Quay County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Quay County. Quay County does not operate a local building permit department; the state CID is the sole building permit authority.

Department

New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Albuquerque District Office

Address

5500 San Antonio Drive NE, Suite F, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Phone

(505) 222-9800

Website

https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Quay County and that NM CID is the issuing authority.
2. Download the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/. For residential construction, use the NM Multi Purpose Building Application (residential). For commercial, use the NM Multi Purpose Building Application (commercial/CID-1). For homeowner-builder projects, use the Homeowner Building Permit Application.
3. Prepare construction documents: site plan showing property boundaries, structure placement, setbacks, access, and drainage; architectural and structural drawings at a recognized scale with details of footings, framing, and roofing; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans if applicable.
4. Obtain E-911 address assignment if building a new structure on an unaddressed parcel. Contact Quay County GIS at (575) 461-1760.
5. If a well or septic system is involved, obtain approvals from the NM Environment Department (NMED), Water Quality Control Commission, or Office of the State Engineer (OSE) before applying for the building permit.
6. Submit the completed application, construction documents, and permit fee to the CID district office. Fees are due at time of application.
7. CID reviews the application and construction documents for code compliance.
8. If corrections are required, CID notifies the applicant; revised documents are resubmitted.
9. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. The permit must be posted on-site and visible during all construction.
10. Schedule required inspections by calling the CID inspection call center at (505) 222-9813 or toll-free 1-877-243-0979. Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
11. Complete all required inspections. Do not cover work that has not been inspected.
12. Upon passing all required inspections and submitting as-built documentation if required, CID issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not published as a fixed turnaround for Quay County projects; CID workload varies. Contact CID at (505) 476-4616 or (505) 222-9800 for current turnaround times.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), Albuquerque District Office

General Requirements

A building permit from NM CID is required for all construction of new structures, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, changes of use or occupancy, and installation or extension of electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems in unincorporated Quay County. This includes new residential construction (single-family, multi-family, manufactured housing), additions to existing residences, new commercial or agricultural structures that include habitable space or public-accessed facilities, any structure requiring plumbing, electrical, or mechanical rough-in, and mobile/manufactured home placement and re-installation.

Required Documents

• Completed NM CID Multipurpose Building Application (residential) or Homeowner Building Permit Application
• Site plan showing property boundaries, structure placement, setbacks, access, and drainage
• Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations, cross-sections, foundation plan, framing plan)
• Energy compliance documentation (2021 NM IECC / IRC Chapter 11)
• Contractor CID license information or homeowner permit affidavit
• Proof of E-911 address assignment
• NMED approval for new septic/well if applicable

Permit validity

A building permit is valid for the duration of active construction. NM CID may expire permits that have had no inspection activity within a set period (typically 180 days); contact CID for current expiration policy. Permits may be extended upon request.

Building code

2021 NM Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.2), 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (2021 IBC as amended by NM), 2021 NM Plumbing Code (2021 UPC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.3), 2021 NM Mechanical Code (2021 IMC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.4), 2020 NM Electrical Code (2020 NEC; NMAC 14.5.1), 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (2021 IECC as amended; NMAC 14.5.7), NM Earthen Building Materials Code (for adobe and rammed-earth construction)

Owner-builder

Homeowner permits are available under 14.5.2.18 NMAC. A homeowner may obtain one residential building permit per 12-month period for their primary residence. The homeowner must personally perform the major portion (by dollar value) of the work. The homeowner must sign the CID Homeowner Responsibility Form (a notarized acknowledgment of responsibilities and limitations). The homeowner may not sell the property within one year of permit issuance without required disclosures.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing construction work in New Mexico must hold a current NM CID contractor license. For residential work, a GB-2 (residential building) license is required. For general commercial work, a GB-98 (general commercial) license or appropriate trade license is required. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors hold trade-specific licenses. Verify license status at https://www.rld.nm.gov/licensing/

Fees

Plan check fee

20% of the building permit fee, collected at time of application

Permit fee formula

$3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 of project valuation over $15,000

Payment note

Fees are paid at time of application submittal at the CID district office. Confirm accepted payment methods (check, money order, credit card) with the CID office before submitting.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Open-sided or unenclosed agricultural outbuildings (pole barns, hay storage, livestock shelters) that do not include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or habitable space are generally exempt from CID building permit requirements

