Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division

Street address

100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec, NM 87410

Phone

(505) 334-9400

Coverage

Flora Vista and other unincorporated communities (Cedar Hill, La Plata, Kirtland) are NOT separately incorporated municipalities. All building permits are issued by San Juan County Development Services (if on fee-simple land) or by the NM CID through the county's coordination process.

Online portal

San Juan County Development Services

County staff-assisted process; in-person or phone-initiated

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community)

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofs, demolitions, and changes of occupancy for structures exceeding 120 sq ft. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for installation, alteration, or repair of any regulated utility systems.

Scope of work

Permit?

Certain agricultural structures (barns, equipment sheds, livestock shelters) used exclusively for farming or ranching and not intended for human occupancy may be exempt from the full building code plan review

Exempt

Exempt Certain agricultural structures (barns, equipment sheds, livestock shelters) used exclusively for farming or ranching and not intended for human occupancy may be exempt from the full building code plan review

Note: Confirm with county Development Services whether a simple permit or inspection is still required. Flora Vista and Cedar Hill are in the La Plata River / Animas River drainage system. Properties near these rivers may be within FEMA floodplains. The La Plata River corridor is subject to agricultural water rights administered by the NM State Engineer's Office. Construction that affects irrigation ditches or acequias requires NM State Engineer approval in addition to building permits.

Required documents

Completed county building permit application form
Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, structure footprint, drainage, and access (to scale)
Construction drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections, and structural details (minimum 1/4" = 1 ft scale, on paper at least 8.5 x 11 inches)
Legal description or deed reference for the property
Contractor license number and bond information (if using a licensed contractor)
Homeowner permit application and acknowledgment form (if owner-builder)
Energy compliance documentation (NM-adopted IECC or equivalent)
Soils/geotechnical report for larger structures or sites with unstable soils
Liquid Waste Disposal Permit from NM Environment Department if no municipal sewer available (septic/OWTS)
Elevation Certificate if property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area

Building code: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with NM amendments (NMAC 14.5.2), 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with NM amendments, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with NM amendments, 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with NM amendments, 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with NM amendments, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with NM amendments
Permit validity: Permits typically expire if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is abandoned or suspended for 180+ consecutive days. Permits expire no later than 12 months after issuance if not completed. Reactivation or renewal may be available with payment of a reactivation fee.
Owner-builder: Allowed under 14.5.2.18 NMAC. A homeowner may pull a permit for their own primary residence (one permit per 12-month period). The owner-builder must personally occupy the completed structure as their primary residence. Owner-builders may use licensed subcontractors for trade work. HVAC and natural gas piping must be performed by a licensed New Mexico CID contractor.
Contractor requirements: All contractors operating in San Juan County must hold a valid New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) license issued by the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). General building: GB-2 (residential) or GB-98 (general commercial/residential). Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors must hold their respective NM CID specialty trade licenses. Verify licenses at: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Source: San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Residential projects typically 5-10 business days for plan review in county offices. Confirm current timelines with county Development Services at (505) 334-9400.

01

Confirm that your property is in the Flora Vista unincorporated community on fee-simple land (not on Navajo Nation trust land). Use the San Juan County Assessor's GIS maps or contact the county.
02

Determine the permit type required: building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or combination. For projects in unincorporated areas, CID may be the AHJ for some trades -- confirm with county Development Services.
03

Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings (scaled, minimum 1/4" = 1 ft), property survey or legal description, contractor license number (if not owner-builder), soils report if required.
04

Submit application in person at 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec, NM 87410. Contact (505) 334-9400 in advance to verify required documents and current fee schedule.
05

Pay plan review fee at time of submittal.
06

Await plan review. County staff will contact you regarding comments, corrections, or approval.
07

Respond to any correction requests and resubmit revised plans if required.
08

Once approved, pay remaining permit fee and receive the issued permit.
09

Post permit on job site and commence construction.
10

Schedule required inspections at each milestone.
11

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issued upon successful completion.

