Eddy County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

For all construction in unincorporated Eddy County -- meaning all parcels not within the incorporated limits of Carlsbad, Artesia, Loving, or Hope -- building permits are issued by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) under the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). New Mexico does not have county-level building departments; the state operates through regional CID offices. CID enforces the state construction codes under NMAC Title 14, Chapter 5. The Roswell office dispatches inspectors throughout the region including all of unincorporated Eddy County.

Department

New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Southeast Regional Office / Roswell Regional Office

Address

Roswell Regional Office -- 200 E. Chisum St., Roswell, NM 88201. This office serves Eddy, Chaves, Roosevelt, Lea, De Baca, Lincoln, Otero, and surrounding counties.

Phone

(575) 624-6060

Email

cid@rld.nm.gov

Website

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

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm that the project parcel is in unincorporated Eddy County using the Eddy County Assessor's parcel records or by calling Eddy County at (575) 885-3383.
2. Determine the permit type required: residential building, commercial building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, manufactured home, or demolition.
3. Create an account on the CID Online Services portal at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/online-services/ if submitting online, or download forms from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/ for paper submissions.
4. Complete the Multi-Purpose State Building Application (Form B-01) with property owner name, project address, legal description, parcel number, project description, estimated construction valuation, contractor name, NM CID license number and expiration date, and owner-builder certification if applicable.
5. Prepare the plan submittal package including site plan drawn to scale, residential or commercial construction drawings with dimensions, foundation plan, roof framing plan, cross-sections, exterior elevations, window/door schedule, stair and guardrail details, structural details, and energy compliance documentation (REScheck for residential, COMcheck for commercial).
6. Submit the complete package online via CID portal (preferred), or in person/by mail to the Roswell Regional Office with two complete sets for residential and three complete sets for commercial.
7. CID conducts an administrative completeness review. Incomplete submittals are returned with a deficiency notice.
8. CID technical plan review: residential typically 5-10 business days after complete submittal; commercial 10-20 business days; large or complex projects may take 20-30 business days.
9. Upon plan approval, CID issues an approval letter and fee calculation. Applicant pays the permit fee.
10. Permit is issued once payment is confirmed. The permit card and stamped approved plans are provided.
11. Post the permit card prominently at the construction site entry. Stamped approved plans must be kept at the jobsite and available for inspector review at all times during construction.
12. Schedule each required inspection by calling the Roswell Regional Office at (575) 624-6060 with a minimum of 24-48 hours advance notice. Provide the permit number, project address, and the specific inspection type requested.

Typical processing time: Residential: 5-10 business days for plan review; Commercial: 10-20 business days; Industrial: 15-30 business days depending on complexity. Timelines are estimates and may vary based on CID workload, which fluctuates with oilfield construction activity in the region.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Southeast Regional Office / Roswell Regional Office

General Requirements

The following categories of work require a CID building permit in unincorporated Eddy County: new construction of any building or structure intended for human occupancy or use; additions to existing buildings; alterations affecting structural elements, fire-resistive construction, means of egress, plumbing or mechanical systems, electrical service, or occupancy classification; demolition; change of occupancy or use classification; electrical work (new service, upgrades, panel replacements, new circuits, subpanels, generator hookups); plumbing work (new supply or DWV installations, re-piping, water heater replacement, fixture additions); mechanical/HVAC work (new systems, ductwork, gas piping, evaporative cooler installation); roof replacement with structural work; swimming pools and spas; manufactured and modular home installation; accessory dwelling units (ADUs); detached garages, shops, and barns with utility connections; retaining walls over 4 feet; prefabricated steel and metal buildings; towers, antennas, and communications structures; change of address or building use affecting code compliance; oilfield support buildings on non-OCD-regulated sites.

Required Documents

• Completed CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application (Form B-01)
• Site plan drawn to scale showing parcel boundaries, setbacks, existing and proposed structures, driveways, well location if applicable, septic/OSSF field if applicable, drainage swales, and finished floor elevation relative to grade
• 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 property ownership: recorded warranty deed, current tax record, or other instrument acceptable to CID
• 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
• Manufactured home: HUD compliance label number and NM-licensed installer information
• OSSF approval from NMED if project requires new septic system

Permit validity

Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days from the date of issuance. Permits also expire if work is suspended or abandoned for any 180-consecutive-day period after commencement. Before expiration, the permit holder may request one extension of up to 180 additional days in writing to CID. Permits are not transferable to new property owners or new contractors without prior written CID approval. Expired permits require a new application.

