On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Roosevelt County
A building permit is required for all new residential and commercial construction, additions, alterations, repairs involving structural elements, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Separate trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work regardless of whether a building permit is also needed.
Agricultural building exemptions: certain agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes on bona fide agricultural properties may be exempt from CID permitting. Structures such as hay barns, equipment sheds, and livestock shelters on working farms and ranches may qualify for exemptions. This is particularly relevant in Roosevelt County, which has extensive dairy farming operations, grain agriculture, and cattle ranching.
Confirmation of agricultural exemption status with the CID Roswell office is essential before beginning construction, as specific conditions apply.
- Exempt Agricultural building exemptions: certain agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes on bona fide agricultural properties may be exempt from CID permitting. Structures such as hay barns, equipment sheds, and livestock shelters on working farms and ranches may qualify for exemptions. This is particularly relevant in Roosevelt County, which has extensive dairy farming operations, grain agriculture, and cattle ranching.
- Exempt Confirmation of agricultural exemption status with the CID Roswell office is essential before beginning construction, as specific conditions apply.
Note: Agricultural exemptions are broadly recognized but imprecisely defined in practice. For any structures that could be dual-use (agricultural and residential/commercial), a pre-permit consultation with CID Roswell is advisable.
Required documents
- Completed NM CID General Building Permit Application
- Two (2) sets of construction drawings for plan review
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing structures, and proposed work location
- Foundation plan and structural details for new construction
- Floor plans, elevations, and cross sections
- Energy compliance documentation per NMAC 14.5.2 (residential) or commercial energy code
- Contractor information (name, CID license number, address, phone) for each trade involved
- Homeowner Permit Application and affidavit if owner-builder
- For commercial projects: geotechnical/soils report if required by the code or site conditions
- For wind energy facilities: additional state permitting documentation as applicable
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted and amended by NMAC 14.5.2, 2021 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial construction, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by NMAC 14.5.7, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with NM amendments
- Permit validity
- CID permits typically expire if construction does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is abandoned or suspended for 180 or more consecutive days. Extensions may be available upon written request to the issuing CID office before expiration.
- Owner-builder
- New Mexico allows homeowners to obtain a homeowner building permit for their own primary residence under 14.5.2.18 NMAC. Applicant must be the property owner and intend to occupy the dwelling as their primary residence upon completion. Only one homeowner permit per owner per 12-month period statewide. The homeowner may perform general construction work; however, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC/gas work must be performed by licensed trade contractors or under homeowner trade permits (available for electrical and plumbing only). HVAC and natural gas work requires a licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing work in New Mexico must hold a valid CID license issued by NM RLD. Key license types include: GB-2 (Residential General Building Contractor) for residential construction up to four stories, GB-98 (General Building Contractor) for both residential and commercial work, EE-98 (Electrical), PB-98 (Plumbing), and MM-98 (Mechanical). Verify current contractor license status at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/contractors/
Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Simple residential projects: 2 to 4 weeks; larger commercial projects: 4 to 8 weeks or longer. Contact CID Roswell (575) 637-9580 for current estimated turnaround times.
- 01 Verify the property is in unincorporated Roosevelt County by using county GIS or calling Roosevelt County at (575) 356-8562.
- 02 Determine project type and applicable permit category: residential building, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or a combination.
- 03 Gather required documentation including property verification, site plan, construction drawings, and energy compliance documentation.
- 04 Create an account or log in at the NM RLD online permitting portal at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/apply-for-a-permit/
- 05 Complete and submit the General Building Permit Application with all required plans and documents electronically, or download the PDF application and bring it with two plan sets to the CID Roswell office in person.
- 06 Pay plan review fee at time of submittal based on total project valuation.
- 07 CID staff reviews plans for compliance with New Mexico building codes (NMAC 14.5 series) and provides correction comments if needed.
- 08 Address any plan review correction comments and resubmit revised documents.
- 09 Once plans are approved, pay remaining permit fee.
- 10 Receive issued permit and post prominently on the job site before commencing work.
- 11 Contact CID Roswell to schedule required inspections at appropriate construction milestones.
- 12 Pass all required inspections and receive final approval and Certificate of Occupancy upon completion.
