Gallup, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All construction within the incorporated City of Gallup. Gallup is a Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) designated by New Mexico CID and administers its own building permits and inspections. Properties outside city limits are subject to CID (if fee-simple) or tribal permitting.

Department

City of Gallup Building and Safety Department

Address

110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, NM 87301 (City Hall / Community Development)

Phone

(505) 863-1241

Website

https://www.gallupnm.gov/196/Building-Safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm property is within incorporated City of Gallup. Use city GIS tool at https://www.gallupnm.gov/156/GIS-Maps or contact Community Development at (505) 863-1241.
2. Determine permit type: building (residential or commercial), electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or specialty permits (demolition, sign, grading, etc.).
3. Contact Building and Safety Department at (505) 863-1241 to confirm required documents, current fees, and whether project qualifies for over-the-counter issuance or requires plan review.
4. Prepare required documents as specified by the department for your project type.
5. Complete applicable permit application form.
6. Submit application in person at 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, NM 87301. Bring all required documents and payment for plan review fee.
7. For projects requiring plan review: await review by City building staff. Reviewer may request corrections or additional information.
8. Address any review comments and resubmit corrected plans.
9. Once plans approved, pay remaining permit fees and receive issued permit.
10. Post permit card on job site in visible location.
11. Schedule required inspections with Building and Safety Department by phone or in-person.
12. Complete all required inspections during construction.
13. Pass final inspection and receive Certificate of Occupancy for new construction or change of occupancy projects.

Typical processing time: Simple permits (minor alterations, trade permits) may be issued over-the-counter. New construction plan review timeline depends on project complexity and current workload. Contact department at (505) 863-1241 for current estimate.

Source: City of Gallup Building and Safety Department

General Requirements

Building permits required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, changes of occupancy, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations. Also required for roofing, fencing over specified height, decks, accessory structures, signs, and other work as specified in city codes and ordinances. Minor cosmetic repairs (paint, flooring, cabinet replacement) generally do not require permit.

Required Documents

• Completed city permit application form
• Site plan: to scale, showing parcel boundaries, all existing and proposed structures, setback dimensions from all property lines, driveways, and utility connections
• Floor plan: showing all rooms, dimensions, window and door locations, and intended use of each space
• Foundation plan and details
• Framing plans and details (roof framing, wall framing)
• Elevations (all four sides)
• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans (may be submitted separately with trade permits)
• Energy compliance documentation per NM Energy Conservation Code (ResCheck or equivalent)
• Contractor information: NM CID license number and classification for each contractor
• Legal description of property
• Proof of ownership or authorization from property owner

Permit validity

Valid for one year from issuance. Expires if construction does not commence within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Extensions may be granted by Building Official upon written request prior to expiration.

Building code

City of Gallup adopts NM state building codes as required, with any locally adopted amendments per city ordinance. Applicable codes: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (IRC base), 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (IBC base), 2020 NM Electrical Code (NEC base), 2021 NM Plumbing Code (UPC base), 2021 NM Mechanical Code, 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code. Contact Building and Safety Department to confirm whether any local amendments currently in effect.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder permits available consistent with NMAC 14.5.2.18. Owner must be property owner. Structure must be intended as primary residence. One permit per 12 months. Owner-builder may not perform licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC/gas) without licensed subcontractor unless owner personally holds applicable trade license.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work in Gallup must hold current NM CID license. License type must match scope of work. Verify license status through RLD eLandscape portal.

Fees

Plan check fee

Typically assessed at time of application submittal; often 50% to 65% of total permit fee. Non-refundable if application withdrawn after review begins.

Permit fee formula

Generally based on construction valuation, similar to NM CID state fee structure. Valuation determined from declared construction cost or building valuation data tables used by department.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits depending on scope and valuation of trade work.

Reinspection fee

Typically $50 to $100 range (amount to be confirmed with department) for failed inspections requiring second visit.

