How much does a building permit cost in Las Cruces, NM?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Permit fees calculated using the City of Las Cruces Valuation Table in the fee schedule. Both residential and commercial permit fees are based on project valuation.. Plan check fee: 25% of total permit fee, due at time of plan submittal; non-refundable..

How do I apply for a building permit in Las Cruces, NM?

1. Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account at https://aca-prod.accela.com/lascruces/Default.aspx. 2. Submit application with all required project information, plans, and supporting documents through Accela. 3. Pay 25% plan check fee (non-refundable) at time of plan submittal. 4. Plans reviewed by Building and Development Services for compliance with city codes. 5. Residential permits processed within 0 to 3 business days; commercial permits processed within 0 to 8 business days depending on project valuation. 6. Pay remaining permit fees prior to or at time of permit issuance. 7. Permit issued; post on job site before work begins. 8. Schedule required inspections through Accela portal as work progresses. 9. Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Las Cruces, NM?

Typical processing time is Residential 0 to 3 business days; commercial 0 to 8 business days..

What work is exempt from building permits in Las Cruces, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work: painting, flooring, wallpaper, cabinets, trim (non-structural); Replacing like-for-like fixtures (plumbing/electrical) without altering layout in some cases; Fences under certain height thresholds (verify current threshold with department). Note: Specific exemption list governed by IBC Section 105.2 as locally amended. Consult Las Cruces Land Development Code Chapter 30 or contact (575) 528-3059 for confirmation.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Las Cruces, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access portal. Inspection requests may be submitted up to 5 working days in advance. Same-day or non-working-day requests are not permitted..

City Building Permits

Las Cruces, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico Doña Ana County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within Las Cruces city limits, the largest municipality in Dona Ana County and in southern New Mexico.

Department: City of Las Cruces Building and Development Services
Address: 150 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 528-3059
Website: https://lascruces.gov/directories-resources/permits-licenses-and-registrations/

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Citizen Access

Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account at https://aca-prod.accela.com/lascruces/Default.aspx.
Submit application with all required project information, plans, and supporting documents through Accela.
Pay 25% plan check fee (non-refundable) at time of plan submittal.
Plans reviewed by Building and Development Services for compliance with city codes.
Residential permits processed within 0 to 3 business days; commercial permits processed within 0 to 8 business days depending on project valuation.
Pay remaining permit fees prior to or at time of permit issuance.
Permit issued; post on job site before work begins.
Schedule required inspections through Accela portal as work progresses.
Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued.

Typical processing time: Residential 0 to 3 business days; commercial 0 to 8 business days.

Source: City of Las Cruces Building and Development Services

General Requirements

New construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, reroofing, foundation work, fences, walls, accessory structures (sheds, garages), pools, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.

Required Documents

Completed Accela application
Site plan
Construction drawings with dimensions, materials, and layout
Contractor NM license number
Property owner information
Project valuation

Permit validity: Standard 180-day commencement and 180-day continuity requirements per adopted IBC/IRC. Verify current validity period with department.
Building code: International Building Code (IBC) 2018, International Residential Code (IRC) 2018, National Electrical Code (NEC), International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, and New Mexico state amendments. Land Development Code Chapter 30 governs building and permit processes.
Owner-builder: Owner-builder permits available for owner-occupied residential. Homeowner must demonstrate occupancy. State CID homeowner permit application may be required and must be notarized. Contact department for current requirements.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must hold a valid New Mexico state contractor license. GB-2 for residential (up to 4 units), GB-98 for general building. Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) required for respective work.

Fees

Plan check fee: 25% of total permit fee, due at time of plan submittal; non-refundable.
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based. Permit fees calculated using the City of Las Cruces Valuation Table in the fee schedule. Both residential and commercial permit fees are based on project valuation.
Payment note: Fees due at time of application (25% upfront); remainder due before permit issuance. Expedited permitting available on request (additional fee may apply).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Minor cosmetic work: painting, flooring, wallpaper, cabinets, trim (non-structural)
Replacing like-for-like fixtures (plumbing/electrical) without altering layout in some cases
Fences under certain height thresholds (verify current threshold with department)

Important: Specific exemption list governed by IBC Section 105.2 as locally amended. Consult Las Cruces Land Development Code Chapter 30 or contact (575) 528-3059 for confirmation.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Accela Citizen Access portal (online)

Scheduling deadline: Inspection requests may be submitted up to 5 working days in advance. Same-day or non-working-day requests are not permitted.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/slab; framing; rough-in (plumbing, mechanical, electrical); insulation; drywall; final. Reroof inspections follow a specific process under Land Development Code Division 9.

Interactive Video Inspection (IVI) available as alternative to on-site inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code (IBC) 2018, International Residential Code (IRC) 2018, National Electrical Code (NEC), International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, and New Mexico state amendments. Land Development Code Chapter 30 governs building and permit processes.
Verify contractor license: NM Construction Industries Division (CID) - Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Land Development Code
Popular Resources
Community Development Department
License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Las Cruces Building and Development Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Las Cruces, NM?: New construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, reroofing, foundation work, fences, walls, accessory structures (sheds, garages), pools, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.
How much does a building permit cost in Las Cruces, NM?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Permit fees calculated using the City of Las Cruces Valuation Table in the fee schedule. Both residential and commercial permit fees are based on project valuation.. Plan check fee: 25% of total permit fee, due at time of plan submittal; non-refundable..
How do I apply for a building permit in Las Cruces, NM?: 1. Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account at https://aca-prod.accela.com/lascruces/Default.aspx. 2. Submit application with all required project information, plans, and supporting documents through Accela. 3. Pay 25% plan check fee (non-refundable) at time of plan submittal. 4. Plans reviewed by Building and Development Services for compliance with city codes. 5. Residential permits processed within 0 to 3 business days; commercial permits processed within 0 to 8 business days depending on project valuation. 6. Pay remaining permit fees prior to or at time of permit issuance. 7. Permit issued; post on job site before work begins. 8. Schedule required inspections through Accela portal as work progresses. 9. Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Las Cruces, NM?: Typical processing time is Residential 0 to 3 business days; commercial 0 to 8 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in Las Cruces, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work: painting, flooring, wallpaper, cabinets, trim (non-structural); Replacing like-for-like fixtures (plumbing/electrical) without altering layout in some cases; Fences under certain height thresholds (verify current threshold with department). Note: Specific exemption list governed by IBC Section 105.2 as locally amended. Consult Las Cruces Land Development Code Chapter 30 or contact (575) 528-3059 for confirmation.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Las Cruces, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access portal. Inspection requests may be submitted up to 5 working days in advance. Same-day or non-working-day requests are not permitted..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Las Cruces can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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