Village of Reserve, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Village of Reserve limits. Reserve is the only incorporated municipality in Catron County (2020 population ~293). The village defers to the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits as it does not maintain a dedicated building department.

Department

Village of Reserve -- Village Clerk/Administration

Address

15 Jake Scott Street, Reserve, NM 87830

Phone

(505) 533-6276

Website

https://www.catroncounty.us/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Village of Reserve at (505) 533-6276 to notify the village of proposed construction and confirm whether any local authorizations, resolutions, or approvals are required.
2. Confirm whether any local zoning or land use rules apply within village limits (no local code ordinances identified at time of research).
3. Obtain floodplain determination from county or village regarding floodplain status. The San Francisco River flows through Reserve; several parcels may be in FEMA-designated flood zones.
4. Apply for CID permit(s) using the same CID process used for unincorporated Catron County through the CID Las Cruces office (575-524-6320).
5. Submit plans and application documents via the CID ePermitting portal or in person at the CID Las Cruces office (505 South Main Street, Suite 103, Las Cruces, NM 88001).
6. Pay plan review fee (20% of permit fee) at time of submittal.
7. Await CID plan review; respond to corrections if required and resubmit revised plans.
8. Upon CID approval, pay balance of permit fee and receive permit issuance.
9. Post permit on-site before construction begins.
10. Schedule and pass all required CID inspections via email (CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov) or phone ((505) 222-9813 / 1-877-243-0979). Coordinate well in advance due to 200+ mile travel distance from Las Cruces.
11. Receive Certificate of Occupancy from CID after passing final inspection.

Typical processing time: Same as unincorporated county. No local review steps required; process driven entirely by CID turnaround times. Contact CID Las Cruces for current estimates.

Source: Village of Reserve -- Village Clerk/Administration

General Requirements

Same triggers as for unincorporated Catron County. Permit required for all new construction, additions, alterations, re-roofs, and trade work. CID is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Required Documents

• Completed CID General Building Permit Application (Multi-Purpose State Building Application)
• Site plan with property lines, dimensions, setbacks, adjacent street names, north arrow, structure location, and existing structures
• Construction drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, and structural details as appropriate
• Energy compliance documentation (2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code, NMAC 14.7.6)
• Foundation design (engineered if soil conditions warrant)
• Floodplain determination or Floodplain Development Permit if in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area
• Contractor license information (NM CID license, classification, expiration) or notarized Homeowner's Permit Responsibility Sheet if owner-builder
• Project valuation statement (total labor and materials) for fee calculation

Permit validity

Per NMAC 14.5.2.14: Permit voids if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work suspended/abandoned for 180+ consecutive days. Extensions up to 180 additional days may be granted upon written request.

Building code

Same statewide NM codes apply: 2021 IRC/IBC as amended by NMAC; 2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code (effective July 30, 2024); 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC); Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). No local code amendments identified.

Owner-builder

Same as unincorporated Catron County. Property owners may pull a Homeowner Building Permit for their primary residence. Restricted to single-family dwellings and appurtenant structures. Owner must personally perform majority of work. One permit per property per 12 months. HVAC, natural gas, and LP gas require licensed contractors. Electrical homeowner must pass CID exam (75% minimum).

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold valid NM CID license. Key classifications: GB-2 (residential general), GB-98 (general building), EE-98 (electrical), MF-98 (plumbing), MM-98 (mechanical/HVAC). Verify licenses at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Fees

Plan check fee

20% of building permit fee (due at time of application submittal)

Permit fee formula

$3.00 per $1,000 of valuation for first $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 for valuation above $15,000

Payment note

Online payment via CID ePermitting portal (credit/debit card) or in person at Las Cruces CID office. Plan review fee due at submittal; permit fee balance due at permit issuance. No local Village fees identified; all fees are governed by NM CID per NMAC 14.5.5.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures not used for habitation (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
• Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of fill with total height 6 feet or less from top to footing (not walls supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
• Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over basement or story below
• Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools (accessory to one- or two-family dwelling) less than 24 inches deep or 5,000 gallons capacity with no permanent connections
• Swings, slides, and playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwelling
• Window awnings on Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
• Agricultural shade cloth structures without service systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
• Non-structural partitions not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height (no electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
• Ordinary repairs not involving structural elements, load-bearing walls, or electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems

