Solar PV Permit in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Only in specific circumstances: if the array exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft of roof load, the existing roof pre-dates 1986, attachments exceed 45 lbs dead load each, the mounting system is of unique design, or the roof framing is over-spanned. Systems over 15kW also require electrical plans stamped by a NM-licensed electrical engineer.

In Santa Fe, the published Building Permit Fee — valuation-based is: Assessed on construction valuation using the primary building permit fee table. Additional published fees: Solar System (Commercial or Residential) — Extension — $100.00 per extension; Solar Space Heating System (mechanical scope) — $20.00 per permit; Domestic Hot Water Solar Heating System (plumbing scope) — $10.00 per permit; Hot Water Solar Potable System (plumbing scope) — $10.00 per permit. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

The City's Building Permit Checklist for roof-mounted photovoltaic systems states the Land Use Building Permit Division will strive to complete review within 3 business days of receiving two complete sets of proposed construction plans, pre-requisite compliance documents, and required information.

You'll need: Building Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems (Roof Mounted Systems, with or without Ballast); Building Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems (Ground Mounted/Awning Mounted Systems); Manufacturer's Cut-Sheets and Installation Instructions. Depending on your project, Santa Fe may also ask for: Solar Escarpment Acknowledgement Letter. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Santa Fe requires 2 inspection(s) for a solar pv permit, in order: Rough Electrical, Final — Structural/Racking and Electrical. Schedule each through City of Santa Fe Planning, Land Use and Housing Department — Building Division (Permitting) ((505) 955-6571 (Planning, Land Use and Housing Department main line); Building Permit Division direct: (505) 955-6588).

Apply through City of Santa Fe Planning, Land Use and Housing Department — Building Division (Permitting) at Santa Fe City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave., 1st Floor (southwest entrance facing Marcy Street nearest the Convention Center), Santa Fe, NM 87501; Mailing: City of Santa Fe Building Permit Division, P.O. Box 909, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0909. Phone: (505) 955-6571 (Planning, Land Use and Housing Department main line); Building Permit Division direct: (505) 955-6588, email: permitcounter@santafenm.gov. Office hours: By appointment only, 8:00 a.m.–Noon and 1:00–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Drop-off hours for revision/amendment submittals only: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.. Official information: https://www.santafenm.gov/land-use/building-permits.

Santa Fe, New Mexico has 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 Code; 2021 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 amendments; 2021 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 Code; 2021 New Mexico Historic Earthen Buildings Code; 2021 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 amendments; New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) Title 14, Chapter 5: 14.5.1 General Provisions, 14.5.2 Permits, 14.5.3 Inspections; 2017 ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Local amendments apply — see the Santa Fe overview page for the full list.