Doña Ana County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Dona Ana County. Does not apply within the city limits of Las Cruces, Mesilla, Anthony, Hatch, or Sunland Park.

Department

Dona Ana County Building Services Division

Address

845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007

Phone

(575) 647-7350

Website

https://www.donaanacounty.org/departments/community-services/building-services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project is in unincorporated Dona Ana County (not inside a city limit).
2. Download or pick up the appropriate application form from the Building Services office or the county permit forms page.
3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, contractor license information.
4. Submit application and 25% non-refundable deposit in person or via iWorQ online portal.
5. Plans routed to appropriate departments (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical) for review.
6. Pay remaining 75% of permit fee prior to permit issuance.
7. Permit issued; post on site before work begins.
8. Schedule inspections as work progresses through the iWorQ portal or by calling (575) 647-7350.
9. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued upon completion.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current turnaround times.

Source: Dona Ana County Building Services Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, renovations, demolition, land development, mobile/manufactured home installation, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work on structures in unincorporated areas.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Site plan showing lot lines and building locations with dimensions
• Construction drawings
• Contractor name, address, and NM license number
• Property owner name and address
• Legal description of property
• Written directions to site
• Description of work, construction materials, and total square footage

Permit validity

Work must commence within 180 days of issuance; permit expires if work is abandoned for 180 days.

Building code

International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code, International Plumbing Code, and New Mexico state amendments and construction standards as adopted by the county. County cannot provide code documents online due to copyright restrictions; copies available for review at 845 N. Motel Blvd.

Owner-builder

Homeowner permits are available for owner-occupied residential projects. A homeowner permit may NOT be used for a project where a GB-2 or GB-98 contractor is acting as general contractor.

Contractor requirements

All contractor work must be performed by a contractor licensed with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (Construction Industries Division). General building requires GB-2 (residential, up to 4-unit) or GB-98 (general building). Trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) requires separate state trade licenses. $10,000 bond and Workers Compensation coverage required.

Fees

Plan check fee

25% of total permit fee is due at time of application and is non-refundable.

Permit fee formula

New construction of single-family dwellings and duplexes: $0.20 per square foot of total floor area measured to outside walls (includes garage and covered porches). All other construction assessed on a valuation scale per the county fee ordinance.

Payment note

Accepted payment methods are Mastercard, Visa, Discover, check, and cash.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor repairs that do not affect structural integrity
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
• Cabinet installation and countertop replacement (non-structural)
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep (verify with department)

Important: Specific exemption list not published on county website. Contact Building Services at (575) 647-7350 to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• iWorQ portal (online)
• (575) 647-7350 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday during standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing inspection; framing inspection; rough-in (plumbing, mechanical, electrical); insulation inspection; final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code, International Plumbing Code, and New Mexico state amendments and construction standards as adopted by the county. County cannot provide code documents online due to copyright restrictions; copies available for review at 845 N. Motel Blvd.
• Verify contractor license: NM Construction Industries Division (CID) - Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• UDC on eCode360
• Community Development
• Planning and Zoning
• 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

Doña Ana County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Doña Ana County, NM?

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, renovations, demolition, land development, mobile/manufactured home installation, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work on structures in unincorporated areas.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Doña Ana County, NM?

Fees are calculated as: New construction of single-family dwellings and duplexes: $0.20 per square foot of total floor area measured to outside walls (includes garage and covered porches). All other construction assessed on a valuation scale per the county fee ordinance.. Plan check fee: 25% of total permit fee is due at time of application and is non-refundable..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Doña Ana County, NM?

1. Determine whether the project is in unincorporated Dona Ana County (not inside a city limit). 2. Download or pick up the appropriate application form from the Building Services office or the county permit forms page. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, contractor license information. 4. Submit application and 25% non-refundable deposit in person or via iWorQ online portal. 5. Plans routed to appropriate departments (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical) for review. 6. Pay remaining 75% of permit fee prior to permit issuance. 7. Permit issued; post on site before work begins. 8. Schedule inspections as work progresses through the iWorQ portal or by calling (575) 647-7350. 9. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued upon completion.

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

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact department for current turnaround times..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Doña Ana County, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs that do not affect structural integrity; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work; Cabinet installation and countertop replacement (non-structural); Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep (verify with department). Note: Specific exemption list not published on county website. Contact Building Services at (575) 647-7350 to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Doña Ana County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: iWorQ portal, (575) 647-7350.