On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Curry County
A permit is required for new construction; additions; alterations to structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; demolition; change of occupancy; installation of manufactured homes; installation of prefabricated structures; accessory structures exceeding 120 square feet; swimming pools; decks; retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing; and any work involving utility connections.
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. Agricultural exemptions require individual interpretation with CID; blanket exemptions for farm buildings are not clearly codified in publicly accessible NMAC documents beyond Group U shade cloth structures. Confirm exemption status for any specific agricultural structure type directly with CID before commencing work without a permit.
Required documents
- Completed NM CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing structures, and proposed work location
- Construction drawings showing dimensions, structural details, material specifications
- Design professional stamp required for commercial buildings, multi-family structures, and complex residential projects
- Energy compliance documentation per 2021 NM Residential Energy Code (effective July 30, 2024) or 2021 NM Commercial Energy Code (effective July 30, 2024)
- Proof of property ownership (deed)
- Contractor license information (if using a licensed contractor)
- Zoning compliance confirmation from Curry County
- Floodplain determination from local floodplain administrator
- Building code
- 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (based on 2021 IRC with NM amendments; effective July 14, 2023); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with NM amendments; effective July 14, 2023); 2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Code (effective July 30, 2024); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Energy Code (NMAC 14.7.9; effective July 30, 2024); 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC); 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC); 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
- 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 before expiration per 14.5.2 NMAC.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner permits available under 14.5.2.18 NMAC. Requirements: (1) Owner must occupy the structure as their primary residence; (2) The major portion of the work must be completed by the owner; (3) Owner may use W-2 employees or subcontract to licensed contractors; (4) Maximum one homeowner permit per 12-month period per owner; (5) For electrical work, owner must pass a CID homeowner electrical competency examination with a minimum score of 75%; (6) HVAC, natural gas, and LP gas work may not be performed under a homeowner permit and must be done by a licensed contractor; (7) Documentation required includes a notarized Homeowner Permit Responsibility Sheet and proof of identity and property ownership.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing construction work in New Mexico must hold a current license issued by NM CID/RLD. General building license classes include GB-2 (residential) and GB-98 (general commercial). Specialty trade licenses are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC) work. Businesses with less than $7,200 per year in annual revenue may be exempt from licensing; confirm current threshold with CID.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential permits: generally 5 to 15 business days for plan review. Commercial permits: 2 to 6 weeks depending on complexity. Times vary; contact CID for current processing times.
- 01 Obtain zoning compliance and floodplain determination from Curry County (call (575) 763-6016).
- 02 Download the NM State Multi-Purpose Building Application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/.
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed CID application, site plan showing property boundaries and structure location, construction drawings stamped by a NM-licensed design professional for commercial or complex residential, proof of property ownership, contractor license information if using a licensed contractor, and zoning/floodplain compliance documentation.
- 04 Submit the complete application package to the CID Albuquerque regional office at 5500 San Antonio Dr., Suite F, or confirm proper routing by calling 1-800-219-6157 or (505) 476-4700.
- 05 CID reviews plans for code compliance. Residential permits generally process faster than commercial.
- 06 CID calculates the permit fee based on project valuation and notifies applicant.
- 07 Pay the permit fee.
- 08 CID issues the permit. Post the permit on-site throughout construction.
- 09 Request inspections at each required phase by calling (877) 243-0979 or (505) 222-9813, or by email to cid.inspection@state.nm.us.
- 10 Receive a Certificate of Completion upon passing the final inspection.
Typical processing time: Residential permits: generally 5 to 15 business days for plan review. Commercial permits: 2 to 6 weeks depending on complexity. Times vary; contact CID for current processing times.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Curry County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Per NMAC 14.5.5.10: $3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 of project valuation over $15,000
03
Reinspection fee
May be assessed when work fails inspection or the inspector cannot access the site; contact CID for current amounts
Payment to CID at time of permit issuance; payment method accepted by the applicable regional office (confirm with office)
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Statewide: (877) 243-0979 (phone)
- Albuquerque area: (505) 222-9813 (phone)
- cid.inspection@state.nm.us (email)
- Online Inspection Request (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Provide permit number, type of inspection requested, property address, and requestor contact information. Allow 24 to 72 hours advance notice or longer for rural eastern New Mexico; confirm at time of scheduling.
- Inspection hours
- CID offices operate standard weekday business hours. Inspector availability in rural Curry County may require extended notice due to travel from regional offices.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential construction: (1) Foundation/footing inspection after excavation and form/rebar placement, before concrete pour; (2) Underground utilities (plumbing, electrical, mechanical rough-in below slab if applicable); (3) Framing rough-in after framing, roof sheathing, fire blocking, bracing, and rough trade work are complete, before insulation or wall cover; (4) Insulation inspection after insulation installed, before drywall or interior finish; (5) Final inspection when all work is substantially complete; Certificate of Completion issued upon passing.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Curry County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Curry County, NM? ▸
A permit is required for new construction; additions; alterations to structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; demolition; change of occupancy; installation of manufactured homes; installation of prefabricated structures; accessory structures exceeding 120 square feet; swimming pools; decks; retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing; and any work involving utility connections.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Curry County, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Curry County, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Per NMAC 14.5.5.10: $3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 of project valuation over $15,000. Plan check fee: 20% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Curry County, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Curry County, NM, follow these steps: 1. Obtain zoning compliance and floodplain determination from Curry County (call (575) 763-6016). 2. Download the NM State Multi-Purpose Building Application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/. 3. Prepare required documents: completed CID application, site plan showing property boundaries and structure location, construction drawings stamped by a NM-licensed design professional for commercial or complex residential, proof of property ownership, contractor license information if using a licensed contractor, and zoning/floodplain compliance documentation. 4. Submit the complete application package to the CID Albuquerque regional office at 5500 San Antonio Dr., Suite F, or confirm proper routing by calling 1-800-219-6157 or (505) 476-4700. 5. CID reviews plans for code compliance. Residential permits generally process faster than commercial. 6. CID calculates the permit fee based on project valuation and notifies applicant. 7. Pay the permit fee. 8. CID issues the permit. Post the permit on-site throughout construction. 9. Request inspections at each required phase by calling (877) 243-0979 or (505) 222-9813, or by email to cid.inspection@state.nm.us. 10. Receive a Certificate of Completion upon passing the final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Curry County, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Curry County, NM typically run Residential permits: generally 5 to 15 business days for plan review. Commercial permits: 2 to 6 weeks depending on complexity. Times vary; contact CID for current processing times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Curry County, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Curry County, 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. Agricultural exemptions require individual interpretation with CID; blanket exemptions for farm buildings are not clearly codified in publicly accessible NMAC documents beyond Group U shade cloth structures. Confirm exemption status for any specific agricultural structure type directly with CID before commencing work without a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Curry County, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Curry County, NM via: Statewide: (877) 243-0979, Albuquerque area: (505) 222-9813, cid.inspection@state.nm.us, Online Inspection Request. Provide permit number, type of inspection requested, property address, and requestor contact information. Allow 24 to 72 hours advance notice or longer for rural eastern New Mexico; confirm at time of scheduling..
last verified April 2026
source New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), under the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/curry/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.