On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clovis
New buildings (residential and commercial); additions; alterations to structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; demolition; carports; fences (contact department for height thresholds); roofing; sign installation; mobile home placement; manufactured home placement; structure moving; curb cuts; excavation; encroachments into city right-of-way; and floodplain development.
One-story detached accessory structures not used for habitation (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet and no utility connections
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes without service systems
Retaining walls not over 36 inches of unbalanced fill and not more than 6 feet total height, not supporting a surcharge
Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
Above-ground swimming pools with no permanent utility connections
Playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies)
Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not used for habitation (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet and no utility connections
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes without service systems
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 36 inches of unbalanced fill and not more than 6 feet total height, not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Above-ground swimming pools with no permanent utility connections
- Exempt Playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies)
- Exempt Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may be required even when a building permit is not. Confirm with the department.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form (type-specific: residential new, residential add/remodel, commercial new, commercial add/remodel, etc.)
- Contractor Billing Application (for contractor-pulled permits)
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing structures, utilities, and location of proposed work
- Construction drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details, dimensions, material specifications
- Trade schematics: electrical panel schedule and wiring diagram; plumbing isometric and fixture schedule; mechanical equipment schedule and duct layout
- Energy compliance documentation (per 2021 NM Residential or Commercial Energy Code, effective July 30, 2024)
- Plumbing Declaration form (for plumbing work)
- Floodplain Development Application (for properties in FEMA flood zones)
- Proof of property ownership (for homeowner permits)
- Contractor NM State license number and City of Clovis business license number (for trade permits)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with NM amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with NM amendments; 2021 International Fire Code (IFC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC); 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) / 2021 NM Energy Codes; 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC); Clovis municipal code Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) https://library.municode.com/nm/clovis
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for more than 180 consecutive days. Extensions may be requested.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may obtain residential building permits. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for trade work may only be obtained by licensed contractors with both an NM State license and a City of Clovis business license. Homeowner self-performance of trade work requires compliance with the state homeowner permit provisions (14.5.2.18 NMAC) including passing the homeowner electrical competency exam. HVAC and gas work requires licensed contractors regardless.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold a current NM State Construction Industries license and a current City of Clovis business license. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) require the contractor to hold the applicable NM state trade license in addition to the business license. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may only be obtained by licensed contractors holding both a current New Mexico State license and a City of Clovis business license. Out-of-town contractors must obtain the city business license before pulling trade permits.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential permits: generally 1 to 5 business days. Commercial permits: varies, typically 5 to 15 business days or longer for complex projects. Contact department for current times.
- 01 Verify your property is within the City of Clovis limits or its five-mile ETJ using the city's Map Gallery at https://maps.cityofclovis.org/mapsandappsgallery/ or contact Building Safety at (575) 769-7829.
- 02 Check zoning compliance with the Planning and Development Services department at 321 N. Connelly, (575) 769-7828. Obtain zoning approval before submitting a building permit application.
- 03 If the property is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain a Floodplain Development Application from https://www.clovisnm.gov/297/Building-Permits and submit it with the permit application.
- 04 Download and complete the applicable permit application from the Building Permits page or access through the Tyler Civic Access portal. Application types include: residential new construction, residential addition/remodel, commercial new construction, commercial addition/remodel, carport, fence, roof, mobile home placement, structure moving/placement, curb cut, demolition, encroachment/easement, excavation, sign, and floodplain development.
- 05 Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and structure placement; construction drawings with dimensions, materials, structural details, and floor plan; trade drawings for electrical, plumbing, mechanical; energy compliance documentation; contractor license information and City of Clovis business license number (for trade permits); proof of ownership (for homeowner permits).
- 06 Submit the complete application package online through the Tyler Civic Access portal at https://clovisnm-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice/#/home, or email to buildingsafety@cityofclovis.org.
- 07 Building Safety staff will review the plans for compliance with adopted codes.
- 08 Pay permit fee upon approval (online payment available through the portal).
- 09 Receive the issued permit. Post on-site throughout construction.
- 10 Schedule required inspections by calling (575) 769-7829 or through the Tyler portal. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required for all inspections.
- 11 Receive Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) upon passing the final inspection.