Typical processing time: Residential projects typically 5-10 business days for plan review in county offices. Confirm current timelines with county Development Services at (505) 334-9400.

Source: San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community) building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

Typically 20% of the building permit fee under the CID schedule; county plan check fee may differ -- verify locally.

Permit fee formula

County-issued permits are typically valuation-based, similar to the state CID formula. CID's published formula for reference: $3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. San Juan County may apply its own fee ordinance -- confirm with Development Services.

Reinspection fee

First reinspection: approximately $80 (CID schedule reference); subsequent reinspections: approximately $120 each. County may have separate schedule.

In-person payments at 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec. Accept methods (check, cash, card) should be confirmed with county prior to visit.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(505) 334-9400 (phone)
San Juan County Development Services, 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec (in-person)

Scheduling deadline: Request at least one business day in advance.
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, normal business hours
Time windows: Specific inspection windows assigned at time of scheduling

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential: 1) Foundation/footing inspection -- after excavation, steel placed, before concrete pour; 2) Underground/underslab utilities inspection -- plumbing and electrical rough-in below slab, before concrete pour; 3) Framing inspection -- after roof, framing, fire blocking, and bracing complete, before insulation or drywall; 4) Rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections (may be combined or separate); 5) Insulation inspection (if required); 6) Final inspection -- structure complete, ready for occupancy; 7) Certificate of Occupancy issued after satisfactory final inspection.

Source: San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community) permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM? ▸

Building permit fees in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: County-issued permits are typically valuation-based, similar to the state CID formula. CID's published formula for reference: $3.00 per $1,000 of project valuation up to $15,000; $1.00 per $1,000 over $15,000. San Juan County may apply its own fee ordinance -- confirm with Development Services.. Plan check fee: Typically 20% of the building permit fee under the CID schedule; county plan check fee may differ -- verify locally..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM, follow these steps: 1. Confirm that your property is in the Flora Vista unincorporated community on fee-simple land (not on Navajo Nation trust land). Use the San Juan County Assessor's GIS maps or contact the county. 2. Determine the permit type required: building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or combination. For projects in unincorporated areas, CID may be the AHJ for some trades -- confirm with county Development Services. 3. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings (scaled, minimum 1/4" = 1 ft), property survey or legal description, contractor license number (if not owner-builder), soils report if required. 4. Submit application in person at 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec, NM 87410. Contact (505) 334-9400 in advance to verify required documents and current fee schedule. 5. Pay plan review fee at time of submittal. 6. Await plan review. County staff will contact you regarding comments, corrections, or approval. 7. Respond to any correction requests and resubmit revised plans if required. 8. Once approved, pay remaining permit fee and receive the issued permit. 9. Post permit on job site and commence construction. 10. Schedule required inspections at each milestone. 11. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issued upon successful completion.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM? ▸

Building permit processing times in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM typically run Residential projects typically 5-10 business days for plan review in county offices. Confirm current timelines with county Development Services at (505) 334-9400.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM. The following work is generally exempt: Certain agricultural structures (barns, equipment sheds, livestock shelters) used exclusively for farming or ranching and not intended for human occupancy may be exempt from the full building code plan review. Note: Confirm with county Development Services whether a simple permit or inspection is still required. Flora Vista and Cedar Hill are in the La Plata River / Animas River drainage system. Properties near these rivers may be within FEMA floodplains. The La Plata River corridor is subject to agricultural water rights administered by the NM State Engineer's Office. Construction that affects irrigation ditches or acequias requires NM State Engineer approval in addition to building permits. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community), NM via: (505) 334-9400, San Juan County Development Services, 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec. Request at least one business day in advance..

last verified April 2026 source San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division ↗ entry id permits/new-mexico/san-juan/flora-vista

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Flora Vista (Unincorporated Community)

Other jurisdictions in San Juan County.