Building code

2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC), based on 2021 IRC with NM-specific amendments, adopted under 14.5.2 NMAC; 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NM CBC), based on 2021 IBC with NM amendments, adopted under 14.5.3 NMAC; 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code (based on IEBC), adopted under 14.5.4 NMAC; 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted under 14.5.19 NMAC; Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with NM amendments, adopted under 14.5.13 NMAC; Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) with NM amendments, adopted under 14.5.15 NMAC; 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (NMECC), adopted under 14.5.11 NMAC (Eddy County is primarily Climate Zone 3B); 2021 International Fire Code (IFC); NM Accessibility Standards (Chapter 341 NMAC) and ADA requirements apply to commercial structures.

Owner-builder

Individual property owners may apply for a homeowner building permit to construct or improve a single-family residence they own and intend to occupy as their primary residence. The owner must perform the major portion of the construction work themselves; they may hire W-2 employees and may subcontract work to NM-licensed specialty contractors. Limited to one homeowner permit per 12-month period per owner across all New Mexico properties. Homeowners performing their own electrical work must pass the NM Journeyman Electrician competency examination with a minimum score of 75%. HVAC, natural gas piping, and LP gas installations must be performed by licensed contractors regardless of homeowner permit status.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing construction work in New Mexico must hold a current license from NM RLD Construction Industries Division. Applicable license classes include: GB-2 (Residential Building Contractor for single-family up to 3 stories); GB-98 (General Commercial Contractor); EE-1 (Electrical Contractor business license); EE-98 (Journeyman Electrician individual qualification); MM-98 (Mechanical Contractor for HVAC, refrigeration); PB-98 (Plumbing Contractor); WS-2 (Water Well Pump Installer); SS- (fire suppression); EL- (elevator); MH- (manufactured home installation). Out-of-state contractors must obtain a NM CID license before commencing work in New Mexico; reciprocity is limited. Verify contractor license status at: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/verify-a-license/

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50.00

Plan check fee

20% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based sliding scale per 14.5.5 NMAC: $25.00 flat for $1-$500; $25.00 + $3.05 per $100 over $500 for $501-$2,000; $71.25 + $14.00 per $1,000 over $2,000 for $2,001-$25,000; $392.75 + $10.10 per $1,000 over $25,000 for $25,001-$50,000; $645.25 + $7.00 per $1,000 over $50,000 for $50,001-$100,000; $995.25 + $5.60 per $1,000 over $100,000 for $100,001-$500,000; $3,235.25 + $4.75 per $1,000 over $500,000 for $500,001 and above.

Trade permit fee

Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees per schedule

Reinspection fee

$75.00 per failed attempt

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fee for building without a permit

Payment note

CID may audit valuations and use Building Valuation Data (BVD) if declared valuation appears significantly understated. Falsely declared valuations may result in civil penalties.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures 120 sq ft or less without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities (subject to zoning standards)
• Retaining walls under 4 feet measured from bottom of footing
• Finish work (interior paint, flooring, wall coverings on existing assemblies)
• Small above-ground pools and playground equipment

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Electrical permits are still required for agricultural structures and accessory buildings with utilities. Confirm edge cases with CID before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (575) 624-6060 (Roswell Regional Office) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24-48 hours advance notice required. Requests for remote areas like Hope may require 48-72 hours notice.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/foundation, underground utilities, slab, framing and rough-in (combined), weather-resistive barrier, insulation, energy testing if required, final. Commercial projects add special inspections (soils, concrete, structural steel, masonry), fire suppression rough-in and final, fire alarm rough-in and final, accessibility inspection, Certificate of Occupancy inspection.

Remote video inspections may be used for certain inspection types at CID's discretion. For remote projects in rural unincorporated Eddy County, particularly western areas near Hope, allow 48-72 hours inspection lead time given travel distance from Roswell (approximately 55-90+ miles).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC), based on 2021 IRC with NM-specific amendments, adopted under 14.5.2 NMAC; 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NM CBC), based on 2021 IBC with NM amendments, adopted under 14.5.3 NMAC; 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code (based on IEBC), adopted under 14.5.4 NMAC; 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted under 14.5.19 NMAC; Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with NM amendments, adopted under 14.5.13 NMAC; Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) with NM amendments, adopted under 14.5.15 NMAC; 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (NMECC), adopted under 14.5.11 NMAC (Eddy County is primarily Climate Zone 3B); 2021 International Fire Code (IFC); NM Accessibility Standards (Chapter 341 NMAC) and ADA requirements apply to commercial structures.
• Verify contractor license: NM CID License Lookup
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• NM CID Main Santa Fe Office
• Eddy County Assessor
• FEMA Flood Maps
• NM Oil Conservation Division
• 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