Typical processing time: Residential permits: generally 1 to 5 business days. Commercial permits: varies, typically 5 to 15 business days or longer for complex projects. Contact department for current times.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Clovis building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Per state baseline, 20% of the building permit fee paid at time of submittal. Commercial discipline reviews (electrical, mechanical, accessibility) at 5% each; confirm Clovis-specific schedule with department.
02
Permit fee formula
Clovis uses a valuation-based fee schedule. The state CID baseline under NMAC 14.5.5 is $3.00 per $1,000 of valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. Clovis may have adopted its own fee schedule by ordinance that differs from the state baseline; confirm current rates with the department.
03
Reinspection fee
May be assessed when work fails inspection or inspector cannot access the site; contact department for current amounts
Online payment available through the Tyler Civic Access portal. In-person payment accepted at 1221 Mitchell Street during business hours.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (575) 769-7829 (phone)
- Tyler Civic Access Portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24 hours advance notice required for all inspections
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential construction: (1) Foundation/footing inspection after excavation and form/rebar placement, before pour; (2) Underground rough-in (plumbing and electrical below slab, before backfill); (3) Framing inspection after framing, roof sheathing, fire blocking, and bracing are complete; rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical must be in place; (4) Insulation inspection after insulation is installed, before covering with drywall or other material; (5) Final inspection when construction is substantially complete; all systems operational; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Clovis permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Clovis, NM? ▸
New buildings (residential and commercial); additions; alterations to structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; demolition; carports; fences (contact department for height thresholds); roofing; sign installation; mobile home placement; manufactured home placement; structure moving; curb cuts; excavation; encroachments into city right-of-way; and floodplain development.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Clovis, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in Clovis, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Clovis uses a valuation-based fee schedule. The state CID baseline under NMAC 14.5.5 is $3.00 per $1,000 of valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. Clovis may have adopted its own fee schedule by ordinance that differs from the state baseline; confirm current rates with the department.. Plan check fee: Per state baseline, 20% of the building permit fee paid at time of submittal. Commercial discipline reviews (electrical, mechanical, accessibility) at 5% each; confirm Clovis-specific schedule with department..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Clovis, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Clovis, NM, follow these steps: 1. Verify your property is within the City of Clovis limits or its five-mile ETJ using the city's Map Gallery at https://maps.cityofclovis.org/mapsandappsgallery/ or contact Building Safety at (575) 769-7829. 2. Check zoning compliance with the Planning and Development Services department at 321 N. Connelly, (575) 769-7828. Obtain zoning approval before submitting a building permit application. 3. If the property is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain a Floodplain Development Application from https://www.clovisnm.gov/297/Building-Permits and submit it with the permit application. 4. Download and complete the applicable permit application from the Building Permits page or access through the Tyler Civic Access portal. Application types include: residential new construction, residential addition/remodel, commercial new construction, commercial addition/remodel, carport, fence, roof, mobile home placement, structure moving/placement, curb cut, demolition, encroachment/easement, excavation, sign, and floodplain development. 5. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and structure placement; construction drawings with dimensions, materials, structural details, and floor plan; trade drawings for electrical, plumbing, mechanical; energy compliance documentation; contractor license information and City of Clovis business license number (for trade permits); proof of ownership (for homeowner permits). 6. Submit the complete application package online through the Tyler Civic Access portal at https://clovisnm-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice/#/home, or email to buildingsafety@cityofclovis.org. 7. Building Safety staff will review the plans for compliance with adopted codes. 8. Pay permit fee upon approval (online payment available through the portal). 9. Receive the issued permit. Post on-site throughout construction. 10. Schedule required inspections by calling (575) 769-7829 or through the Tyler portal. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required for all inspections. 11. Receive Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) upon passing the final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Clovis, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in Clovis, NM typically run Residential permits: generally 1 to 5 business days. Commercial permits: varies, typically 5 to 15 business days or longer for complex projects. Contact department for current times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Clovis, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Clovis, NM. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not used for habitation (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet and no utility connections; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes without service systems; Retaining walls not over 36 inches of unbalanced fill and not more than 6 feet total height, not supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below; Above-ground swimming pools with no permanent utility connections; Playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies); Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may be required even when a building permit is not. Confirm with the department. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Clovis, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Clovis, NM via: (575) 769-7829, Tyler Civic Access Portal. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required for all inspections.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Building Safety, City of Clovis ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/curry/clovis
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Building Safety, City of Clovis before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.