San Juan County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All fee-simple private land in San Juan County that lies outside the incorporated limits of Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield, Flora Vista, and outside Navajo Nation land.

Department

San Juan County Development Services Department -- Building Division

Address

100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec, NM 87410

Phone

(505) 334-9400

Website

https://www.sjcounty.net/departments/development-services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm that your property is in unincorporated San Juan County on fee-simple land (not inside a city limit and 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 the unincorporated county, 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.

Typical processing time: Residential projects typically 5-10 business days for plan review in county offices; commercial and oil-and-gas support structures vary widely. Confirm current timelines with county Development Services at (505) 334-9400.

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

General Requirements

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.

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
• For commercial: additional code analysis, life safety, and accessibility documentation
• For oil and gas support structures: NM OCD approval documentation as applicable

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.

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, NM-specific energy code: NMAC 14.5.1

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/

Fees

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.

Payment note

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

Work That Does NOT Require a 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

Important: Confirm with county Development Services whether a simple permit or inspection is still required. CRITICAL tribal land issue: Any property inquiry in San Juan County must first confirm land status (fee-simple vs. Navajo Nation trust or allotted land). Navajo Nation land is NOT subject to county permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (505) 334-9400 (phone)
• San Juan County Development Services, 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec (in-person)
• NM CID statewide inspection scheduling: 877-243-0979 (phone)

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 inspection 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. Commercial sequence: 1) Foundation/footing; 2) Underground utilities; 3) Concrete slab/structural; 4) Framing and structural; 5) Rough mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression; 6) Insulation and energy envelope; 7) Above-ceiling (if required); 8) Pre-occupancy or final; 9) Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

• 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, NM-specific energy code: NMAC 14.5.1
• Verify contractor license: NM RLD/CID License Lookup
• San Juan County Assessor's GIS maps
• NM CID Electronic Plan Review (EPR) portal
• NM Oil Conservation Division (OCD)
• Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park (NPS)
• BLM Farmington Field Office
• License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

San Juan County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated San Juan County, NM?

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.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated San Juan County, NM?

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..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated San Juan County, NM?

1. Confirm that your property is in unincorporated San Juan County on fee-simple land (not inside a city limit and 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 the unincorporated county, 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.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated San Juan County, NM?

Typical processing time is Residential projects typically 5-10 business days for plan review in county offices; commercial and oil-and-gas support structures vary widely. Confirm current timelines with county Development Services at (505) 334-9400..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated San Juan County, 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. CRITICAL tribal land issue: Any property inquiry in San Juan County must first confirm land status (fee-simple vs. Navajo Nation trust or allotted land). Navajo Nation land is NOT subject to county permits.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated San Juan County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (505) 334-9400, San Juan County Development Services, 100 South Oliver Drive, Aztec, NM CID statewide inspection scheduling: 877-243-0979. Request at least one business day in advance..