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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Colfax County
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, structural repairs, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are separately required for those scopes of work. Work on barns, agricultural outbuildings, cabins, lodges, and tourist accommodations (including new short-term rental construction) requires a permit. Manufactured home placements in unincorporated areas are handled through CID's Manufactured Housing Division.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of unbalanced fill, with total height at or under 6 feet (bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge
Window awnings supported by the exterior wall of a Group R-3 occupancy
Ordinary repair and maintenance work that does not involve structural elements, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Agricultural buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes on agricultural land (reduced permit requirements; confirm scope with CID)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of unbalanced fill, with total height at or under 6 feet (bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Window awnings supported by the exterior wall of a Group R-3 occupancy
- Exempt Ordinary repair and maintenance work that does not involve structural elements, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Agricultural buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes on agricultural land (reduced permit requirements; confirm scope with CID)
Note: Even when a building permit is not required, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are still required for those systems.
Required documents
- Completed CID permit application (General Building Permit Application form)
- Site plan: drawn to scale showing property lines, setbacks, utility easements, and proposed structure footprint with dimensions
- Construction drawings: floor plans, elevations, building sections, and structural details (foundation, framing) sufficient for code review
- Energy compliance documentation (New Mexico Energy Conservation Code, 14.7.6 NMAC)
- Homeowner Building Permit Application and affidavit if owner-builder
- Soils/geotechnical data for foundations in expansive or questionable soil conditions (at CID's discretion)
- Sealed architectural and structural drawings by a NM-licensed architect or engineer (for commercial occupancies and buildings requiring engineering)
- Fire protection plans (sprinkler, alarm) where required by occupancy classification
- Accessibility (ADA) compliance documentation for public accommodations and commercial construction
- Building code
- CID enforces state-adopted building codes per NMAC Title 14, Chapter 5 and 7. Residential: 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (14.7.2 NMAC); Commercial: 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (14.7.3 NMAC); Electrical: 2020 NEC (14.7.4 NMAC); Plumbing: 2021 UPC with NM amendments (14.7.5 NMAC); Mechanical: 2021 IMC with NM amendments; Energy Conservation: 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (14.7.6 NMAC)
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if construction does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 consecutive days. Extensions may be requested from CID before expiration.
- Owner-builder
- Under 14.5.2.18 NMAC, a homeowner may obtain a Homeowner's Permit for their primary residence (single-family dwelling or appurtenant structures such as private garages, carports, and sheds). Restrictions: only one homeowner permit per 12-month period; permit is for the applicant's primary residence; proof of ownership required; homeowner, not a hired contractor, must perform the work; HVAC and gas piping work requires licensed contractors regardless.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold a valid New Mexico CID license. GB-2 (Residential building contractor for structures up to 3 stories) requires 2 years foreman-level experience. GB-98 (General commercial and residential contractor) requires 4 years foreman-level experience (2+ years commercial). Specialty trade licenses required separately for electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC. License verification: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: CID typically processes routine residential permits within 10 to 15 business days; commercial and more complex projects take longer. Remote locations in Colfax County may experience slightly longer inspector travel windows.
- 01 Confirm your property is in unincorporated Colfax County (not within a city or village limit). Use Colfax County GIS or call (575) 445-9661.
- 02 Obtain a valid site address from Colfax County E-911 / Addressing if one does not yet exist. Contact asegura@co.colfax.nm.us or call (575) 445-9661.
- 03 Obtain county-level zoning or floodplain clearance if required. Verify compliance with county land use ordinances at co.colfax.nm.us/government/ordinances_new.php. If in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain floodplain development permit from county floodplain administrator.
- 04 Download and complete the CID General Building Permit Application or apply online at citizenportal.rld.state.nm.us. Application requires property owner information, contractor CID license number (if applicable), architect/engineer name and license (if plans are sealed), specific use/occupancy, legal property description, written directions to site, description of work/materials/square footage, and total project valuation.
- 05 Prepare required construction documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation, and conditional geotechnical data).
- 06 Submit application and documents online via ePermits portal or mail/deliver to the nearest CID office.
- 07 Pay permit fee at time of application or at issuance per CID instructions.
- 08 Await plan review by CID. Staff will contact you if corrections are required.
- 09 Respond to correction requests and resubmit revised plans if required.
- 10 Once approved and fees are paid, permit is issued. Print and post the permit card on the job site before beginning work.
- 11 Schedule required inspections at each construction milestone.
- 12 Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory completion.
Typical processing time: CID typically processes routine residential permits within 10 to 15 business days; commercial and more complex projects take longer. Remote locations in Colfax County may experience slightly longer inspector travel windows.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Colfax County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of the building permit fee, charged for plan review. If a preliminary plan review is requested, 50% of the combined building permit fee plus review fee is charged in advance.
