How much does a building permit cost in Town of Taos, NM?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $2.00-$3.00 per $1,000 of construction value with tiered rates for higher valuations. Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of permit fee, paid at submittal (non-refundable).

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Taos, NM?

1. Confirm property is within incorporated Town of Taos limits. 2. Determine if property is in Taos Historic District. If so, apply for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Historic Preservation Commission before or concurrently with building permit. 3. Obtain Town of Taos Building Permit Application form from Planning and Building counter or town website. 4. Obtain Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment approval if required for variances or special use permits. 5. Prepare construction documents per applicable code and submittal checklist. Commercial and multi-family projects require drawings stamped by NM-licensed architect and/or engineer. 6. Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and supporting documents to Planning and Building counter. Pay plan review fee. 7. Plans reviewed for code compliance, zoning, and historic district guidelines if applicable. Typical residential review 2-4 weeks; commercial 4-8 weeks. 8. Receive correction letter if applicable; resubmit corrected plans. 9. Upon plan approval, pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit. 10. Keep permit card and approved plan set on site during construction. 11. Schedule required inspections by calling Planning and Building Department. 12. Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Taos, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 575-751-2017. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required..

City Building Permits

Town of Taos, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Taos, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico Taos County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Taos (approximately 7.7 square miles). Does not extend to unincorporated areas (El Prado, Ranchos de Taos, Arroyo Seco). Town operates as Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) for building permits. Historic Preservation Commission has authority over Taos Historic District.

Department: Town of Taos Planning and Building Department
Address: 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos, NM 87571
Phone: 575-751-2017
Email: planningbuilding@taos.org
Website: https://www.taos.org/departments/planning-building

Online Permit Portal

Open Town of Taos Planning and Building

Platform: Paper-based (no online portal) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Main Town Website

Application Process

Confirm property is within incorporated Town of Taos limits.
Determine if property is in Taos Historic District. If so, apply for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Historic Preservation Commission before or concurrently with building permit.
Obtain Town of Taos Building Permit Application form from Planning and Building counter or town website.
Obtain Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment approval if required for variances or special use permits.
Prepare construction documents per applicable code and submittal checklist. Commercial and multi-family projects require drawings stamped by NM-licensed architect and/or engineer.
Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and supporting documents to Planning and Building counter. Pay plan review fee.
Plans reviewed for code compliance, zoning, and historic district guidelines if applicable. Typical residential review 2-4 weeks; commercial 4-8 weeks.
Receive correction letter if applicable; resubmit corrected plans.
Upon plan approval, pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit.
Keep permit card and approved plan set on site during construction.
Schedule required inspections by calling Planning and Building Department.
Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for standard residential; 4-8 weeks for commercial or historic district projects. Historic Preservation Commission review adds additional time if COA hearing required.

Source: Town of Taos Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

Building permits required for all new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing (material change or structural work), demolition, change of occupancy, ADUs, accessory structures, pools, decks, retaining walls over 4 feet, fences over 6 feet in commercial zones or 7 feet in residential zones, electrical work, plumbing rough-in and new fixtures, mechanical system replacement, and solar installations.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Proof of ownership
Site plan showing lot lines, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, utilities
Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details)
Energy compliance (REScheck or equivalent)
Contractor CID license number
Owner-builder affidavit if applicable
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Historic Preservation Commission if in historic district

Permit validity: Valid for 12 months from issuance. Construction must commence within 6 months. Extensions available in writing.
Building code: Town adopts state-mandated codes under NMAC Title 14: 2021 NM Residential and Commercial Building Codes, 2021 NM Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, 2020 NM Electrical Code, 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code.
Owner-builder: Same as state law (14.5.2.18 NMAC); owner must occupy as primary residence; one permit per 12 months; sub-trades must be CID-licensed.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must hold current NM CID licenses. Proof required on application.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of permit fee, paid at submittal (non-refundable)
Permit fee formula: $2.00-$3.00 per $1,000 of construction value with tiered rates for higher valuations
Reinspection fee: $50-$75 per re-inspection
Payment note: Fees paid in person at Planning and Building counter. State CID surcharge approximately 1.5% of permit fees. Certificate of Appropriateness application fee approximately $25-$100 depending on project type. HPC hearing fee may apply for projects requiring public hearing.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Taos Planning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

575-751-2017 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Minimum 24 hours advance notice required.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing, underground utilities, framing/rough-in, insulation, rough electrical (CID), rough plumbing, final electrical, final plumbing, final mechanical, final building, Certificate of Occupancy. Historic District inspectors pay particular attention to exterior materials and finishes.

Electrical permits and inspections administered by NM CID Electrical Bureau. Contact CID Northern Regional Office at 505-476-4700.

Additional Resources

Building code: Town adopts state-mandated codes under NMAC Title 14: 2021 NM Residential and Commercial Building Codes, 2021 NM Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, 2020 NM Electrical Code, 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code.
Verify contractor license: NM Construction Industries Division (CID)
NM Historic Preservation Division
License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Taos Planning and Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Taos Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Taos, NM?: Building permits required for all new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing (material change or structural work), demolition, change of occupancy, ADUs, accessory structures, pools, decks, retaining walls over 4 feet, fences over 6 feet in commercial zones or 7 feet in residential zones, electrical work, plumbing rough-in and new fixtures, mechanical system replacement, and solar installations.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Taos, NM?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $2.00-$3.00 per $1,000 of construction value with tiered rates for higher valuations. Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of permit fee, paid at submittal (non-refundable).
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Taos, NM?: 1. Confirm property is within incorporated Town of Taos limits. 2. Determine if property is in Taos Historic District. If so, apply for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Historic Preservation Commission before or concurrently with building permit. 3. Obtain Town of Taos Building Permit Application form from Planning and Building counter or town website. 4. Obtain Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment approval if required for variances or special use permits. 5. Prepare construction documents per applicable code and submittal checklist. Commercial and multi-family projects require drawings stamped by NM-licensed architect and/or engineer. 6. Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and supporting documents to Planning and Building counter. Pay plan review fee. 7. Plans reviewed for code compliance, zoning, and historic district guidelines if applicable. Typical residential review 2-4 weeks; commercial 4-8 weeks. 8. Receive correction letter if applicable; resubmit corrected plans. 9. Upon plan approval, pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit. 10. Keep permit card and approved plan set on site during construction. 11. Schedule required inspections by calling Planning and Building Department. 12. Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Taos, NM?: Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for standard residential; 4-8 weeks for commercial or historic district projects. Historic Preservation Commission review adds additional time if COA hearing required..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Taos, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 575-751-2017. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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