportionality WorksheetCalculates IEBC-required accessibility improvements (capped at 20% of the cost of alterations affecting the primary function area); downloadable from the City's checklists page
  • RequiredLegal Lot of RecordCity-approved subdivision plat; in its absence, a warranty deed and/or survey dated pre-1962
  • RequiredSealed Plan SetArchitectural (floor/roof/reflected ceiling plans with occupancy classifications, exiting, occupant loads), structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical plans — each sealed by the applicable NM-registered design professional; site plan, landscape plan, grading/drainage, and solid waste plan added for exterior alterations/additions
  • OptionalHistoric Districts Application (HPD)Required first if the property is in one of the five Historic Districts and the work affects the exterior — staff-level administrative approval or HDRB public hearing depending on scope; submitted to hpdsubmittal@santafenm.gov

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Administrative Fee$40.00Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction)Varies by construction valuation — $25.00 minimum up to $5,893.37 + $4.40 per $1,000 over $1,000,001; see this file's residential-building-permit entry for the full identical tier tableFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021; the same Primary Building Permit valuation table applies to commercial remodels/TIs. Plan check fee collected at application, remainder plus impact fees at issuance
Commercial Plan Review Fee75% of the Building Permit FeeFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Historic Districts Pre-Application Meeting/Site Visit$75.00 per requestFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Historic and Archaeological Activities section — applies when the TI property is in a Historic District
Historic Districts Application Fee for Administrative Approval$100.00 per requestFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 — staff-level approval track for minor alterations/general maintenance
HDRB Application Fee for Public Hearing0.5% of proposed construction cost — $250.00 minimum, $2,000.00 maximumFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 — board track for substantial exterior changes in a Historic District
Plan Amendment Review Fee$60.00 per hour, minimum 2 hoursFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021; first revision review per station is free
Building Permit Revision (change information and reissue permit board)$120.00 per revisionFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021
Demolition Permit Fee (Commercial)$60.00 per permitFee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 — applies if interior demolition is permitted separately ahead of the TI

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.

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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Permalink: /new-mexico/santa-fe-county/santa-fe/as-of/2026-07-02/

Snapshot date: 2026-07-02

Commit: b59393b

Reproducible from PermitBase’s version-controlled dataset, commit b59393b.