Navajo Nation (Trust Land within McKinley County)

Construction on Navajo Nation trust land requires Navajo Nation permits. Not subject to New Mexico state codes as matter of law. Navajo Nation has adopted own building codes and standards. Contact DPD for current adopted code editions.

Note: Contact Navajo Nation DPD directly for information on exempt work or simplified permitting.

Building code

Navajo Nation Building Code based on nationally recognized model codes adapted for tribal application. Contact DPD for current adopted code editions.

Owner-builder

Navajo Nation homebuilder/self-help program (administered through NNHA and federal programs like Mutual Help program) has own rules for owner-participation construction. Traditional self-help housing construction may follow separate tribal guidelines. Contact NNHA for details.

Contractor requirements

Contractors working on Navajo Nation land should be registered with Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development as Navajo-owned business or approved outside contractor. Navajo Preference in Employment and Business requirements apply to construction on tribal land. Prime contractors typically required to give hiring and subcontracting preference to Navajo individuals and Navajo-owned businesses. Contact DED for current registration and preference requirements.

1. 01
   Confirm land status: Obtain formal trust status determination for specific parcel from BIA Gallup Agency (505) 863-8314 or Navajo Nation Land Department. Do not proceed based on visual map inspection; checkerboard areas have complex mixed ownership.
2. 02
   Identify local Chapter: Determine which Navajo Nation Chapter governs area where construction proposed. Contact Chapter office to notify and understand any Chapter-level requirements or resolutions needed.
3. 03
   Contact Navajo Nation DPD: Contact Department of Physical Development to obtain current permit application requirements, forms, and fees. Requirements vary based on project type, funding source, and location.
4. 04
   Prepare construction documents: DPD typically requires site plans, construction drawings similar in scope to state permit requirements. Licensed architects/engineers required for commercial and larger residential projects.
5. 05
   Submit permit application to DPD with required documents and fees.
6. 06
   Environmental review: Depending on project type and location, Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) and/or federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review may apply, particularly for federally funded projects. NNEPA coordinates with EPA Region 9.
7. 07
   NHPA/Section 106 review: For federally funded or federally permitted projects, Section 106 of National Historic Preservation Act review required, coordinated through Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, NM SHPO, and Navajo Nation THPO.
8. 08
   Await DPD review and approval. Timeline varies by project complexity and DPD workload.
9. 09
   Receive tribal building permit from DPD. Post on job site.
10. 10
    Coordinate with DPD for required inspections during construction.
11. 11
    Obtain final approval/Certificate of Compliance from DPD upon completion.
12. 12
    Utility connections: Coordinate with NTUA for utility hookups; NTUA has own application process for new service connections.

Typical processing time: Variable; no published standard timeline. Complex projects, environmental review, or federal funding requirements can significantly extend timelines. Contact DPD directly for current processing estimates.

Source: Navajo Nation Department of Physical Development (DPD), Division of Economic Development ↗

• (928) 871-6305 (phone)

Typical sequence: Inspections conducted by DPD inspectors or other tribal or federally authorized inspection personnel. For federally funded projects (HUD/BIA), additional inspection requirements from federal agency may apply. Utility connections (electric, gas, water, sewer) through NTUA subject to NTUA's own inspection and commissioning requirements.