Pueblo of Acoma, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Pueblo of Acoma (Pueblo of Acoma / Sky City) is a federally recognized sovereign tribal nation. Acoma Pueblo holds trust lands within Cibola County (and adjacent Catron and Socorro Counties). ANY construction on Acoma Pueblo trust lands requires exclusively tribal authorization from the Pueblo of Acoma. State CID permits, Cibola County permits, and City of Grants permits DO NOT apply. Historic Acoma (Old Acoma / Sky City) is a UNESCO-recognized heritage site, and the Pueblo maintains strict controls over any development or alteration within and around the historic village. Acoma Pueblo communities include: Sky City (Old Acoma), Acomita, Anzac, McCartys, and surrounding trust land parcels.

Department

Pueblo of Acoma Community Development Office (CDO) / Tribal Council

Address

Alvin G. Lewis Sr. Community Development Complex, P.O. Box 309, Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034

Phone

(505) 552-5190

Website

https://www.puebloofacoma.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Community Development Office (CDO) at (505) 552-5190 as the first step for any construction project on Acoma trust lands.
2. Environmental review by the Acoma Department of Natural Resources may be required for projects affecting natural resources, water, or culturally sensitive areas.
3. Federal consultation requirements (Section 106 NHPA, BIA trust land authorization, NEPA for federally funded projects) may apply depending on project type and funding source.
4. Non-tribal contractors working on Acoma trust lands must comply with any tribal vendor or contractor requirements established by the Pueblo.
5. Note: Construction on Acoma Pueblo tribal lands follows an internal tribal approval process administered by the Community Development Office (CDO) and Tribal Council. Detailed internal construction permit procedures are not publicly published by the Pueblo of Acoma.

Source: Pueblo of Acoma Community Development Office (CDO) / Tribal Council

General Requirements

NM state building codes and CID licensing do NOT apply on Acoma Pueblo trust lands. Federal laws governing environmental protection, historic preservation, and Indian lands remain applicable (NHPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, NEPA for federal nexus projects).

Building code

Federal laws governing environmental protection, historic preservation, and Indian lands apply (NHPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, NEPA for federal nexus projects). Sky City (Old Acoma): The historic village of Acoma atop the mesa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Any construction, renovation, or alteration in or adjacent to Sky City is subject to the Pueblo's own historic preservation and cultural resource policies, which go beyond typical building code review. The Pueblo maintains strict controls to preserve the integrity of the historic village.

Owner-builder

Tribal sovereignty applies; state owner-builder rules do not apply.

Contractor requirements

Non-tribal contractors working on Acoma trust lands must comply with any tribal vendor or contractor requirements established by the Pueblo.

Fees

Payment note

Not publicly available. Contact Community Development Office (CDO) at (505) 552-5190.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Pueblo of Acoma Community Development Office (CDO) / Tribal Council to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (505) 552-5190 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Construction inspections on Acoma trust lands are administered by the Pueblo of Acoma's own departments (CDO / Public Works), not by the NM CID or Cibola County.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Federal laws governing environmental protection, historic preservation, and Indian lands apply (NHPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, NEPA for federal nexus projects). Sky City (Old Acoma): The historic village of Acoma atop the mesa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Any construction, renovation, or alteration in or adjacent to Sky City is subject to the Pueblo's own historic preservation and cultural resource policies, which go beyond typical building code review. The Pueblo maintains strict controls to preserve the integrity of the historic village.
• Pueblo of Acoma Website
• Forms and Permits
• Department of Natural Resources
• Pueblo Regional Building Department (PRBD)
• 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

Pueblo of Acoma Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pueblo of Acoma, NM?

NM state building codes and CID licensing do NOT apply on Acoma Pueblo trust lands. Federal laws governing environmental protection, historic preservation, and Indian lands remain applicable (NHPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, NEPA for federal nexus projects).

How do I apply for a building permit in Pueblo of Acoma, NM?

1. Contact the Community Development Office (CDO) at (505) 552-5190 as the first step for any construction project on Acoma trust lands. 2. Environmental review by the Acoma Department of Natural Resources may be required for projects affecting natural resources, water, or culturally sensitive areas. 3. Federal consultation requirements (Section 106 NHPA, BIA trust land authorization, NEPA for federally funded projects) may apply depending on project type and funding source. 4. Non-tribal contractors working on Acoma trust lands must comply with any tribal vendor or contractor requirements established by the Pueblo. 5. Note: Construction on Acoma Pueblo tribal lands follows an internal tribal approval process administered by the Community Development Office (CDO) and Tribal Council. Detailed internal construction permit procedures are not publicly published by the Pueblo of Acoma.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Pueblo of Acoma, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 552-5190.

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