Town of Taos

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.

Note: Confirm exemptions with Planning and Building Department. Historic District properties may have additional requirements.

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.

Permit validity

Valid for 12 months from issuance. Construction must commence within 6 months. Extensions available in writing.

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.

1. 01
   Confirm property is within incorporated Town of Taos limits.
2. 02
   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. 03
   Obtain Town of Taos Building Permit Application form from Planning and Building counter or town website.
4. 04
   Obtain Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment approval if required for variances or special use permits.
5. 05
   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. 06
   Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and supporting documents to Planning and Building counter. Pay plan review fee.
7. 07
   Plans reviewed for code compliance, zoning, and historic district guidelines if applicable. Typical residential review 2-4 weeks; commercial 4-8 weeks.
8. 08
   Receive correction letter if applicable; resubmit corrected plans.
9. 09
   Upon plan approval, pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit.
10. 10
    Keep permit card and approved plan set on site during construction.
11. 11
    Schedule required inspections by calling Planning and Building Department.
12. 12
    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 ↗

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.

• 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 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.