Typical processing time: Simple residential projects: 2 to 4 weeks; larger commercial projects: 4 to 8 weeks or longer. Contact CID Roswell (575) 637-9580 for current estimated turnaround times.
Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Roosevelt County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
CID permit fees are calculated based on total project construction valuation with tiered rates by valuation range. Typical residential fee structure: valuation up to $2,000 (minimum base fee approximately $55 to $75), $2,001 to $25,000 (base fee plus per-thousand rate), $25,001 to $50,000 (higher tier rate per thousand), $50,001 and above (progressively decreasing per-thousand rate).
Online portal (credit/debit card) or in person at the CID Roswell office (cash, check, money order, credit/debit card). CID periodically revises its fee schedule; always verify current fees directly with the CID Roswell office (575) 637-9580 or at the fee schedule URL before budgeting.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (575) 637-9580 (phone)
- CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections should be requested at least one to two business days in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, standard business hours
- Time windows
- No pre-assigned time windows. The inspector will contact the permittee when en route or provide an estimated arrival window. Rural location means inspectors may travel significant distances; allow additional lead time.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: (1) Pre-slab/footing inspection after excavation and rebar/formwork, (2) Underground utility rough-in before covering, (3) Slab inspection before concrete pour, (4) Framing inspection after structural framing and roof sheathing, (5) Rough MEP inspection before concealment, (6) Insulation inspection after installation, (7) Wallboard/drywall inspection if required, (8) Final building inspection when substantially complete and ready for occupancy.
Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Roosevelt County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM? ▸
A building permit is required for all new residential and commercial construction, additions, alterations, repairs involving structural elements, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Separate trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work regardless of whether a building permit is also needed.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: CID permit fees are calculated based on total project construction valuation with tiered rates by valuation range. Typical residential fee structure: valuation up to $2,000 (minimum base fee approximately $55 to $75), $2,001 to $25,000 (base fee plus per-thousand rate), $25,001 to $50,000 (higher tier rate per thousand), $50,001 and above (progressively decreasing per-thousand rate)..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM, follow these steps: 1. Verify the property is in unincorporated Roosevelt County by using county GIS or calling Roosevelt County at (575) 356-8562. 2. Determine project type and applicable permit category: residential building, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or a combination. 3. Gather required documentation including property verification, site plan, construction drawings, and energy compliance documentation. 4. Create an account or log in at the NM RLD online permitting portal at https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/apply-for-a-permit/ 5. Complete and submit the General Building Permit Application with all required plans and documents electronically, or download the PDF application and bring it with two plan sets to the CID Roswell office in person. 6. Pay plan review fee at time of submittal based on total project valuation. 7. CID staff reviews plans for compliance with New Mexico building codes (NMAC 14.5 series) and provides correction comments if needed. 8. Address any plan review correction comments and resubmit revised documents. 9. Once plans are approved, pay remaining permit fee. 10. Receive issued permit and post prominently on the job site before commencing work. 11. Contact CID Roswell to schedule required inspections at appropriate construction milestones. 12. Pass all required inspections and receive final approval and Certificate of Occupancy upon completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM typically run Simple residential projects: 2 to 4 weeks; larger commercial projects: 4 to 8 weeks or longer. Contact CID Roswell (575) 637-9580 for current estimated turnaround times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural building exemptions: certain agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes on bona fide agricultural properties may be exempt from CID permitting. Structures such as hay barns, equipment sheds, and livestock shelters on working farms and ranches may qualify for exemptions. This is particularly relevant in Roosevelt County, which has extensive dairy farming operations, grain agriculture, and cattle ranching.; Confirmation of agricultural exemption status with the CID Roswell office is essential before beginning construction, as specific conditions apply.. Note: Agricultural exemptions are broadly recognized but imprecisely defined in practice. For any structures that could be dual-use (agricultural and residential/commercial), a pre-permit consultation with CID Roswell is advisable. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Roosevelt County, NM via: (575) 637-9580, CID.PERMITHELP@rld.nm.gov. Inspections should be requested at least one to two business days in advance..
last verified April 2026
source New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/roosevelt/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) -- Roswell Regional Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.