02
Permit fee formula
$3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation for the first $15,000 of valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 of project valuation for valuation over $15,000. Example: a $200,000 new home = (15 x $3.00) + (185 x $1.00) = $45 + $185 = $230 permit fee
03
Trade permit fee
Separate fee schedules apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Contact CID at CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov or (877) 243-0979 for current trade permit fee amounts.
04
Reinspection fee
Applies when work fails inspection or the site is not ready for the scheduled inspection. Confirm current dollar amount with CID.
Payment methods: online via ePermits portal (credit/debit card); in-person at CID office (check, cash, card -- confirm accepted methods with CID before visiting)
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection request page (online)
- NMHBA portal (online)
- Albuquerque area: (505) 222-9813 (phone)
- Statewide toll-free: (877) 243-0979 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Request inspections at least 48 hours in advance (24 hours minimum; 48+ hours recommended for remote Colfax County sites given CID inspector travel from Santa Fe or Albuquerque).
Typical sequence: Typical residential inspection sequence: 1) Setback/footing layout inspection (optional pre-pour verification); 2) Foundation/footing inspection; 3) Underground utilities inspection; 4) Framing inspection; 5) Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections; 6) Insulation inspection; 7) Final inspection; 8) Certificate of Occupancy issued after satisfactory final inspection. Work must remain exposed (not covered) until the relevant inspection is completed and approved.
Inspector travel from Santa Fe can take 3+ hours round trip. Schedule inspections early in the week and confirm the inspection date with CID directly to avoid delays. Remote lodging-season construction (spring through fall) typically sees higher inspection demand.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Colfax County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NM? ▸
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, structural repairs, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are separately required for those scopes of work. Work on barns, agricultural outbuildings, cabins, lodges, and tourist accommodations (including new short-term rental construction) requires a permit. Manufactured home placements in unincorporated areas are handled through CID's Manufactured Housing Division.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Colfax County, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Colfax 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 project valuation for the first $15,000 of valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 of project valuation for valuation over $15,000. Example: a $200,000 new home = (15 x $3.00) + (185 x $1.00) = $45 + $185 = $230 permit fee. Plan check fee: 20% of the building permit fee, charged for plan review. If a preliminary plan review is requested, 50% of the combined building permit fee plus review fee is charged in advance..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NM, follow these steps: 1. Confirm your property is in unincorporated Colfax County (not within a city or village limit). Use Colfax County GIS or call (575) 445-9661. 2. Obtain a valid site address from Colfax County E-911 / Addressing if one does not yet exist. Contact asegura@co.colfax.nm.us or call (575) 445-9661. 3. Obtain county-level zoning or floodplain clearance if required. Verify compliance with county land use ordinances at co.colfax.nm.us/government/ordinances_new.php. If in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain floodplain development permit from county floodplain administrator. 4. Download and complete the CID General Building Permit Application or apply online at citizenportal.rld.state.nm.us. Application requires property owner information, contractor CID license number (if applicable), architect/engineer name and license (if plans are sealed), specific use/occupancy, legal property description, written directions to site, description of work/materials/square footage, and total project valuation. 5. Prepare required construction documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation, and conditional geotechnical data). 6. Submit application and documents online via ePermits portal or mail/deliver to the nearest CID office. 7. Pay permit fee at time of application or at issuance per CID instructions. 8. Await plan review by CID. Staff will contact you if corrections are required. 9. Respond to correction requests and resubmit revised plans if required. 10. Once approved and fees are paid, permit is issued. Print and post the permit card on the job site before beginning work. 11. Schedule required inspections at each construction milestone. 12. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Colfax County, NM typically run CID typically processes routine residential permits within 10 to 15 business days; commercial and more complex projects take longer. Remote locations in Colfax County may experience slightly longer inspector travel windows.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Colfax County, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NM. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet; Retaining walls retaining less than 36 inches of unbalanced fill, with total height at or under 6 feet (bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge; Window awnings supported by the exterior wall of a Group R-3 occupancy; Ordinary repair and maintenance work that does not involve structural elements, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Agricultural buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes on agricultural land (reduced permit requirements; confirm scope with CID). Note: Even when a building permit is not required, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are still required for those systems. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Colfax County, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Colfax County, NM via: Inspection request page, NMHBA portal, Albuquerque area: (505) 222-9813, Statewide toll-free: (877) 243-0979. Request inspections at least 48 hours in advance (24 hours minimum; 48+ hours recommended for remote Colfax County sites given CID inspector travel from Santa Fe or Albuquerque)..
last verified April 2026
source New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- under the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/colfax/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- under the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.