De Baca County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of De Baca County. CID is the sole permitting authority for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas permits in unincorporated De Baca County. De Baca County has no separate county building department.

Department

New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office

Address

200 E. Chisum St., Roswell, NM 88201

Phone

(505) 476-4700

Email

CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov

Website

https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your property is in unincorporated De Baca County or within Fort Sumner municipal limits. If within Fort Sumner, consult that jurisdiction's process.
2. Identify the permit type needed: building permit (new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions), electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), or gas permit. Trade permits are separate from building permits and may each require a separate application and fee.
3. Determine project classification: residential (one- and two-family) or commercial/multi-family.
4. Prepare required documents (see General Requirements section).
5. Create an account or log in at the Accela Citizen Access portal: https://aca-prod.accela.com/NMMCID/Default.aspx
6. Submit the permit application online via the Accela portal, or bring documents in person to the Roswell Regional Office (200 E. Chisum St., Roswell, NM 88201).
7. Pay the plan review fee at time of submittal (if plan review is required for the project).
8. CID plan reviewers examine documents for compliance with applicable NMAC and adopted codes.
9. Respond to any deficiency notices; resubmit corrected plans through the portal or in person.
10. Once plans are approved (or if no plan review is required for small/simple projects), pay the permit fee.
11. CID issues the permit. Post the permit on the job site before work begins.
12. Schedule required inspections with CID at the milestones listed in the Inspections section.
13. Complete all required inspections; receive final inspection approval.
14. CID records the final as closed. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Completion (CC) is issued by CID for applicable project types (new residential construction and new commercial construction require a CO before occupancy).

Typical processing time: 5 to 15 business days for simple residential projects in rural areas; 3 to 6 weeks or longer for complex or commercial projects. Contact CID at (505) 476-4700 or CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov for current processing times before submitting.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office

General Requirements

Any new building or structure (residential, commercial, agricultural buildings with a habitable or electrical component, manufactured home installations); any addition that increases square footage; any alteration to structural elements, electrical systems, plumbing systems, or mechanical/HVAC systems; demolition of a structure; re-roofing when structural changes are involved; swimming pools; installation or replacement of water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning systems; manufactured home placement and setup; solar photovoltaic systems.

Required Documents

• Completed NM CID General Building Permit Application
• Two (2) complete sets of construction drawings, including: site plan (lot dimensions, property lines, setbacks, location of proposed structure, access road/driveway, well and septic locations), floor plan with room dimensions and uses, foundation plan and details, framing/structural plan and sections, roof framing plan, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans (may be on separate trade permit applications), and energy compliance documentation
• Property ownership documentation (deed or tax assessor parcel number for rural parcels)
• Contractor information: NM CID license number, certificate of insurance, and contact info (if a licensed contractor is performing the work)
• Homeowner-builder affidavit (if owner-builder)
• Septic system approval from New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) if on-site wastewater disposal is proposed
• Water supply documentation: well permit from the NM Office of the State Engineer (OSE) if a new domestic well is being drilled

Permit validity

CID permits expire if construction does not begin (no inspections pass) within 180 days of permit issuance. If work is abandoned or suspended for more than 180 consecutive days, the permit expires. Permit extensions may be granted upon written request to CID before expiration; an extension fee applies.

Building code

2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC), based on 2021 IRC with NM amendments (14.5.2 NMAC); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMCBC), based on 2021 IBC with NM amendments (14.7.2 NMAC); 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) (14.5.7 NMAC); 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with NM amendments (14.5.5 NMAC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with NM amendments (14.5.6 NMAC); New Mexico Energy Conservation Code based on 2021 IECC with NM amendments (14.5.3 NMAC); 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (commercial) with NM amendments (14.7.4 NMAC).

Owner-builder

New Mexico allows homeowners to act as their own general contractor (owner-builder) under 14.5.2.18 NMAC. The homeowner must own the property and must intend to occupy the completed structure as their primary residence. Owner-builder permits are limited to one (1) permit per 12-month period per homeowner. The homeowner may perform their own general construction labor under the building permit. For electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, the homeowner may perform this work themselves if CID rules permit it for the specific trade type. HVAC and gas piping must generally be performed by a CID-licensed contractor unless the homeowner qualifies under specific CID homeowner provisions; confirm with CID.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work under a CID permit (other than owner-builder) must hold a valid NM CID license. General residential construction: GB-02 (Residential Building Contractor) or GB-98 (General Contractor -- residential and commercial). Electrical: EE-98 (Electrical Contractor) or EE-1 (Journeyman Electrician). Plumbing: PB-98 (Plumbing and Heating Contractor) or PB-1 (Journeyman Plumber). Mechanical/HVAC: MM-98 (Mechanical Contractor). Contractors must also carry workers' compensation insurance (if they have employees) and general liability insurance.