Important: Exemption from building permit does not mean exemption from electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits. Separate trade permits may still be required for associated work. Always verify with CID.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov (email)
• (505) 222-9813 (local) (phone)
• 1-877-243-0979 (toll-free) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule inspections well in advance. Inspector travel from Las Cruces to Reserve is approximately 200+ miles.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspection sequence for new residential construction: (1) Foundation/Footing before concrete, (2) Underground Utilities before concrete/floor sheathing, (3) Framing (roof structure and framing complete), (4) Rough Electrical (wiring in place), (5) Rough Plumbing/Mechanical (pipes/HVAC rough-in), (6) Insulation (if required), (7) Final Electrical (all work complete, panel energized), (8) Final Plumbing/Mechanical, (9) Final Building (all construction complete), (10) Certificate of Occupancy after satisfactory final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Same statewide NM codes apply: 2021 IRC/IBC as amended by NMAC; 2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code (effective July 30, 2024); 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC); Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). No local code amendments identified.
• Verify contractor license: NM CID Contractor License Lookup
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• NM CID Rules, Laws, and Building Codes
• NM CID FAQs
• Catron County Government
• Catron County Assessor GIS
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• NM Office of State Engineer (water wells)
• NM Environment Dept. Septic Permits
• NM Manufactured Housing Division
• License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Village of Reserve Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Village of Reserve, NM?

Same triggers as for unincorporated Catron County. Permit required for all new construction, additions, alterations, re-roofs, and trade work. CID is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

How much does a building permit cost in Village of Reserve, NM?

Fees are calculated as: $3.00 per $1,000 of valuation for first $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 for valuation above $15,000. Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee (due at time of application submittal).

How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Reserve, NM?

1. Contact the Village of Reserve at (505) 533-6276 to notify the village of proposed construction and confirm whether any local authorizations, resolutions, or approvals are required. 2. Confirm whether any local zoning or land use rules apply within village limits (no local code ordinances identified at time of research). 3. Obtain floodplain determination from county or village regarding floodplain status. The San Francisco River flows through Reserve; several parcels may be in FEMA-designated flood zones. 4. Apply for CID permit(s) using the same CID process used for unincorporated Catron County through the CID Las Cruces office (575-524-6320). 5. Submit plans and application documents via the CID ePermitting portal or in person at the CID Las Cruces office (505 South Main Street, Suite 103, Las Cruces, NM 88001). 6. Pay plan review fee (20% of permit fee) at time of submittal. 7. Await CID plan review; respond to corrections if required and resubmit revised plans. 8. Upon CID approval, pay balance of permit fee and receive permit issuance. 9. Post permit on-site before construction begins. 10. Schedule and pass all required CID inspections via email (CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov) or phone ((505) 222-9813 / 1-877-243-0979). Coordinate well in advance due to 200+ mile travel distance from Las Cruces. 11. Receive Certificate of Occupancy from CID after passing final inspection.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Village of Reserve, NM?

Typical processing time is Same as unincorporated county. No local review steps required; process driven entirely by CID turnaround times. Contact CID Las Cruces for current estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in Village of Reserve, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not used for habitation (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet; Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of fill with total height 6 feet or less from top to footing (not walls supporting surcharge or impounding liquids); Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over basement or story below; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools (accessory to one- or two-family dwelling) less than 24 inches deep or 5,000 gallons capacity with no permanent connections; Swings, slides, and playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwelling; Window awnings on Group R-3 and Group U occupancies; Agricultural shade cloth structures without service systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical); Non-structural partitions not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height (no electrical, plumbing, mechanical); Ordinary repairs not involving structural elements, load-bearing walls, or electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Note: Exemption from building permit does not mean exemption from electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits. Separate trade permits may still be required for associated work. Always verify with CID.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Reserve, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov, (505) 222-9813 (local), 1-877-243-0979 (toll-free). Schedule inspections well in advance. Inspector travel from Las Cruces to Reserve is approximately 200+ miles..

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