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

Fees are calculated as: Fees based on type of construction, square footage, type of materials, and construction costs. State CID baseline: $3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000 valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000.. Plan check fee: State baseline: 20% of building permit fee..

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

1. Contact Planning and Zoning at (575) 396-9301 or cball@lovington.org to confirm zoning compliance and permit requirements. 2. Obtain and complete the applicable application (state CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or city application as directed). 3. Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings, warranty deed or proof of ownership, contractor license information. 4. Submit completed application package to City Hall, 214 South Love Street, during office hours. 5. City conducts plan review for compliance with local zoning, floodplain, and state codes. 6. If state CID permit is required (typical for construction work), city forwards to or assists applicant with CID submission. 7. Pay applicable permit fees. 8. Obtain permit and schedule inspections with the department. 9. Receive final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of required inspections.

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

Typical processing time is Contact department for estimate.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less with no utilities; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Finishing work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops); Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons or less; Swings and playground equipment accessory to dwellings; Window awnings with limited projection; Partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm project-specific exemptions within city limits.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 396-9301.

City Building Permits

Lovington, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Mexico Lea County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within Lovington city limits. Lovington is the Lea County seat. Department assists with both local and state CID required permitting.

Department: Planning and Zoning Department
Address: 214 South Love Street, Lovington, NM 88260
Phone: (575) 396-9301
Email: cball@lovington.org
Website: https://www.lovington.org/departments/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Lovington Planning and Zoning

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

Additional resources:

Municipal Online Payments

Application Process

Contact Planning and Zoning at (575) 396-9301 or cball@lovington.org to confirm zoning compliance and permit requirements.
Obtain and complete the applicable application (state CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or city application as directed).
Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings, warranty deed or proof of ownership, contractor license information.
Submit completed application package to City Hall, 214 South Love Street, during office hours.
City conducts plan review for compliance with local zoning, floodplain, and state codes.
If state CID permit is required (typical for construction work), city forwards to or assists applicant with CID submission.
Pay applicable permit fees.
Obtain permit and schedule inspections with the department.
Receive final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of required inspections.

Typical processing time: Contact department for estimate

Source: Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

New construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and all trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) within city limits.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan with property lines and proposed structure dimensions
Construction drawings
Proof of ownership
Contractor license numbers

Permit validity: Per state 14.5.2 NMAC: expires if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance or suspended more than 180 days.
Building code: State of New Mexico construction codes as adopted through NM RLD/CID. Includes 2021 NM Residential and Commercial Building Codes, 2020 NEC, UPC, UMC.
Owner-builder: State homeowner permit (14.5.2.18 NMAC) applies. Owner must be primary occupant, must complete major portion of work, may subcontract to licensed trades. One homeowner permit per 12-month period. Electrical requires competency exam. HVAC/gas work excluded.
Contractor requirements: NM CID license required for all contractors. State trades licensing required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.

Fees

Plan check fee: State baseline: 20% of building permit fee.
Permit fee formula: Fees based on type of construction, square footage, type of materials, and construction costs. State CID baseline: $3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000 valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000.
Payment note: Municipal online payments portal available at https://lovingtonnm.municipalonlinepayments.com/lovingtonnm

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 with no utilities
Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Finishing work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops)
Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons or less
Swings and playground equipment accessory to dwellings
Window awnings with limited projection
Partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height

Important: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm project-specific exemptions within city limits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(575) 396-9301 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Standard NM sequence: foundation, rough framing/trade rough-in, insulation, final. Department provides inspection list at permit issuance.

Additional Resources

Building code: State of New Mexico construction codes as adopted through NM RLD/CID. Includes 2021 NM Residential and Commercial Building Codes, 2020 NEC, UPC, UMC.
Verify contractor license: NM RLD Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
City of Lovington Main Site
NM CID Forms
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 Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lovington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Lovington, NM?: New construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and all trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) within city limits.
How much does a building permit cost in Lovington, NM?: Fees are calculated as: Fees based on type of construction, square footage, type of materials, and construction costs. State CID baseline: $3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000 valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000.. Plan check fee: State baseline: 20% of building permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Lovington, NM?: 1. Contact Planning and Zoning at (575) 396-9301 or cball@lovington.org to confirm zoning compliance and permit requirements. 2. Obtain and complete the applicable application (state CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or city application as directed). 3. Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings, warranty deed or proof of ownership, contractor license information. 4. Submit completed application package to City Hall, 214 South Love Street, during office hours. 5. City conducts plan review for compliance with local zoning, floodplain, and state codes. 6. If state CID permit is required (typical for construction work), city forwards to or assists applicant with CID submission. 7. Pay applicable permit fees. 8. Obtain permit and schedule inspections with the department. 9. Receive final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of required inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Lovington, NM?: Typical processing time is Contact department for estimate.
What work is exempt from building permits in Lovington, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less with no utilities; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Finishing work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops); Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons or less; Swings and playground equipment accessory to dwellings; Window awnings with limited projection; Partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm project-specific exemptions within city limits.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Lovington, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 396-9301.

Need help with your project?

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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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