Fees

Plan check fee

Typically assessed as a percentage of the permit fee (commonly 65% of the building permit fee for plan review). Paid at the time of application submittal.

Permit fee formula

CID uses a valuation-based fee schedule. The permit fee is calculated as a percentage of total construction valuation (the reasonable estimated cost to build the project including labor and materials). Example fee reference: new single-family residential construction (1,500 sq ft, estimated valuation ~$200,000): Building permit fee approximately $700 to $1,200 (range; verify with CID). Plan review fee approximately $450 to $780 (estimate ~65% of permit fee). Electrical permit (new 200-amp service) approximately $75 to $150. Plumbing permit (new residential) approximately $75 to $150. These are estimates only; always obtain a fee estimate from CID before budgeting.

Reinspection fee

Approximately $50 to $100 per reinspection occurrence; confirm current fee with CID.

Penalty (no permit)

Double-permit fee penalty for work begun without a required permit. Retroactive permits for completed work without inspection may require destructive investigation (opening walls, etc.) to verify code compliance.

Payment note

Credit/debit card via Accela portal (online). In-person payment at the Roswell Regional Office (cash, check, credit card -- confirm accepted methods with office). CID publishes a fee schedule on its website, but specific line-item fees for all permit types should be consulted directly for current rates before applying.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 sq ft of floor area, not used for habitation, and with no electrical service
• Fences and freestanding masonry walls not more than 6 feet above grade
• Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or adjacent to a public way
• Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural elements, changes to the electrical or plumbing systems, or fire-rated assemblies
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground
• Replacement of roofing material in-kind without structural changes (re-roofing); confirm with CID for current local interpretation
• Window replacement in-kind (same opening size, no structural alteration)
• Agricultural building exemption: Purely agricultural structures that are not used for human habitation and have no electrical service may qualify for an exemption. However, if the structure has any electrical service (even a single outlet or light), an electrical permit is typically required. If the structure is used for any habitable purpose, a building permit is required. Confirm with CID before proceeding.

Important: Even exempt work must comply with applicable codes; the exemption means no permit is required, not that codes do not apply. Confirm edge cases with CID at (505) 476-4700 or CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Accela Citizen Access portal (online)
• CID main: (505) 476-4700; Roswell Regional Office (phone)
• CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov (for general questions; inspection scheduling may require portal or phone contact) (email)

Scheduling deadline

Request inspections at least one business day in advance; two days is preferable for rural De Baca County given travel distances for inspectors from Roswell.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: (1) Foundation/footing inspection (after excavation, forms, and rebar are in place; before concrete is poured); (2) Underground utilities inspection (after underground plumbing and electrical conduit/wiring below slab are installed; before slab pour or backfill); (3) Slab inspection (if applicable); (4) Framing inspection (after all framing, fire blocking, draft stopping, and lateral bracing are complete; before insulation or wall sheathing); (5) Rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing inspection (after rough-in of all MEP; before wall covering). Each trade may require a separate rough inspection; (6) Insulation inspection (after insulation is installed but before drywall); (7) Drywall/wallboard inspection (if required); (8) Final inspection (when all construction is complete; all systems operational; ready for occupancy). Certificate of Occupancy issued by CID upon passing final. For additions and alterations: inspections required depend on scope of work; confirm required sequence with CID at permit issuance.

De Baca County is served by CID inspectors based out of the Roswell regional office. The county seat (Fort Sumner) is approximately 85 miles northwest of Roswell via US-285. Inspection scheduling in this area may be less frequent than in urban counties. Plan for potential delays of 3 to 7 business days between inspection request and inspection date for projects in remote areas of the county. For projects in the most remote parts of De Baca County (ranches far from Fort Sumner), applicants are advised to coordinate closely with the CID Roswell office well in advance to cluster inspections where possible. Inspectors may be able to combine multiple inspection stages in a single visit if all work is ready simultaneously.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC), based on 2021 IRC with NM amendments (14.5.2 NMAC); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMCBC), based on 2021 IBC with NM amendments (14.7.2 NMAC); 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) (14.5.7 NMAC); 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with NM amendments (14.5.5 NMAC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with NM amendments (14.5.6 NMAC); New Mexico Energy Conservation Code based on 2021 IECC with NM amendments (14.5.3 NMAC); 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (commercial) with NM amendments (14.7.4 NMAC).
• Verify contractor license: NM RLD Licensee Search
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• NM CID Codes and Standards
• NM CID Contractor Licensing Info
• NM CID Manufactured Housing
• NM Environment Department (NMED) -- Septic Permits
• NM Office of the State Engineer (OSE) -- Water Rights and Well Permits
• NM Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD) -- For Bosque Redondo Memorial area
• USDA Rural Development -- NM State Office
• 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

De Baca County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated De Baca County, NM?

