City Building Permits

Aztec, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Aztec, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico San Juan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Issues building and trade permits for all properties within the incorporated City of Aztec limits only. San Juan County Development Services handles unincorporated areas adjacent to Aztec.

Department
City of Aztec -- Building Services (within the Planning and Community Development Department)
Address
201 W. Chaco Street, Aztec, NM 87410
Phone
(505) 334-7671

Online Permit Portal

Platform: In-person process; no dedicated portal confirmed • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Verify the property is within Aztec city limits. Use city maps or contact (505) 334-7671.
  2. Determine permit type(s) required: building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical.
  3. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, contractor info or homeowner affidavit, energy compliance documentation.
  4. Submit application in person at 201 W. Chaco Street, Aztec. Call (505) 334-7671 in advance to confirm required documents and current procedures.
  5. Pay plan review fee at submittal.
  6. Await plan review and respond to any correction requests.
  7. Upon approval, pay remaining permit fee and receive issued permit.
  8. Post permit on job site; begin construction.
  9. Schedule required inspections through Building Services at each milestone.
  10. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued.

Typical processing time: Residential permits typically within 5-10 business days. Call (505) 334-7671 for current workload estimates.

Source: City of Aztec -- Building Services (within the Planning and Community Development Department)

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, re-roofs, solar installations, and accessory structures over 120 sq ft. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for installation or significant repair.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan to scale showing property lines, setbacks, and structure footprint
  • Construction drawings (scaled, showing floor plans, elevations, sections)
  • Energy compliance documentation (NM-adopted IECC)
  • Contractor license number (NM CID GB-2 or GB-98)
  • Homeowner permit affidavit (if owner-builder)
  • Liquid Waste Disposal Permit (NM ENV) if on septic
Permit validity
Standard 180-day commencement and 180-day suspension rules per NM CID standards. Verify current city policy at (505) 334-7671.
Building code
State-mandated codes: 2021 IRC/IBC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, all with NM amendments
Owner-builder
Allowed per 14.5.2.18 NMAC for primary residence; one permit per 12 months; must occupy as primary residence.
Contractor requirements
Valid NM CID license required. GB-2 residential, GB-98 general commercial. Trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, mechanical. Verify at: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Fees

Plan check fee
Approximately 20-65% of the building permit fee. Verify with city.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; similar to CID schedule. City may have its own fee ordinance.
Reinspection fee
Apply per city schedule; verify with (505) 334-7671.
Payment note
In-person at 201 W. Chaco Street.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Aztec -- Building Services (within the Planning and Community Development Department) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (505) 334-7671 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
At least one business day advance notice recommended.
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, normal business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential construction: 1) Foundation/footing inspection (before concrete pour); 2) Underground utilities inspection (under-slab plumbing and electrical, before pour); 3) Framing inspection (rough framing and bracing complete, before insulation); 4) Rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections; 5) Insulation inspection; 6) Final inspection; 7) Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Aztec -- Building Services (within the Planning and Community Development Department) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aztec Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Aztec, NM?
New construction, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, re-roofs, solar installations, and accessory structures over 120 sq ft. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for installation or significant repair.
How much does a building permit cost in Aztec, NM?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; similar to CID schedule. City may have its own fee ordinance.. Plan check fee: Approximately 20-65% of the building permit fee. Verify with city..
How do I apply for a building permit in Aztec, NM?
1. Verify the property is within Aztec city limits. Use city maps or contact (505) 334-7671. 2. Determine permit type(s) required: building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical. 3. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, contractor info or homeowner affidavit, energy compliance documentation. 4. Submit application in person at 201 W. Chaco Street, Aztec. Call (505) 334-7671 in advance to confirm required documents and current procedures. 5. Pay plan review fee at submittal. 6. Await plan review and respond to any correction requests. 7. Upon approval, pay remaining permit fee and receive issued permit. 8. Post permit on job site; begin construction. 9. Schedule required inspections through Building Services at each milestone. 10. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Aztec, NM?
Typical processing time is Residential permits typically within 5-10 business days. Call (505) 334-7671 for current workload estimates..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Aztec, NM?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 334-7671. At least one business day advance notice recommended..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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