On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lovington
New construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and all trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) within city limits.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less with no utilities
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity 5,000 gallons or less
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Finishing work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops)
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons or less
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings with limited projection
- Exempt Partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height
Note: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm project-specific exemptions within city limits.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan with property lines and proposed structure dimensions
- Construction drawings
- Proof of ownership
- Contractor license numbers
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Per state 14.5.2 NMAC: expires if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance or suspended more than 180 days.
- 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.
Source: Planning and Zoning Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact department for estimate
- 01 Contact Planning and Zoning at (575) 396-9301 or cball@lovington.org to confirm zoning compliance and permit requirements.
- 02 Obtain and complete the applicable application (state CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or city application as directed).
- 03 Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings, warranty deed or proof of ownership, contractor license information.
- 04 Submit completed application package to City Hall, 214 South Love Street, during office hours.
- 05 City conducts plan review for compliance with local zoning, floodplain, and state codes.
- 06 If state CID permit is required (typical for construction work), city forwards to or assists applicant with CID submission.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fees.
- 08 Obtain permit and schedule inspections with the department.
- 09 Receive final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of required inspections.
Typical processing time: Contact department for estimate
Source: Planning and Zoning Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lovington building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
State baseline: 20% of building permit fee.
02
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.
Municipal online payments portal available at https://lovingtonnm.municipalonlinepayments.com/lovingtonnm
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Standard NM sequence: foundation, rough framing/trade rough-in, insulation, final. Department provides inspection list at permit issuance.
Source: Planning and Zoning Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lovington permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lovington, NM? ▸
New construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and all trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) within city limits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lovington, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in Lovington, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lovington, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Lovington, NM, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lovington, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in Lovington, NM typically run Contact department for estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lovington, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lovington, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lovington, NM via: (575) 396-9301.
last verified April 2026
source Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/lea/lovington
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.