Any new building or structure (residential, commercial, agricultural buildings with a habitable or electrical component, manufactured home installations); any addition that increases square footage; any alteration to structural elements, electrical systems, plumbing systems, or mechanical/HVAC systems; demolition of a structure; re-roofing when structural changes are involved; swimming pools; installation or replacement of water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning systems; manufactured home placement and setup; solar photovoltaic systems.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated De Baca County, NM?

Fees are calculated as: CID uses a valuation-based fee schedule. The permit fee is calculated as a percentage of total construction valuation (the reasonable estimated cost to build the project including labor and materials). Example fee reference: new single-family residential construction (1,500 sq ft, estimated valuation ~$200,000): Building permit fee approximately $700 to $1,200 (range; verify with CID). Plan review fee approximately $450 to $780 (estimate ~65% of permit fee). Electrical permit (new 200-amp service) approximately $75 to $150. Plumbing permit (new residential) approximately $75 to $150. These are estimates only; always obtain a fee estimate from CID before budgeting.. Plan check fee: Typically assessed as a percentage of the permit fee (commonly 65% of the building permit fee for plan review). Paid at the time of application submittal..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated De Baca County, NM?

1. Determine whether your property is in unincorporated De Baca County or within Fort Sumner municipal limits. If within Fort Sumner, consult that jurisdiction's process. 2. Identify the permit type needed: building permit (new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions), electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), or gas permit. Trade permits are separate from building permits and may each require a separate application and fee. 3. Determine project classification: residential (one- and two-family) or commercial/multi-family. 4. Prepare required documents (see General Requirements section). 5. Create an account or log in at the Accela Citizen Access portal: https://aca-prod.accela.com/NMMCID/Default.aspx 6. Submit the permit application online via the Accela portal, or bring documents in person to the Roswell Regional Office (200 E. Chisum St., Roswell, NM 88201). 7. Pay the plan review fee at time of submittal (if plan review is required for the project). 8. CID plan reviewers examine documents for compliance with applicable NMAC and adopted codes. 9. Respond to any deficiency notices; resubmit corrected plans through the portal or in person. 10. Once plans are approved (or if no plan review is required for small/simple projects), pay the permit fee. 11. CID issues the permit. Post the permit on the job site before work begins. 12. Schedule required inspections with CID at the milestones listed in the Inspections section. 13. Complete all required inspections; receive final inspection approval. 14. CID records the final as closed. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Completion (CC) is issued by CID for applicable project types (new residential construction and new commercial construction require a CO before occupancy).

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated De Baca County, NM?

Typical processing time is 5 to 15 business days for simple residential projects in rural areas; 3 to 6 weeks or longer for complex or commercial projects. Contact CID at (505) 476-4700 or CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov for current processing times before submitting..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated De Baca County, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 sq ft of floor area, not used for habitation, and with no electrical service; Fences and freestanding masonry walls not more than 6 feet above grade; Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or adjacent to a public way; Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural elements, changes to the electrical or plumbing systems, or fire-rated assemblies; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground; Replacement of roofing material in-kind without structural changes (re-roofing); confirm with CID for current local interpretation; Window replacement in-kind (same opening size, no structural alteration); Agricultural building exemption: Purely agricultural structures that are not used for human habitation and have no electrical service may qualify for an exemption. However, if the structure has any electrical service (even a single outlet or light), an electrical permit is typically required. If the structure is used for any habitable purpose, a building permit is required. Confirm with CID before proceeding.. Note: Even exempt work must comply with applicable codes; the exemption means no permit is required, not that codes do not apply. Confirm edge cases with CID at (505) 476-4700 or CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated De Baca County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access portal, CID main: (505) 476-4700; Roswell Regional Office, CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov (for general questions; inspection scheduling may require portal or phone contact). Request inspections at least one business day in advance; two days is preferable for rural De Baca County given travel distances for inspectors from Roswell..