Taos County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Taos County, including El Prado, Ranchos de Taos, Arroyo Seco, Ojo Caliente, Llano, Penasco, and other unincorporated communities. Excludes Town of Taos, Village of Red River, Village of Questa, Village of Eagle Nest, and Taos Pueblo (sovereign tribal land).

Department

Taos County Land Use Administration (LUA)

Address

105 Albright Street, Suite F, Taos, NM 87571

Phone

575-737-6340

Email

land_use@taoscounty.org

Website

https://www.taoscounty.org/government/departments/land_use_administration/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm property is in unincorporated Taos County using Taos County GIS map.
2. Obtain and complete Taos County Building Permit Application form.
3. Prepare site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, setbacks, utilities, and easements.
4. Prepare construction drawings and specifications as required by project type.
5. Obtain Taos County Environmental Health approval for new or modified septic systems if applicable.
6. Obtain HOA or architectural review committee approval if parcel is in a subdivision.
7. Obtain floodplain development permit if property is in designated flood zone.
8. Submit all documents to LUA counter in person and pay plan review fee.
9. LUA staff reviews for code compliance, zoning, setbacks, and site requirements.
10. Address any correction notices and resubmit corrected plans.
11. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval and obtain permit.
12. Schedule required inspections by calling LUA at 575-737-6340.
13. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying structure.

Typical processing time: 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Times may be longer during high construction season.

Source: Taos County Land Use Administration (LUA)

General Requirements

Building permit required for all new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing (except in-kind replacement), demolition over 200 sq ft, change of occupancy, ADUs, detached garages, carports, barns, agricultural buildings, decks, retaining walls over 4 feet, fences over 6 feet, pools and spas, manufactured home placement, electrical panels and service upgrades, mechanical system replacements, and solar/photovoltaic installations.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Proof of property ownership (deed or tax record)
• Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, access roads, well/septic locations, and easements
• Full construction drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, and structural details
• Foundation design (stamped engineer letter or standard prescriptive detail)
• Energy compliance documentation (COMcheck or REScheck)
• Contractor CID license number and certificate of insurance
• Owner-builder affidavit if applicable

Permit validity

Permits valid for 12 months from issuance. Construction must commence within 6 months and proceed continuously. One extension of up to 6 months typically granted upon request and fee payment.

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 Code, 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code, and New Mexico Accessibility Requirements.

Owner-builder

New Mexico law allows owner-builders to obtain permit without licensed contractor if owner will occupy as primary residence. Owner-builder must sign state-required affidavit. Limited to one permit per 12-month period. Sub-trades must be CID-licensed.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold valid NM CID license. General contractors typically hold GB-2 (residential) or GB-98 (commercial) license. Specialty trades require separate CID licenses. Proof of current license and general liability insurance required. Workers' compensation insurance required for employees.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

65% of permit fee, paid at application submittal (non-refundable)

Permit fee formula

$2.50 per $1,000 valuation ($2,001-$25,000); $2.00 per $1,000 above $25,000; $1.75 per $1,000 above $50,000; $1.50 per $1,000 above $100,000

Reinspection fee

$50-$75 per re-inspection

Payment note

Fees paid in person by check, cash, or money order at LUA counter. State CID surcharge approximately 1.5% of total permit fees. Zoning compliance fee approximately $25-$75. Floodplain development permit fee approximately $50-$100. Septic system permit fee approximately $150-$400 (Environmental Health).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Cosmetic repairs not affecting structural elements
• Painting
• Floor replacement in kind
• Cabinet installation
• Like-for-like fixture replacement not requiring new rough-in work
• Portable structures under 200 sq ft on skids with no permanent foundation (confirm with LUA)

Important: Portable structures under 200 sq ft should be confirmed with LUA before construction. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 575-737-6340 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests should be made 24-48 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time); closed state and federal holidays

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/foundation, underground utilities, framing/rough-in, insulation, rough electrical (CID Electrical Bureau), rough plumbing, final electrical (CID), final plumbing, final mechanical, final building, Certificate of Occupancy. Phased inspections available for complex projects.

CID Electrical Bureau conducts electrical permits and inspections statewide, not county LUA. Contact CID Northern Regional Office at 505-476-4700.

Additional Resources

• 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 Code, 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code, and New Mexico Accessibility Requirements.
• Verify contractor license: NM Construction Industries Division (CID)
• 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

Taos County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permit required for all new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing (except in-kind replacement), demolition over 200 sq ft, change of occupancy, ADUs, detached garages, carports, barns, agricultural buildings, decks, retaining walls over 4 feet, fences over 6 feet, pools and spas, manufactured home placement, electrical panels and service upgrades, mechanical system replacements, and solar/photovoltaic installations.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $2.50 per $1,000 valuation ($2,001-$25,000); $2.00 per $1,000 above $25,000; $1.75 per $1,000 above $50,000; $1.50 per $1,000 above $100,000. Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee, paid at application submittal (non-refundable).

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

1. Confirm property is in unincorporated Taos County using Taos County GIS map. 2. Obtain and complete Taos County Building Permit Application form. 3. Prepare site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, setbacks, utilities, and easements. 4. Prepare construction drawings and specifications as required by project type. 5. Obtain Taos County Environmental Health approval for new or modified septic systems if applicable. 6. Obtain HOA or architectural review committee approval if parcel is in a subdivision. 7. Obtain floodplain development permit if property is in designated flood zone. 8. Submit all documents to LUA counter in person and pay plan review fee. 9. LUA staff reviews for code compliance, zoning, setbacks, and site requirements. 10. Address any correction notices and resubmit corrected plans. 11. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval and obtain permit. 12. Schedule required inspections by calling LUA at 575-737-6340. 13. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying structure.

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

Typical processing time is 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Times may be longer during high construction season..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic repairs not affecting structural elements; Painting; Floor replacement in kind; Cabinet installation; Like-for-like fixture replacement not requiring new rough-in work; Portable structures under 200 sq ft on skids with no permanent foundation (confirm with LUA). Note: Portable structures under 200 sq ft should be confirmed with LUA before construction. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 575-737-6340. Requests should be made 24-48 hours in advance..