On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hobbs
New buildings, additions, alterations, demolitions, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, prefabricated structures, manufactured homes, decks, fences, pools, and parking areas.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less (tool sheds, playhouses) with no utilities
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches from the exterior wall (R-3 and U occupancies)
- Exempt Partitions less than 5 feet 9 inches in height
Note: Exemption from permit does not exempt work from complying with adopted codes.
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential: typically same day or next day. Commercial: 1-10 working days.
- 01 Contact the Building Official at (575) 391-8158 or hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org to discuss project scope and applicable codes.
- 02 Download and complete the appropriate permit application from the city website.
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, trade schematics, ownership proof, and contractor license numbers.
- 04 Submit application package in person at 200 E. Broadway.
- 05 City reviews permit application (residential typically same day or next day; commercial 1-10 working days).
- 06 Pay permit fee upon approval.
- 07 Obtain permit and post on-site throughout construction.
- 08 Schedule inspections at each major construction phase (24-48 hours advance notice required).
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hobbs building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of building permit fee (per state baseline). Commercial discipline reviews (electrical, mechanical, accessibility): each 5% of building permit fee.
02
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 collected at permit issuance at 200 E. Broadway.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
Source: Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hobbs permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hobbs, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in Hobbs, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hobbs, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hobbs, NM, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hobbs, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in Hobbs, NM typically run Residential: typically same day or next day. Commercial: 1-10 working days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hobbs, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hobbs, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hobbs, NM via: (575) 391-8158, hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org. 24-48 hours advance notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/lea/hobbs
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspections, Planning/Engineering Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.