Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit in Santa Fe, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired 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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Required
City of Santa Fe Building Permit Application
Same unified application form used for all building-permit scopes; check 'Additions' / 'Exterior Alterations/Repairs' / 'Interior Remodel'
- Required
Green Code Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 Checklist
Determined via the Green Code Applicability Chart based on project scope; Chapter 12 projects require the applicant to initial each applicable item
- Required
Site Plan and Construction Drawings
Plans depicting the scope of addition/remodel work, structural details where applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Fee | $40.00 | Fee 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 Fee | 50% of the Building Permit Fee | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 |
| Plan Amendment Review Fee | $60.00 per hour, minimum 2 hours | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 |
| Building Permit Revision (change information and reissue permit board) | $120.00 per revision | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021 |
Review timeline
~5–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Santa Fe building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing and Foundation (if new footings)
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)
Tips
- Determine your Green Code chapter (11 or 12) using the Green Code Applicability Chart before submitting — the two chapters have different checklist and compliance requirements.
- A Building Permit Revision (change of submitted information and reissue of the permit board) costs $120 — plan your scope carefully to avoid this fee.
- The first revision review per review station is free; the Plan Amendment Review Fee ($60/hr, 2-hour minimum) applies to later or more involved review cycles.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a home addition in Santa Fe need to meet the Green Building Code?
- Yes, if it affects conditioned floor area. The City's Green Code Applicability Chart determines whether a Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 checklist applies to your addition or remodel scope, and the corresponding checklist must be submitted with the building permit application.
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 — Green Building Code (Additions and Remodels)
- City of Santa Fe — Construction Permit Submittal Checklists
- 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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