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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Taos County
Same as Taos County unincorporated areas.
Same exemptions as Taos County (portable structures under 200 sq ft, cosmetic repairs, etc.)
- Exempt Same exemptions as Taos County (portable structures under 200 sq ft, cosmetic repairs, etc.)
Note: Confirm with Taos County LUA.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Proof of property ownership
- Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, utilities
- Construction drawings
- Foundation design
- Energy compliance documentation
- Contractor CID license and certificate of insurance
- Owner-builder affidavit if applicable
- Building code
- 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (14.5.2 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (14.5.3 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code (14.5.5 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code.
- Permit validity
- Permits valid for 12 months from issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Allowed per 14.5.2.18 NMAC.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold valid NM CID license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Road access affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months.
- 01 Same as Taos County unincorporated area process (see unincorporated county jurisdiction).
- 02 For projects in or adjacent to ski area, coordinate with Taos Ski Valley operations regarding utility access, snow removal, and resort infrastructure.
- 03 High-elevation sites require PE-stamped structural drawings.
- 04 Any utility trenching or work in NM State Road 150 right-of-way requires NMDOT utility permit; contact NMDOT District 5 at 575-758-3658.
- 05 For Forest Service permitted infrastructure, contact Carson National Forest at 575-758-6200.
Typical processing time: 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Road access affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Taos County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Same as Taos County LUA fee schedule (valuation-based tiered formula)
04
Reinspection fee
$50-$75 per re-inspection
Same as Taos County. State CID surcharge approximately 1.5%.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 575-737-6340 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-48 hours in advance. Road access to Taos Ski Valley can be affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months; plan inspection scheduling accordingly.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time); closed state and federal holidays
Typical sequence: Standard NM sequence. Inspectors traveling to high-elevation sites may face weather-related delays. CID Electrical Bureau conducts electrical permits and inspections.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Taos County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM? ▸
Same as Taos County unincorporated areas.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Taos County, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Taos County, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Same as Taos County LUA fee schedule (valuation-based tiered formula). Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM, follow these steps: 1. Same as Taos County unincorporated area process (see unincorporated county jurisdiction). 2. For projects in or adjacent to ski area, coordinate with Taos Ski Valley operations regarding utility access, snow removal, and resort infrastructure. 3. High-elevation sites require PE-stamped structural drawings. 4. Any utility trenching or work in NM State Road 150 right-of-way requires NMDOT utility permit; contact NMDOT District 5 at 575-758-3658. 5. For Forest Service permitted infrastructure, contact Carson National Forest at 575-758-6200.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Taos County, NM typically run 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Road access affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Taos County, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM. The following work is generally exempt: Same exemptions as Taos County (portable structures under 200 sq ft, cosmetic repairs, etc.). Note: Confirm with Taos County LUA. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Taos County, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Taos County, NM via: 575-737-6340. 24-48 hours in advance. Road access to Taos Ski Valley can be affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months; plan inspection scheduling accordingly..
last verified April 2026
source Taos County Land Use Administration (LUA) ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/taos/taos-ski-valley
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Taos County Land Use Administration (LUA) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.