How much does a building permit cost in Hobbs, NM?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: $3.00 per $1,000 of valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000 (per state 14.5.5 NMAC baseline; city may set its own schedule). Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee (per state baseline). Commercial discipline reviews (electrical, mechanical, accessibility): each 5% of building permit fee..

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

1. Contact the Building Official at (575) 391-8158 or hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org to discuss project scope and applicable codes. 2. Download and complete the appropriate permit application from the city website. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, trade schematics, ownership proof, and contractor license numbers. 4. Submit application package in person at 200 E. Broadway. 5. City reviews permit application (residential typically same day or next day; commercial 1-10 working days). 6. Pay permit fee upon approval. 7. Obtain permit and post on-site throughout construction. 8. Schedule inspections at each major construction phase (24-48 hours advance notice required). 9. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.

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

Typical processing time is Residential: typically same day or next day. Commercial: 1-10 working days..

What work is exempt from building permits in Hobbs, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less (tool sheds, playhouses) with no utilities; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting a surcharge; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, less than 24 inches deep, not more than 5,000 gallons, and not equipped with a filtration system; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies); Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Exemption from permit does not exempt work from complying with adopted codes.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Hobbs, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 391-8158, hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org. 24-48 hours advance notice required.

City Building Permits

Hobbs, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Mexico Lea County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within Hobbs city limits. Projects outside city limits require Lea County/State CID permits.

Department: Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department
Address: 200 E. Broadway St., Hobbs, NM 88240
Phone: (575) 391-8158
Email: hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org
Website: https://www.hobbsnm.org/building_services.html

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Hobbs Building Services

Platform: Paper/PDF-based (no dedicated online portal) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the Building Official at (575) 391-8158 or hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org to discuss project scope and applicable codes.
Download and complete the appropriate permit application from the city website.
Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, trade schematics, ownership proof, and contractor license numbers.
Submit application package in person at 200 E. Broadway.
City reviews permit application (residential typically same day or next day; commercial 1-10 working days).
Pay permit fee upon approval.
Obtain permit and post on-site throughout construction.
Schedule inspections at each major construction phase (24-48 hours advance notice required).
Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.

Typical processing time: Residential: typically same day or next day. Commercial: 1-10 working days.

Source: Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department

General Requirements

New buildings, additions, alterations, demolitions, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, prefabricated structures, manufactured homes, decks, fences, pools, and parking areas.

Required Documents

Completed application form
Site plan showing property lines and structure locations
Construction drawings with dimensions and structural details
Trade schematics for electrical/plumbing/mechanical
Proof of property ownership
Contractor state license number (if applicable)

Permit validity: Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for more than 180 days. Extensions up to 180 additional days may be granted.
Building code: 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (effective 2022); 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (effective 2022-2024 phase-in); 2020 NEC (electrical); UPC (plumbing); UMC (mechanical); 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code.
Owner-builder: Homeowner Building Permits available under state 14.5.2.18 NMAC. Owner must occupy the residence as primary home and complete the major portion of work. Maximum one homeowner permit per 12-month period. Electrical homeowners must pass a competency exam (75% passing score). HVAC, natural gas, and LP gas work is prohibited under a homeowner permit.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must hold a current New Mexico Construction Industries (CID) license. License classes include GB-2 (residential) and GB-98 (general commercial). Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) require separate trade licenses. Businesses under $7,200/year annual revenue are exempt from licensing.

Fees

Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee (per state baseline). Commercial discipline reviews (electrical, mechanical, accessibility): each 5% of building permit fee.
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based: $3.00 per $1,000 of valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000 (per state 14.5.5 NMAC baseline; city may set its own schedule)
Payment note: Payment collected at permit issuance at 200 E. Broadway.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less (tool sheds, playhouses) with no utilities
Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting a surcharge
Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, less than 24 inches deep, not more than 5,000 gallons, and not equipped with a filtration system
Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies)
Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height

Important: Exemption from permit does not exempt work from complying with adopted codes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(575) 391-8158 (phone)
hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org (email)

Scheduling deadline: 24-48 hours advance notice required
Inspection hours: Business hours

Typical inspection sequence: (1) Foundation/footing after excavation with rebar in place; (2) Concrete slab or under-floor after service equipment placed; (3) Framing/rough-in after roof, framing, fire blocking, bracing, and rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical in place; (4) Weather-resistive barrier before cladding; (5) Insulation; (6) Final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (effective 2022); 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (effective 2022-2024 phase-in); 2020 NEC (electrical); UPC (plumbing); UMC (mechanical); 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code.
Verify contractor license: NM RLD Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
NM CID Forms and Applications
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 Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hobbs Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hobbs, NM?: New buildings, additions, alterations, demolitions, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, prefabricated structures, manufactured homes, decks, fences, pools, and parking areas.
How much does a building permit cost in Hobbs, NM?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: $3.00 per $1,000 of valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000 (per state 14.5.5 NMAC baseline; city may set its own schedule). Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee (per state baseline). Commercial discipline reviews (electrical, mechanical, accessibility): each 5% of building permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Hobbs, NM?: 1. Contact the Building Official at (575) 391-8158 or hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org to discuss project scope and applicable codes. 2. Download and complete the appropriate permit application from the city website. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, trade schematics, ownership proof, and contractor license numbers. 4. Submit application package in person at 200 E. Broadway. 5. City reviews permit application (residential typically same day or next day; commercial 1-10 working days). 6. Pay permit fee upon approval. 7. Obtain permit and post on-site throughout construction. 8. Schedule inspections at each major construction phase (24-48 hours advance notice required). 9. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Hobbs, NM?: Typical processing time is Residential: typically same day or next day. Commercial: 1-10 working days..
What work is exempt from building permits in Hobbs, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less (tool sheds, playhouses) with no utilities; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting a surcharge; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, less than 24 inches deep, not more than 5,000 gallons, and not equipped with a filtration system; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies); Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Exemption from permit does not exempt work from complying with adopted codes.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Hobbs, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 391-8158, hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org. 24-48 hours advance notice required.

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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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