McKinley County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All fee-simple (non-tribal) unincorporated land in McKinley County. Does not apply to Navajo Nation or Zuni Pueblo trust land, or within the City of Gallup incorporated limits.

Department

New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Gallup Regional Office

Address

1201 E. Hill Avenue, Gallup, NM 87301

Phone

(505) 863-8021

Email

CID.Gallup@state.nm.us

Website

https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries-and-facilities-management/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm property is on fee-simple (non-tribal) unincorporated McKinley County land. Verify land status using BLM Land Status viewer, New Mexico RGIS, or contact BIA Gallup Agency.
2. Confirm property is NOT within incorporated City of Gallup limits.
3. Determine permit type needed: residential building, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or trade permit.
4. Prepare required documents per General Requirements section.
5. Create account or log in to eLandscape at https://elandscape.rld.nm.gov/.
6. Submit permit application online with all required plans and documents. Pay plan review fee at submission.
7. Alternatively, submit in person at Gallup Regional Office. Some simple residential projects may qualify for over-the-counter issuance without plan review.
8. Await plan review. CID reviewers post comments or approval in eLandscape.
9. Address any plan review comments and resubmit corrected documents.
10. Once approved, pay remaining permit fee.
11. Permit is issued. Print or save and post prominently on job site.
12. Schedule required inspections through eLandscape or by contacting Gallup Regional Office.
13. Complete all required inspection stages.
14. Upon passing final inspection, permit is closed. For new construction, Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Simple residential permits may be issued over-the-counter same-day. Standard plan review for residential projects: 10 to 20 business days. Commercial projects: 20 to 45 business days depending on complexity. Correction rounds extend timeline.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Gallup Regional Office

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction of any structure, additions or expansions to existing structures, structural alterations, demolition of structures, changes of use or occupancy, and any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installation or modification.

Required Documents

• Completed CID permit application form
• Site plan: drawn to scale, showing lot boundaries, existing structures, setback distances from all property lines, proposed work location, and access route
• Construction drawings: floor plan, foundation plan, framing plan, elevations, cross sections, and roof plan sufficient to verify code compliance
• Energy compliance documentation: prescriptive path worksheets or ResCheck report per 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code
• Property owner information and proof of ownership (tax records, deed copy)
• Contractor license information: NM CID license number, company name, and qualifying party name for each trade contractor. For owner-builder permits, signed owner-builder affidavit.
• Legal land description confirming parcel is in unincorporated county and not tribal trust land

Permit validity

Valid for one year from date of issuance. Expires if construction does not commence within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for more than 180 consecutive days. Extensions may be requested before expiration.

Building code

2021 NMAC 14.5.2 (New Mexico Residential Building Code, based on 2021 IRC with NM amendments); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (based on 2021 IBC); 2020 NEC (New Mexico Electrical Code); 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code; 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code; 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder permits available under NMAC 14.5.2.18. Owner must be actual owner of record. Structure must be intended as owner's primary residence. One owner-builder permit per 12-month period. Owner must sign affidavit. Owner-builder may not perform electrical or plumbing work without licensed subcontractors or separate homeowner exam. Owner-builder exemption does not apply to commercial construction.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold current NM CID contractor license. Residential general contractor: GB-02. Commercial general contractor: GB-98. Each trade has specific licenses. Verify license status at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries-and-facilities-management/construction-industries/verify-a-license/.

Fees

Plan check fee

Typically 50% to 65% of total permit fee, collected at plan submittal. Non-refundable if application withdrawn.

Permit fee formula

Approximately 0.65% of construction valuation for new residential construction. Higher base rate for commercial projects. Subject to legislative change.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, also valuation-based per CID schedule.

Payment note

Fee schedules subject to periodic rulemaking. Always verify current rates with CID Gallup office or eLandscape fee calculator at time of application.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Gallup Regional Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• eLandscape portal (online)
• (505) 863-8021 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Advance notice of at least 24 to 48 hours typically required. Confirm current scheduling lead time with office.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential: 1. Footings/foundation (before concrete pour, reinforcement open). 2. Underground utilities (before backfill). 3. Rough framing (after framing, blocking, sheathing, rough MEP complete, before insulation/drywall). 4. Rough electrical. 5. Rough plumbing (may require pressure test). 6. Rough mechanical. 7. Insulation. 8. Drywall/wallboard. 9. Final building (all work complete, systems operational, site graded/drained). 10. Final electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 NMAC 14.5.2 (New Mexico Residential Building Code, based on 2021 IRC with NM amendments); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (based on 2021 IBC); 2020 NEC (New Mexico Electrical Code); 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code; 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code; 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code.
• Verify contractor license: RLD License Lookup
• BLM Land Status Viewer
• New Mexico RGIS
• 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

McKinley County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McKinley County, NM?

A permit is required for new construction of any structure, additions or expansions to existing structures, structural alterations, demolition of structures, changes of use or occupancy, and any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installation or modification.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McKinley County, NM?

Fees are calculated as: Approximately 0.65% of construction valuation for new residential construction. Higher base rate for commercial projects. Subject to legislative change.. Plan check fee: Typically 50% to 65% of total permit fee, collected at plan submittal. Non-refundable if application withdrawn..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McKinley County, NM?

1. Confirm property is on fee-simple (non-tribal) unincorporated McKinley County land. Verify land status using BLM Land Status viewer, New Mexico RGIS, or contact BIA Gallup Agency. 2. Confirm property is NOT within incorporated City of Gallup limits. 3. Determine permit type needed: residential building, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or trade permit. 4. Prepare required documents per General Requirements section. 5. Create account or log in to eLandscape at https://elandscape.rld.nm.gov/. 6. Submit permit application online with all required plans and documents. Pay plan review fee at submission. 7. Alternatively, submit in person at Gallup Regional Office. Some simple residential projects may qualify for over-the-counter issuance without plan review. 8. Await plan review. CID reviewers post comments or approval in eLandscape. 9. Address any plan review comments and resubmit corrected documents. 10. Once approved, pay remaining permit fee. 11. Permit is issued. Print or save and post prominently on job site. 12. Schedule required inspections through eLandscape or by contacting Gallup Regional Office. 13. Complete all required inspection stages. 14. Upon passing final inspection, permit is closed. For new construction, Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McKinley County, NM?

Typical processing time is Simple residential permits may be issued over-the-counter same-day. Standard plan review for residential projects: 10 to 20 business days. Commercial projects: 20 to 45 business days depending on complexity. Correction rounds extend timeline..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McKinley County, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs that do not involve structural elements; Prefabricated storage sheds under certain square footage threshold; Other limited categories as specified in NMAC 14.5.2. Note: When in doubt, confirm with CID Gallup Regional Office before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McKinley County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: eLandscape portal, (505) 863-8021. Advance notice of at least 24 to 48 hours typically required. Confirm current scheduling lead time with office..