On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Artesia
Same triggers as Carlsbad and state CID. All new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and all trade (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) work within Artesia city limits require permits. Industrial projects at or near the refinery within city limits require standard building permits; refinery process equipment is subject to federal regulations (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP) but structures housing that equipment require city permits.
- Exempt Accessory structures 120 sq ft or less without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities (subject to zoning standards)
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet
- Exempt Finish work (interior paint, flooring, wall coverings on existing assemblies)
- Exempt Small above-ground pools and playground equipment
Note: Code exemptions same as state CID/Carlsbad sections. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
- Completed permit application (city form or state CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application Form B-01)
- Site plan drawn to scale showing property boundaries, setbacks, existing and proposed structures, utilities, drainage
- Construction drawings: two sets for residential; three sets for commercial
- Commercial: plans stamped and signed by NM-licensed architect or professional engineer
- Energy compliance documentation: REScheck (residential) or COMcheck (commercial)
- Proof of ownership: recorded warranty deed, current tax record, or other acceptable instrument
- Contractor information: NM CID license number, license classification, license expiration date for all contractors
- Homeowner building permit declaration if applicable under 14.5.2.18 NMAC
- Building code
- State of New Mexico codes apply: 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC); 2021 NM Commercial Building Code; 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC); Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC); 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code (NMECC). Artesia is in New Mexico Climate Zone 3B. Contact Building Services to confirm currently enforced code editions.
- Permit validity
- Per state codes (14.5.2.7 NMAC): permits expire 180 days after issuance if work has not commenced, or after 180 consecutive days of work suspension or abandonment. One extension available upon written request. Permits are not transferable without prior written approval.
- Owner-builder
- State 14.5.2.18 NMAC applies within Artesia. Same conditions as CID/Carlsbad sections. Contact Artesia Building Services to confirm any local application nuances.
- Contractor requirements
- NM CID license required for all contractors in the appropriate class (GB-2 for residential, GB-98 for commercial, EE-1 for electrical business, EE-98 for journeyman electrician, MM-98 for mechanical, PB-98 for plumbing). For refinery/industrial work within city limits, contractors must also meet plant-operator-specific requirements (OSHA PSM, safe work practices, site safety orientation) independent of NM CID licensing. Verify contractor license status at: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/verify-a-license/
Source: City of Artesia Building Services / Code Enforcement ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Residential: 5-10 business days; Commercial: 10-20 business days; Industrial: contact Building Official for estimate.
- 01 Contact Artesia City Hall at (575) 746-1210 and ask for Building Services to confirm permit requirements and obtain the correct application form(s) for the project.
- 02 For commercial, industrial, or refinery-adjacent projects, request a pre-application conference with the Building Official to identify plan requirements, code compliance strategy, and coordination with Artesia Fire Department.
- 03 Complete the required application form (city form or NM CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application, as directed by department).
- 04 Prepare the submittal package including site plan, construction drawings scaled appropriately for residential versus commercial projects, stamped engineering plans for commercial, energy compliance documentation, proof of ownership, and contractor license numbers.
- 05 Submit complete package in person at City Hall, 511 W. Texas Ave., Artesia, NM 88210.
- 06 Plan review period: residential 5-10 business days; commercial 10-20 business days; industrial/refinery-adjacent projects -- contact Building Official for estimate.
- 07 Respond to plan review comments and resubmit corrected documents if required.
- 08 Upon plan approval, receive fee calculation and pay at City Hall.
- 09 Collect permit card and approved plans. Post permit at site; keep plans at jobsite.
- 10 Schedule inspections with Building Services at (575) 746-1210 with minimum 24-48 hours advance notice.
- 11 For refinery/industrial work, pre-coordinate with Building Official on inspection scheduling aligned with plant safety requirements (hot work permits, confined space procedures, process shutdowns).
- 12 Coordinate fire protection system inspections with Artesia Fire Department, (575) 748-3210.
- 13 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (commercial) or final inspection sign-off (residential) upon passing all required inspections.
Typical processing time: Residential: 5-10 business days; Commercial: 10-20 business days; Industrial: contact Building Official for estimate.
Source: City of Artesia Building Services / Code Enforcement ↗
Fee schedule
Artesia building permit fees
Payment methods: in-person at City Hall. Contact for accepted payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (575) 746-1210 (City Hall, Building Services) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24-48 hours advance notice required. Confirm whether online or email scheduling is available.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, standard city business hours (confirm with City Hall)
Typical sequence: Same as Carlsbad section -- footing/foundation, underground utilities, slab, framing/rough-in, WRB, insulation, energy testing if required, final. Commercial projects add special inspections and fire system inspections. Coordinate fire protection system inspections with Artesia Fire Department, (575) 748-3210.
For industrial/refinery projects: Artesia's building inspectors work with industrial clients on construction within city limits. Pre-coordination with the Building Official is essential to align inspection scheduling with plant safety requirements (hot work permits, confined space procedures, process shutdowns required for adjacent work). Contact Building Services early to develop an inspection plan.
Source: City of Artesia Building Services / Code Enforcement ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Artesia permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Artesia, NM? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Artesia, NM? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Artesia, NM? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Artesia, NM? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Artesia, NM? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Artesia, NM? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Artesia Building Services / Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.