Important: Confirm exemption status with CID before proceeding. Minor repairs and maintenance (routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not affect structural integrity, fire and life safety, or egress, such as replacing like-for-like doors and windows, re-roofing with same materials, and painting) are generally not subject to CID permit requirements but should be confirmed with CID.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (505) 222-9813 (local) or 1-877-243-0979 (toll-free) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections should be requested at least 24 hours (one business day) in advance. The permit number must be provided when scheduling.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, normal business hours

Time windows

Specific AM/PM windows are not guaranteed; contact the office for scheduling availability in the Quay County area. Rural county inspections may require longer lead times due to travel distances.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence for new residential construction: 1. Foundation / footing (before pouring concrete), 2. Framing / structural (after rough framing is complete, before insulation), 3. Rough electrical (before covering walls), 4. Rough plumbing (before covering walls/floor), 5. Rough mechanical (before covering), 6. Insulation (before drywall), 7. Final building / life safety, 8. Final electrical / final plumbing / final mechanical (trade finals), 9. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing all finals.

Do not proceed past any stage that requires an inspection before the inspection is completed and approved. Covering uninspected work will result in a failed inspection and may require destructive remediation.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.2), 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (2021 IBC as amended by NM), 2021 NM Plumbing Code (2021 UPC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.3), 2021 NM Mechanical Code (2021 IMC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.4), 2020 NM Electrical Code (2020 NEC; NMAC 14.5.1), 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (2021 IECC as amended; NMAC 14.5.7), NM Earthen Building Materials Code (for adobe and rammed-earth construction)
• Verify contractor license: NM RLD Contractor License Lookup
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Quay County Subdivision Ordinance 35
• Quay County Ordinance 57 (Wireless Telecommunications)
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• NM CID Central Contact
• 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

Quay County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit from NM CID is required for all construction of new structures, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, changes of use or occupancy, and installation or extension of electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems in unincorporated Quay County. This includes new residential construction (single-family, multi-family, manufactured housing), additions to existing residences, new commercial or agricultural structures that include habitable space or public-accessed facilities, any structure requiring plumbing, electrical, or mechanical rough-in, and mobile/manufactured home placement and re-installation.

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

Fees are calculated as: $3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 of project valuation over $15,000. Plan check fee: 20% of the building permit fee, collected at time of application.

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

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Quay County and that NM CID is the issuing authority. 2. Download the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/. For residential construction, use the NM Multi Purpose Building Application (residential). For commercial, use the NM Multi Purpose Building Application (commercial/CID-1). For homeowner-builder projects, use the Homeowner Building Permit Application. 3. Prepare construction documents: site plan showing property boundaries, structure placement, setbacks, access, and drainage; architectural and structural drawings at a recognized scale with details of footings, framing, and roofing; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans if applicable. 4. Obtain E-911 address assignment if building a new structure on an unaddressed parcel. Contact Quay County GIS at (575) 461-1760. 5. If a well or septic system is involved, obtain approvals from the NM Environment Department (NMED), Water Quality Control Commission, or Office of the State Engineer (OSE) before applying for the building permit. 6. Submit the completed application, construction documents, and permit fee to the CID district office. Fees are due at time of application. 7. CID reviews the application and construction documents for code compliance. 8. If corrections are required, CID notifies the applicant; revised documents are resubmitted. 9. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. The permit must be posted on-site and visible during all construction. 10. Schedule required inspections by calling the CID inspection call center at (505) 222-9813 or toll-free 1-877-243-0979. Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance. 11. Complete all required inspections. Do not cover work that has not been inspected. 12. Upon passing all required inspections and submitting as-built documentation if required, CID issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

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

Typical processing time is Not published as a fixed turnaround for Quay County projects; CID workload varies. Contact CID at (505) 476-4616 or (505) 222-9800 for current turnaround times..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Open-sided or unenclosed agricultural outbuildings (pole barns, hay storage, livestock shelters) that do not include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or habitable space are generally exempt from CID building permit requirements. Note: Confirm exemption status with CID before proceeding. Minor repairs and maintenance (routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not affect structural integrity, fire and life safety, or egress, such as replacing like-for-like doors and windows, re-roofing with same materials, and painting) are generally not subject to CID permit requirements but should be confirmed with CID.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 222-9813 (local) or 1-877-243-0979 (toll-free). Inspections should be requested at least 24 hours (one business day) in advance. The permit number must be provided when scheduling..