Payment note

Fee schedule not published in universally accessible online format. Available in person at City Hall or by contacting Building and Safety at (505) 863-1241. Demolition permits, sign permits, grading permits, and Certificate of Occupancy fees may have separate flat or valuation-based fee schedules. No specific publicly advertised fee waiver program identified. Nonprofit, affordable housing, or government project fee waivers may be available by request. Always verify current fee schedule with City before project budgeting.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Gallup Building and Safety Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (505) 863-1241 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 to 48 hours advance notice required. Confirm with department.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: 1. Site/setback inspection (before foundation work). 2. Footing/foundation (before concrete pour, reinforcement in place, trenches open). 3. Underground plumbing (before backfilling DWV or water supply). 4. Slab inspection (before concrete pour; under-slab plumbing, vapor barrier, reinforcement in place). 5. Framing/rough inspection (after rough framing, sheathing, blocking, window/door openings, rough MEP; before insulation). 6. Rough electrical (wiring and panel rough-in before cover). 7. Rough plumbing (DWV and supply rough-in; pressure test). 8. Rough mechanical (duct and equipment rough-in before cover). 9. Insulation/energy inspection (per energy compliance documents, before drywall). 10. Drywall/wallboard nailing (some projects). 11. Final inspection (all work complete, systems operational, site clean, permit card and approved plans on site). 12. Final electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections. 13. Certificate of Occupancy after all finals passed for new construction.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City of Gallup adopts NM state building codes as required, with any locally adopted amendments per city ordinance. Applicable codes: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (IRC base), 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (IBC base), 2020 NM Electrical Code (NEC base), 2021 NM Plumbing Code (UPC base), 2021 NM Mechanical Code, 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code. Contact Building and Safety Department to confirm whether any local amendments currently in effect.
• Verify contractor license: RLD License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning Division
• License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Gallup Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Gallup, NM?

Building permits required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, changes of occupancy, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations. Also required for roofing, fencing over specified height, decks, accessory structures, signs, and other work as specified in city codes and ordinances. Minor cosmetic repairs (paint, flooring, cabinet replacement) generally do not require permit.

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

Fees are calculated as: Generally based on construction valuation, similar to NM CID state fee structure. Valuation determined from declared construction cost or building valuation data tables used by department.. Plan check fee: Typically assessed at time of application submittal; often 50% to 65% of total permit fee. Non-refundable if application withdrawn after review begins..

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

1. Confirm property is within incorporated City of Gallup. Use city GIS tool at https://www.gallupnm.gov/156/GIS-Maps or contact Community Development at (505) 863-1241. 2. Determine permit type: building (residential or commercial), electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or specialty permits (demolition, sign, grading, etc.). 3. Contact Building and Safety Department at (505) 863-1241 to confirm required documents, current fees, and whether project qualifies for over-the-counter issuance or requires plan review. 4. Prepare required documents as specified by the department for your project type. 5. Complete applicable permit application form. 6. Submit application in person at 110 W. Aztec Ave., Gallup, NM 87301. Bring all required documents and payment for plan review fee. 7. For projects requiring plan review: await review by City building staff. Reviewer may request corrections or additional information. 8. Address any review comments and resubmit corrected plans. 9. Once plans approved, pay remaining permit fees and receive issued permit. 10. Post permit card on job site in visible location. 11. Schedule required inspections with Building and Safety Department by phone or in-person. 12. Complete all required inspections during construction. 13. Pass final inspection and receive Certificate of Occupancy for new construction or change of occupancy projects.

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

Typical processing time is Simple permits (minor alterations, trade permits) may be issued over-the-counter. New construction plan review timeline depends on project complexity and current workload. Contact department at (505) 863-1241 for current estimate..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic repairs (paint, flooring, cabinet replacement). Note: When in doubt, contact Building and Safety Department at (505) 863-1241.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 863-1241. At least 24 to 48 hours advance notice required. Confirm with department..

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