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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Catron County
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and demolitions in unincorporated Catron County, including residential dwellings, additions, garages, commercial buildings, re-roofs, solar PV installations (if structural), and wind turbine installations.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not used for habitation (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt 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)
- Exempt Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over basement or story below
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Swings, slides, and playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Window awnings on Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
- Exempt Agricultural shade cloth structures without service systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Exempt Non-structural partitions not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height (no electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Exempt 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 (CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov or 575-524-6320) whether specific work is exempt.
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
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as amended by NMAC 14.5.2 (effective July 14, 2023); 2021 International Building Code (IBC) as amended; 2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code (effective July 30, 2024); 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC); Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- Permit validity
- Permit voids if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work suspended/abandoned for 180+ consecutive days after commencement. Extensions up to 180 additional days may be granted upon written request.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may pull a Homeowner Building Permit for their primary residence without a contractor license. Restricted to single-family dwellings and appurtenant structures only. Owner must personally perform majority of work by dollar amount. One permit per property per 12-month period. HVAC, natural gas, and LP gas installations 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 residential and commercial), EE-98 (electrical), MF-98 (plumbing), MM-98 (mechanical/HVAC), LP gas license. Verify licenses at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 4-8+ weeks for plan review and inspection scheduling. Contact CID Las Cruces for current estimates due to remote location and inspector travel distances.
- 01 Verify property jurisdiction in unincorporated Catron County (not on tribal lands) using Catron County Assessor's GIS.
- 02 Obtain floodplain determination from Catron County floodplain administrator (575-533-6423) to check for FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.
- 03 Check county subdivision regulations (if applicable) for compliance with Catron County Subdivision Regulations.
- 04 Determine permit types needed: General Building, Electrical, Plumbing/Mechanical, and/or LP Gas (each requires separate permit).
- 05 Prepare application documents including completed CID permit application, site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation, foundation design, and floodplain determination if applicable.
- 06 Determine contractor status: licensed contractor (pull permit) or owner-builder (Homeowner Building Permit).
- 07 Submit application online via ePermitting portal or in person at CID Las Cruces office with all required documents.
- 08 Pay plan review fee (20% of permit fee) at time of submittal.
- 09 CID staff reviews plans for code compliance; contact applicant with corrections if required.
- 10 Respond to corrections and resubmit revised plans through portal if necessary.
- 11 Once plans approved, pay balance of permit fee and receive permit issuance.
- 12 Post permit visibly at job site before construction begins.
- 13 Schedule required inspections by emailing CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov or calling (505) 222-9813 / 1-877-243-0979 well in advance (200+ mile inspector travel distance).
- 14 Pass all required inspections and receive Certificate of Occupancy after satisfactory final inspection.
Typical processing time: 4-8+ weeks for plan review and inspection scheduling. Contact CID Las Cruces for current estimates due to remote location and inspector travel distances.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Catron County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of building permit fee (due at time of application submittal)
02
Permit fee formula
$3.00 per $1,000 of valuation for first $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 for valuation above $15,000
Online payment via 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.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 due to 200+ mile travel distance from Las Cruces field office to most of Catron County.
Typical sequence: Standard inspection sequence: (1) Foundation/Footing before concrete pour, (2) Underground Utilities before concrete/floor sheathing, (3) Framing (roof structure, framing, fire blocking complete), (4) Rough Electrical (wiring in place, not covered), (5) Rough Plumbing/Mechanical (pipes/HVAC rough-in, not covered), (6) Insulation (if required), (7) Final Electrical (all work complete, panel energized), (8) Final Plumbing/Mechanical (all installations complete), (9) Final Building (all construction complete, site grading done), (10) Certificate of Occupancy after passing final building inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Catron County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Catron County, NM? ▸
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and demolitions in unincorporated Catron County, including residential dwellings, additions, garages, commercial buildings, re-roofs, solar PV installations (if structural), and wind turbine installations.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Catron County, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Catron County, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Catron County, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Catron County, NM, follow these steps: 1. Verify property jurisdiction in unincorporated Catron County (not on tribal lands) using Catron County Assessor's GIS. 2. Obtain floodplain determination from Catron County floodplain administrator (575-533-6423) to check for FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. 3. Check county subdivision regulations (if applicable) for compliance with Catron County Subdivision Regulations. 4. Determine permit types needed: General Building, Electrical, Plumbing/Mechanical, and/or LP Gas (each requires separate permit). 5. Prepare application documents including completed CID permit application, site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation, foundation design, and floodplain determination if applicable. 6. Determine contractor status: licensed contractor (pull permit) or owner-builder (Homeowner Building Permit). 7. Submit application online via ePermitting portal or in person at CID Las Cruces office with all required documents. 8. Pay plan review fee (20% of permit fee) at time of submittal. 9. CID staff reviews plans for code compliance; contact applicant with corrections if required. 10. Respond to corrections and resubmit revised plans through portal if necessary. 11. Once plans approved, pay balance of permit fee and receive permit issuance. 12. Post permit visibly at job site before construction begins. 13. Schedule required inspections by emailing CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov or calling (505) 222-9813 / 1-877-243-0979 well in advance (200+ mile inspector travel distance). 14. Pass all required inspections and receive Certificate of Occupancy after satisfactory final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Catron County, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Catron County, NM typically run 4-8+ weeks for plan review and inspection scheduling. Contact CID Las Cruces for current estimates due to remote location and inspector travel distances.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Catron County, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Catron County, 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 (CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov or 575-524-6320) whether specific work is exempt. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Catron County, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Catron County, NM via: CID.Inspection@rld.nm.gov, (505) 222-9813 (local), 1-877-243-0979 (toll-free). Schedule inspections well in advance due to 200+ mile travel distance from Las Cruces field office to most of Catron County..
last verified April 2026
source New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/catron/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.