On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tatum
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.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 120 sq ft or less with no utilities
- Exempt Retaining walls under 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
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Plat indicating proposed structure location relative to highway centerline (if applicable)
- Site plan
- Construction documents
- Contractor license information
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Per state 14.5.2 NMAC: expires if work not commenced within 180 days or suspended more than 180 days.
- 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.
Source: Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact Town Hall for estimate
- 01 Contact Town Hall at (575) 398-4633 to confirm requirements and which department handles your permit type.
- 02 Obtain the NM State CID Multi-Purpose State Building Application or Homeowner Building Permit Application.
- 03 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).
- 04 Submit application and plat to Town Clerk-Treasurer.
- 05 Town reviews for local ordinance compliance including highway setbacks.
- 06 State CID issues permit upon town clearance.
- 07 Pay permit fees.
- 08 Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Tatum building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
State baseline: 20% of building permit fee.
02
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 at Town Hall; contact for accepted payment methods.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (575) 398-4633 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Contact Town Hall for hours
Typical sequence: Standard NM sequence per adopted state codes: foundation, rough-in, insulation, final.
Source: Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tatum permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Tatum, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in Tatum, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Tatum, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Tatum, NM, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Tatum, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in Tatum, NM typically run Contact Town Hall for estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Tatum, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tatum, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Tatum, NM via: (575) 398-4633.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters) ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/lea/tatum
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Tatum (Public Works Director handles construction-related matters) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.