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

1. Contact the Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department at (505) 552-1218 to initiate the approval process for any construction project on tribal trust lands. 2. For projects with cultural resource implications, notify the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (Richard Smith, Sr., (505) 552-5033 / rsmith@pol-nsn.gov). The THPO reviews projects for cultural resource impacts under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 3. Coordinate with BIA if approval is required for certain projects involving trust land leases or federal funding. (Note: The 2020 HEARTH Act approval streamlined residential leasing authority for Laguna Pueblo.) 4. Outside contractors working on tribal lands must comply with Laguna Pueblo's contractor requirements, which may include tribal business preferences or additional licensing requirements beyond the NM CID license. 5. Note: Detailed internal construction permit procedures are not publicly published by the Pueblo of Laguna. All process details must be obtained directly from the Pueblo.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 552-1218.

City Building Permits

Pueblo of Laguna, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico Cibola County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Pueblo of Laguna is a federally recognized sovereign tribal nation. ANY construction on Laguna Pueblo trust lands (including all Laguna village communities -- Old Laguna, New Laguna, Paguate, Paraje, Mesita, and Encinal) is subject exclusively to Laguna Pueblo tribal permits and approval processes. State of New Mexico building codes, CID permits, and county permits DO NOT apply to construction on Laguna Pueblo trust lands. Laguna Pueblo has its own Tribal Code. The Laguna Pueblo reservation is contiguous and substantial -- roughly 537,000 acres of trust land -- straddling the Cibola/Valencia County line.

Department: Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department / Engineering Office
Address: 11 Rodeo Drive, Building B, Laguna Housing Complex (MAP), Laguna, NM 87026
Phone: (505) 552-1218
Website: https://www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov/

Application Process

Contact the Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department at (505) 552-1218 to initiate the approval process for any construction project on tribal trust lands.
For projects with cultural resource implications, notify the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (Richard Smith, Sr., (505) 552-5033 / rsmith@pol-nsn.gov). The THPO reviews projects for cultural resource impacts under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Coordinate with BIA if approval is required for certain projects involving trust land leases or federal funding. (Note: The 2020 HEARTH Act approval streamlined residential leasing authority for Laguna Pueblo.)
Outside contractors working on tribal lands must comply with Laguna Pueblo's contractor requirements, which may include tribal business preferences or additional licensing requirements beyond the NM CID license.
Note: Detailed internal construction permit procedures are not publicly published by the Pueblo of Laguna. All process details must be obtained directly from the Pueblo.

Source: Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department / Engineering Office

General Requirements

NM state building codes and CID licensing do NOT apply on Laguna Pueblo trust lands. The Pueblo of Laguna has its own Tribal Code governing government, civil matters, and resource protection.

Building code: Pueblo of Laguna Tribal Code. Federal laws (e.g., National Historic Preservation Act Section 106, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act) may still apply to projects on tribal lands, triggering federal agency consultation.
Owner-builder: Tribal sovereignty applies; state owner-builder rules do not apply.
Contractor requirements: Outside contractors working on tribal lands must comply with Laguna Pueblo's contractor requirements, which may include tribal business preferences or additional licensing requirements beyond the NM CID license.

Fees

Payment note: Not publicly available. Contact Pueblo of Laguna Public Works at (505) 552-1218.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department / Engineering Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(505) 552-1218 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Construction inspections on tribal lands are administered by the Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department (Engineering Office), not the NM CID or Cibola County.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pueblo of Laguna Tribal Code. Federal laws (e.g., National Historic Preservation Act Section 106, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act) may still apply to projects on tribal lands, triggering federal agency consultation.
Pueblo of Laguna Website
Tribal Code
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department / Engineering Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pueblo of Laguna Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pueblo of Laguna, NM?: NM state building codes and CID licensing do NOT apply on Laguna Pueblo trust lands. The Pueblo of Laguna has its own Tribal Code governing government, civil matters, and resource protection.
How do I apply for a building permit in Pueblo of Laguna, NM?: 1. Contact the Pueblo of Laguna Public Works Department at (505) 552-1218 to initiate the approval process for any construction project on tribal trust lands. 2. For projects with cultural resource implications, notify the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (Richard Smith, Sr., (505) 552-5033 / rsmith@pol-nsn.gov). The THPO reviews projects for cultural resource impacts under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 3. Coordinate with BIA if approval is required for certain projects involving trust land leases or federal funding. (Note: The 2020 HEARTH Act approval streamlined residential leasing authority for Laguna Pueblo.) 4. Outside contractors working on tribal lands must comply with Laguna Pueblo's contractor requirements, which may include tribal business preferences or additional licensing requirements beyond the NM CID license. 5. Note: Detailed internal construction permit procedures are not publicly published by the Pueblo of Laguna. All process details must be obtained directly from the Pueblo.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Pueblo of Laguna, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 552-1218.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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