City of Las Cruces

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

• Exempt Minor cosmetic work: painting, flooring, wallpaper, cabinets, trim (non-structural)
• Exempt Replacing like-for-like fixtures (plumbing/electrical) without altering layout in some cases
• Exempt 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.

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.

Permit validity

Standard 180-day commencement and 180-day continuity requirements per adopted IBC/IRC. Verify current validity period with department.

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.

1. 01
   Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account at https://aca-prod.accela.com/lascruces/Default.aspx.
2. 02
   Submit application with all required project information, plans, and supporting documents through Accela.
3. 03
   Pay 25% plan check fee (non-refundable) at time of plan submittal.
4. 04
   Plans reviewed by Building and Development Services for compliance with city codes.
5. 05
   Residential permits processed within 0 to 3 business days; commercial permits processed within 0 to 8 business days depending on project valuation.
6. 06
   Pay remaining permit fees prior to or at time of permit issuance.
7. 07
   Permit issued; post on job site before work begins.
8. 08
   Schedule required inspections through Accela portal as work progresses.
9. 09
   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 ↗

Fees due at time of application (25% upfront); remainder due before permit issuance. Expedited permitting available on request (additional fee may apply).

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2023) before budgeting.

• 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 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.