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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Farmington
A permit is required for all new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for installation and significant repair/alteration of utility systems. Re-roofing, solar installations, and accessory structures over 120 sq ft require permits.
- Completed City of Farmington building permit application
- Site plan (to scale, showing property lines, setbacks, structure location, parking, utilities, and drainage)
- Construction drawings: floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, structural details (commercial: stamped by a NM-licensed engineer or architect if required by IBC)
- Energy compliance documentation per NM-adopted IECC
- Contractor license information (NM CID license number, bond)
- Homeowner permit affidavit if owner-builder
- Soils/geotechnical report for larger or complex foundations
- Liquid Waste Disposal Permit (NM Environment Dept) if on septic/OWTS
- For commercial/industrial: accessibility (ADA) compliance documents, fire protection plans, life safety analysis
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with NM NMAC amendments, 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with NM NMAC amendments, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with NM amendments, 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with NM amendments, 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180+ consecutive days. Contact (505) 599-1160 for renewal/reactivation procedures.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may pull a building permit for their primary residence per 14.5.2.18 NMAC. Must be the primary occupant. Cannot pull owner-builder permits for rental properties or properties intended for resale. HVAC and natural gas require licensed contractors.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold a valid NM CID/RLD license. General building: GB-2 (residential) or GB-98 (commercial). Specialty trades require separate NM trade licenses. Verify at: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
Application process
Typical processing: Residential permits typically 5-10 business days. Commercial and industrial permits vary based on complexity; pre-application meetings recommended for large commercial projects.
- 01 Confirm that your property is within Farmington city limits using the city's GIS parcel maps or by calling (505) 599-1160.
- 02 Determine the permit type(s) required: building permit, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or combination (trade) permits.
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed permit application, site plan, construction drawings (scaled), energy compliance documentation, contractor license information or homeowner permit application.
- 04 Submit application in person at 800 Municipal Drive or via the city's online portal if available. Contact (505) 599-1160 to confirm current submission methods.
- 05 Pay plan review fee at time of submittal.
- 06 Await plan review. City staff will contact you regarding comments or approval.
- 07 Address any plan correction requests and resubmit.
- 08 Upon approval, pay remaining permit fee and receive the issued permit.
- 09 Post permit on job site; begin construction.
- 10 Schedule inspections through the Building Safety Division at key milestones.
- 11 Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy upon completion.
Typical processing time: Residential permits typically 5-10 business days. Commercial and industrial permits vary based on complexity; pre-application meetings recommended for large commercial projects.
Source: City of Farmington -- Building Safety Division (within the Community Development Department) ↗
Fee schedule
Farmington building permit fees
In-person at 800 Municipal Drive (check, money order, credit card). Online payment available if online portal is active -- confirm with city.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (505) 599-1160 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Request at least one business day in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, normal business hours
- Time windows
- Specific windows assigned by Building Safety Division
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential construction: 1) Setback/survey staking inspection (before excavation, if required); 2) Foundation/footing inspection (after excavation and reinforcing steel, before pour); 3) Underground utilities inspection (under-slab plumbing and electrical, before pour); 4) Framing inspection (after rough framing, blocking, bracing, and roof sheathing); 5) Rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections; 6) Insulation inspection; 7) Energy envelope/blower door test (if required by NM energy code); 8) Final inspection; 9) Certificate of Occupancy. Typical sequence for commercial construction: 1) Foundation and structural inspections; 2) Underground utilities; 3) Structural steel or masonry inspections (as applicable); 4) Rough trade inspections (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression); 5) Above-ceiling/pre-close inspection; 6) Insulation and energy envelope; 7) Final inspection and certificate of occupancy.
Source: City of Farmington -- Building Safety Division (within the Community Development Department) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Farmington permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Farmington, NM? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Farmington, NM? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Farmington, NM? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Farmington, NM? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Farmington, NM? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Farmington -- Building Safety Division (within the Community Development Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.