Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo) -- Sovereign Tribal Land

Governed by Ohkay Owingeh tribal law. Non-tribal members may not construct on tribal trust land without explicit tribal authorization. Leases, easements, and permits on tribal land typically require Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) involvement and tribal council approval.

Building code

NM state codes do NOT automatically apply on tribal trust lands. The tribe may adopt state codes by tribal ordinance; confirm with tribal government.

Contractor requirements

NM CID licensing does not apply on tribal land. The tribe may impose its own contractor requirements or preference for tribal member contractors.

1. 01
   Contact Ohkay Owingeh tribal government (505-852-4400) to confirm the applicable tribal department for building permit applications.
2. 02
   Determine whether the project is on tribal trust land, fee land, or a tribal easement. This determination requires review of BIA land records and tribal land maps; title examination by an attorney with tribal land expertise is strongly advised.
3. 03
   Obtain tribal land use/building permit application from the tribal government.
4. 04
   Submit required documents per tribal requirements.
5. 05
   Await tribal review and approval; timelines are set by tribal policy.
6. 06
   For projects involving federal funding, federal licenses, or construction near historic tribal sites, Section 106 consultation (National Historic Preservation Act) and NEPA review may be required.
7. 07
   Receive tribal permit and proceed per tribal requirements.

Typical processing time: Timelines are set by tribal policy; not published.

Source: Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Government ↗

• 505-852-4400 (phone)

Typical sequence: Conducted by tribal building officials or designated inspectors. NM CID inspectors do not have jurisdiction on tribal trust lands.