Eddy County Building Permit FAQ

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

The following categories of work require a CID building permit in unincorporated Eddy County: new construction of any building or structure intended for human occupancy or use; additions to existing buildings; alterations affecting structural elements, fire-resistive construction, means of egress, plumbing or mechanical systems, electrical service, or occupancy classification; demolition; change of occupancy or use classification; electrical work (new service, upgrades, panel replacements, new circuits, subpanels, generator hookups); plumbing work (new supply or DWV installations, re-piping, water heater replacement, fixture additions); mechanical/HVAC work (new systems, ductwork, gas piping, evaporative cooler installation); roof replacement with structural work; swimming pools and spas; manufactured and modular home installation; accessory dwelling units (ADUs); detached garages, shops, and barns with utility connections; retaining walls over 4 feet; prefabricated steel and metal buildings; towers, antennas, and communications structures; change of address or building use affecting code compliance; oilfield support buildings on non-OCD-regulated sites.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based sliding scale per 14.5.5 NMAC: $25.00 flat for $1-$500; $25.00 + $3.05 per $100 over $500 for $501-$2,000; $71.25 + $14.00 per $1,000 over $2,000 for $2,001-$25,000; $392.75 + $10.10 per $1,000 over $25,000 for $25,001-$50,000; $645.25 + $7.00 per $1,000 over $50,000 for $50,001-$100,000; $995.25 + $5.60 per $1,000 over $100,000 for $100,001-$500,000; $3,235.25 + $4.75 per $1,000 over $500,000 for $500,001 and above.. Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee.

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

1. Confirm that the project parcel is in unincorporated Eddy County using the Eddy County Assessor's parcel records or by calling Eddy County at (575) 885-3383. 2. Determine the permit type required: residential building, commercial building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, manufactured home, or demolition. 3. Create an account on the CID Online Services portal at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/online-services/ if submitting online, or download forms from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/ for paper submissions. 4. Complete the Multi-Purpose State Building Application (Form B-01) with property owner name, project address, legal description, parcel number, project description, estimated construction valuation, contractor name, NM CID license number and expiration date, and owner-builder certification if applicable. 5. Prepare the plan submittal package including site plan drawn to scale, residential or commercial construction drawings with dimensions, foundation plan, roof framing plan, cross-sections, exterior elevations, window/door schedule, stair and guardrail details, structural details, and energy compliance documentation (REScheck for residential, COMcheck for commercial). 6. Submit the complete package online via CID portal (preferred), or in person/by mail to the Roswell Regional Office with two complete sets for residential and three complete sets for commercial. 7. CID conducts an administrative completeness review. Incomplete submittals are returned with a deficiency notice. 8. CID technical plan review: residential typically 5-10 business days after complete submittal; commercial 10-20 business days; large or complex projects may take 20-30 business days. 9. Upon plan approval, CID issues an approval letter and fee calculation. Applicant pays the permit fee. 10. Permit is issued once payment is confirmed. The permit card and stamped approved plans are provided. 11. Post the permit card prominently at the construction site entry. Stamped approved plans must be kept at the jobsite and available for inspector review at all times during construction. 12. Schedule each required inspection by calling the Roswell Regional Office at (575) 624-6060 with a minimum of 24-48 hours advance notice. Provide the permit number, project address, and the specific inspection type requested.

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

Typical processing time is Residential: 5-10 business days for plan review; Commercial: 10-20 business days; Industrial: 15-30 business days depending on complexity. Timelines are estimates and may vary based on CID workload, which fluctuates with oilfield construction activity in the region..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures 120 sq ft or less without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities (subject to zoning standards); Retaining walls under 4 feet measured from bottom of footing; Finish work (interior paint, flooring, wall coverings on existing assemblies); Small above-ground pools and playground equipment. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Electrical permits are still required for agricultural structures and accessory buildings with utilities. Confirm edge cases with CID before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 624-6060 (Roswell Regional Office). Minimum 24-48 hours advance notice required. Requests for remote areas like Hope may require 48-72 hours notice..