Santa Fe County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County - all lands outside the incorporated city limits of the City of Santa Fe, the Town of Edgewood, and the City of Espanola. Tribal lands (Tesuque, Pojoaque, Nambe, San Ildefonso, and Santa Clara Pueblos) have their own governance and may have separate or concurrent permitting requirements.

Department

Santa Fe County Building and Development Services Division

Address

240 Grant Avenue, Second Floor, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Phone

505-986-6225 (main permit desk: 505-986-6307)

Email

inspections@santafecountynm.gov

Website

https://www.santafecountynm.gov/growth-management/building-development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit an online pre-application inquiry or pick up an application packet at 240 Grant Ave.
2. Staff contacts applicant within one business day with a project-specific checklist.
3. Assemble all required documents per the checklist.
4. Submit the completed application packet in person with the required non-refundable application fee.
5. All applications are routed for code enforcement initial inspection and County Fire review. If violations are found, applicant must resolve them before permit is released.
6. Plans are reviewed by Building and Development staff (standard residential timeline: approximately 15 working days for applications not requiring a public hearing).
7. Applicant is notified of approval or requested changes.
8. If public hearing is required (variances, conditional use permits), additional time is added; CUPs must commence construction within 24 months.
9. Once approved, permit and development order are issued.
10. Applicant schedules required inspections by emailing inspections@santafecountynm.gov or calling 505-986-6307.
11. Required inspections are completed; Certificate of Completion is issued.
12. New Mexico CID issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Approximately 15 working days for standard residential applications not requiring a public hearing. Applications with public hearings vary.

Source: Santa Fe County Building and Development Services Division

General Requirements

All building and development in the unincorporated county requires a development permit under the Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC), including: residential or commercial construction or additions; grading; lot splits or subdivisions; fences or walls over 6 feet high; solar electric systems; any change in use; demolition; manufactured home or modular home placement; accessory structures.

Required Documents

• Completed application form and applicable permit packet
• Proof of property taxes paid
• Approved E-911 assigned address form
• GIS Information Form and 11x17 PDF property map (provided by county GIS)
• Site plan and construction drawings
• Proof of water supply (well permit, water meter, or cistern documentation)
• Proof of sewer/septic (NM Environment Dept. approval required if plumbing involved)
• Owner's consent or contract if a contractor or agent is applying
• Contractor CID license number (if applicable)

Permit validity

Conditional use permits require commencement of substantial construction within 24 months (extendable up to 12 additional months by Planning Commission). Variances expire within one year if not implemented. Conceptual plans expire after 5 years (extendable 2 years). Contact division for standard construction permit expiration policy.

Building code

2015 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (2015 IBC as amended by NM); 2015 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2015 IRC as amended by NM); NM Earthen Building Materials Code; 2018 NM Residential Energy Conservation Code; 2018 NM Commercial Energy Conservation Code. Santa Fe County also enforces its Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC). County code adoption may lag state updates - confirm current adopted codes with the division.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder permits are available in unincorporated Santa Fe County; NM CID owner-builder affidavit requirements apply. Contact division for specifics.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold a valid New Mexico CID license. License number must be provided on the application.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Fees are due at time of application and are non-refundable unless otherwise stated; minimum not published in public web sources

Plan check fee

Included in the fee schedule under Ordinance 2016-8; paid at application

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based; permit fees calculated according to project valuation and type of process required. In addition to permit fees, Fire fees and Impact Fees apply based on structure size and type.

Reinspection fee

Not published in public-facing pages; contact 505-986-6225

Payment note

Fees must be paid at time of submittal; applications received without payment will not be reviewed. If multiple approvals are required, cumulative fees for each review apply.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Routine maintenance and repair that does not alter the structure, occupancy, or use
• Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinetry, countertops) that does not involve structural changes or new plumbing/electrical
• Agricultural structures in rural areas may have reduced requirements (varies - confirm with division)

Important: Santa Fe County's SLDC is broadly inclusive; very little construction or land alteration is exempt. When in doubt, contact the division at 505-986-6225 to confirm.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• inspections@santafecountynm.gov (include 'Inspection Request' in subject line with active permit number) (email)
• 505-986-6307 (phone)

Inspection hours

Business hours Monday - Friday; specific window times not published

Typical inspection sequence: Initial code enforcement inspection and County Fire inspection after application submission; pre-final and final inspections as required for project type. County staff inspect well meters, cisterns, rainwater harvesting systems, and off-site improvements. NM CID performs trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and issues Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (2015 IBC as amended by NM); 2015 New Mexico Residential Building Code (2015 IRC as amended by NM); NM Earthen Building Materials Code; 2018 NM Residential Energy Conservation Code; 2018 NM Commercial Energy Conservation Code. Santa Fe County also enforces its Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC). County code adoption may lag state updates - confirm current adopted codes with the division.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Interactive Zoning Map
• MapLink Interactive Zoning
• GIS Division
• Code Enforcement
• Residential Development Page
• Non-Residential Development
• FAQ
• County Main Site
• 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

Santa Fe County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Santa Fe County, NM?

All building and development in the unincorporated county requires a development permit under the Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC), including: residential or commercial construction or additions; grading; lot splits or subdivisions; fences or walls over 6 feet high; solar electric systems; any change in use; demolition; manufactured home or modular home placement; accessory structures.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Santa Fe County, NM?

The minimum permit fee is Fees are due at time of application and are non-refundable unless otherwise stated; minimum not published in public web sources. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; permit fees calculated according to project valuation and type of process required. In addition to permit fees, Fire fees and Impact Fees apply based on structure size and type.. Plan check fee: Included in the fee schedule under Ordinance 2016-8; paid at application.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Santa Fe County, NM?

1. Submit an online pre-application inquiry or pick up an application packet at 240 Grant Ave. 2. Staff contacts applicant within one business day with a project-specific checklist. 3. Assemble all required documents per the checklist. 4. Submit the completed application packet in person with the required non-refundable application fee. 5. All applications are routed for code enforcement initial inspection and County Fire review. If violations are found, applicant must resolve them before permit is released. 6. Plans are reviewed by Building and Development staff (standard residential timeline: approximately 15 working days for applications not requiring a public hearing). 7. Applicant is notified of approval or requested changes. 8. If public hearing is required (variances, conditional use permits), additional time is added; CUPs must commence construction within 24 months. 9. Once approved, permit and development order are issued. 10. Applicant schedules required inspections by emailing inspections@santafecountynm.gov or calling 505-986-6307. 11. Required inspections are completed; Certificate of Completion is issued. 12. New Mexico CID issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

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

Typical processing time is Approximately 15 working days for standard residential applications not requiring a public hearing. Applications with public hearings vary..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Santa Fe County, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and repair that does not alter the structure, occupancy, or use; Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinetry, countertops) that does not involve structural changes or new plumbing/electrical; Agricultural structures in rural areas may have reduced requirements (varies - confirm with division). Note: Santa Fe County's SLDC is broadly inclusive; very little construction or land alteration is exempt. When in doubt, contact the division at 505-986-6225 to confirm.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Santa Fe County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: inspections@santafecountynm.gov (include 'Inspection Request' in subject line with active permit number), 505-986-6307.