Unincorporated San Juan County

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.

• 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.

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

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 ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 05
   Pay plan review fee at time of submittal.
6. 06
   Await plan review. County staff will contact you regarding comments, corrections, or approval.
7. 07
   Respond to any correction requests and resubmit revised plans if required.
8. 08
   Once approved, pay remaining permit fee and receive the issued permit.
9. 09
   Post permit on job site and commence construction.
10. 10
    Schedule required inspections at each milestone.
11. 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 ↗

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

• (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 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.

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