How much does a building permit cost in Town of Tatum, NM?

Fees are calculated as: State CID baseline applies: $3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000 valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. Local fees may apply additionally.. Plan check fee: State baseline: 20% of building permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Tatum, NM?

1. Contact Town Hall at (575) 398-4633 to confirm requirements and which department handles your permit type. 2. Obtain the NM State CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application. 3. Prepare site plan showing structure location relative to highway centerlines (required per town ordinance for any property near US Hwy 380 or State Hwy 18). 4. Submit application and plat to Town Clerk-Treasurer. 5. Town reviews for local ordinance compliance including highway setbacks. 6. State CID issues permit upon town clearance. 7. Pay permit fees. 8. Schedule required inspections as work progresses. 9. Final inspection and occupancy upon completion.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Tatum, NM?

Typical processing time is Contact Town Hall for estimate.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Tatum, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less with no utilities; Retaining walls under 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; Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings; Partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Contact Town Hall to confirm project-specific exemptions. Data availability for Tatum is limited; most permitting detail must be obtained directly from Town Hall.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Tatum, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 398-4633.

City Building Permits

Town of Tatum, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Mexico Lea County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers construction within Tatum town limits. Tatum has adopted the State of New Mexico Building Code as its own building rules.

Department: Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters)
Address: 120 West Broadway, Tatum, NM 88267
Phone: (575) 398-4633
Email: publicworksdirector@townoftatum.org
Website: https://townoftatum.org/

Online Permit Portal

Open Town of Tatum

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

Application Process

Contact Town Hall at (575) 398-4633 to confirm requirements and which department handles your permit type.
Obtain the NM State CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application.
Prepare site plan showing structure location relative to highway centerlines (required per town ordinance for any property near US Hwy 380 or State Hwy 18).
Submit application and plat to Town Clerk-Treasurer.
Town reviews for local ordinance compliance including highway setbacks.
State CID issues permit upon town clearance.
Pay permit fees.
Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
Final inspection and occupancy upon completion.

Typical processing time: Contact Town Hall for estimate

Source: Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters)

General Requirements

No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, move, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a separate permit. Mobile home installation also requires a permit.

Required Documents

Completed application
Plat indicating proposed structure location relative to highway centerline (if applicable)
Site plan
Construction documents
Contractor license information

Permit validity: Per state 14.5.2 NMAC: expires if work not commenced within 180 days or suspended more than 180 days.
Building code: Town of Tatum has adopted all conditions, provisions, limitations, and terms of the State of New Mexico Building Code as its building regulations.
Owner-builder: State homeowner permit (14.5.2.18 NMAC) applies. Contact Town Hall to confirm local process.
Contractor requirements: NM CID license required for all contractors. State trades licensing required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical.

Fees

Plan check fee: State baseline: 20% of building permit fee.
Permit fee formula: State CID baseline applies: $3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000 valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. Local fees may apply additionally.
Payment note: Payment at Town Hall; contact for accepted payment methods.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(575) 398-4633 (phone)

Inspection hours: Contact Town Hall for hours

Typical inspection sequence: Standard NM sequence per adopted state codes: foundation, rough-in, insulation, final.

Additional Resources

Building code: Town of Tatum has adopted all conditions, provisions, limitations, and terms of the State of New Mexico Building Code as its building regulations.
Verify contractor license: NM RLD Contractor License Lookup
Tatum Municipal Code
Tatum Building Code
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 Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Tatum Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Tatum, NM?: No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, move, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a separate permit. Mobile home installation also requires a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Tatum, NM?: Fees are calculated as: State CID baseline applies: $3.00 per $1,000 up to $15,000 valuation; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. Local fees may apply additionally.. Plan check fee: State baseline: 20% of building permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Tatum, NM?: 1. Contact Town Hall at (575) 398-4633 to confirm requirements and which department handles your permit type. 2. Obtain the NM State CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application. 3. Prepare site plan showing structure location relative to highway centerlines (required per town ordinance for any property near US Hwy 380 or State Hwy 18). 4. Submit application and plat to Town Clerk-Treasurer. 5. Town reviews for local ordinance compliance including highway setbacks. 6. State CID issues permit upon town clearance. 7. Pay permit fees. 8. Schedule required inspections as work progresses. 9. Final inspection and occupancy upon completion.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Tatum, NM?: Typical processing time is Contact Town Hall for estimate.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Tatum, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less with no utilities; Retaining walls under 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; Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings; Partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height. Note: Contact Town Hall to confirm project-specific exemptions. Data availability for Tatum is limited; most permitting detail must be obtained directly from Town Hall.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Tatum, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (575) 398-4633.

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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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